Differential Equations For Solving A Recursive equation

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the interpretation and solution of a recursive equation defined by the function $$c_{n}(a)=\int_{0}^{\pi } \frac{cos(nx)-cos(na)}{cos(x)-cos(a)}$$ and its recursive relation $$c_{n+1}(a)+c_{n-1}(a) -2 \, cos(a) \, c_{n}(a) =0$$. Participants explore whether this recursive relation can be treated as a differential equation and discuss the implications of such interpretations.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question the classification of the recursive relation as a differential equation, asserting it is fundamentally a recursive equation.
  • Others note that for a fixed value of ##a##, the recursive equation yields a solution that is a function of ##a##, leading to confusion over the terminology used by the author.
  • A participant mentions that the author uses the notation $$c_{k}(a)=Ce^{sk}$$, prompting questions about the independence of the right-hand side from ##a##.
  • One participant suggests that the recursive equation can be solved using the formula $$c_{1} \, \alpha ^{n} + c_{2}\, \beta ^{n}$$, contrasting it with the author's approach of using $$c_{n} = C e^{sn}$$.
  • Another participant clarifies that the author refers to the equation as a "difference equation" rather than a "differential equation," noting the interchangeable use of these terms in some contexts.
  • A later reply introduces a method of deriving the recursive relation from an infinite sum of derivatives, suggesting a connection to differential equations, but does not resolve the classification debate.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express disagreement regarding the classification of the recursive relation as a differential equation versus a difference equation. There is no consensus on the terminology or the implications of treating the recursive relation in this manner.

Contextual Notes

Some participants highlight the potential confusion arising from the use of terms like "differential equation" and "difference equation," indicating that definitions may vary among different mathematical contexts.

MAGNIBORO
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Hi, i have a question about a proof of some recursive equation,
the function is
$$c_{n}(a)=\int_{0}^{\pi } \frac{cos(nx)-cos(na)}{cos(x)-cos(a)}$$
whit ##n\in \mathbb{N}## and ##a\in \mathbb{R}## .

whit some algebra is easy to see ##c_{0}(a)=0## and ##c_{1}(a)=\pi##

and the recursive equation

$$c_{n+1}(a)+c_{n-1}(a) -2 \, cos(a) \, c_{n}(a) =0$$

Then the author says that this is a differential equation and solves it (making ##c_{k}(a)=Ce^{sk}##)

I don't understand , i mean this is a recursive relation not a differencial equation.
so every recursive relation can be solve with a differencial equation?
thanks
 
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MAGNIBORO said:
$$c_{n+1}(a)+c_{n-1}(a) -2 \, cos(a) \, c_{n}(a) =0$$

I don't understand , i mean this is a recursive relation not a differencial equation.

For a fixed value of ##a## you have one recursive equation. Each such recursive equation has a solution that is a function of "##a##".

Then the author says that this is a differential equation and solves it (making ##c_{k}(a)=Ce^{sk}##)
Does that notation indicate that the right hand side of the equation is independent of ##a##?

Whether it does or not, I can see that the author would use words to indicate that he is doing more than solving one recursive equation. We have one recursive equation for each different value of ##a##. I agree that it's confusing to call this infinite family of recursive equations a "differential equation".
 
Stephen Tashi said:
For a fixed value of ##a## you have one recursive equation. Each such recursive equation has a solution that is a function of "##a##".Does that notation indicate that the right hand side of the equation is independent of ##a##?

Whether it does or not, I can see that the author would use words to indicate that he is doing more than solving one recursive equation. We have one recursive equation for each different value of ##a##. I agree that it's confusing to call this infinite family of recursive equations a "differential equation".
hi, i was searching and i see that the recursive equation can solve by the formula ##c_{1} \, \alpha ^{n} + c_{2}\, \beta ^{n}## where alpha and beta are roots of a polynomial. the autor did something similar but instead of making ##c_{n} = h^{n}## , he makes ##c_{n} = C e^{sn}##.
I leave you the part of the paper
https://gyazo.com/472073d82147bdebf094c2c66cb12f16
thanks
 
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MAGNIBORO said:
I leave you the part of the paper
https://gyazo.com/472073d82147bdebf094c2c66cb12f16

He make ##s## a function of ##a##.

He does not call the equation in question a "differential equation". He calls it a "difference equation". The terms "difference equation" and "linear recursive relation" refer to essentially the same types of equations. Some people might reserve the term "difference equation" for an equation that is stated using the "difference operator" ##\triangle f(n) = f(n+1) - f(n) ## , but "difference equations" can be expressed as recursive relations.
 
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Stephen Tashi said:
He make ##s## a function of ##a##.

He does not call the equation in question a "differential equation". He calls it a "difference equation". The terms "difference equation" and "linear recursive relation" refer to essentially the same types of equations. Some people might reserve the term "difference equation" for an equation that is stated using the "difference operator" ##\triangle f(n) = f(n+1) - f(n) ## , but "difference equations" can be expressed as recursive relations.
oh my error, this happen when you read fast i guess, I will continue studying this recursive relations they show up in many places
thanks for the help =D
 
The recursive relation can be derived from the equation where you set a variable equal to the infinite sum of that variable's sequential derivatives: y = y' + y'' + y''' + ... + y^n'
Take the derivative of the above equation and subtract the derived equation from the first to obtain the recursive relation you stated: y = 2y'. Set y = c{n+1}(a) + c{n-1}(a), and y' then equals cos(a)*c{n}(a). I used the {} to indicate subscript because I'm a Luddite. The solution of the reduced form of the equation can be easily seen as: y=e^(x/2), or whatever variable you have in place of x as the independent, continuous parameter. Hope this helps! I've found that this infinite-order linear differential equation can be solved in this way by assuming that y^n' is equal to y^(n+1)' in the limit as n tends to infinity, due to the 1/2 in the exponent making both terms converge to zero in a manner similar to Cantor's theorem of fractals.
 

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