# Find the first eight coefficients of the power series expansion.

1. Apr 15, 2014

### s3a

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
Problem:
Find the first eight coefficients (i.e. a_0, a_1, a_2, ..., a_7) of the power series expansion

y = $Σ_{n = 0}^{∞}$ [$a_n$ $x^n$]

of the solution to the differential equation

y'' + xy' + y = 0

subject to the initial-value conditions y(0) = 0, y'(0) = 1.

Solution:
The solution is attached as TheSolution.jpg.

2. Relevant equations
Power series manipulation.
Recurrence relation.

3. The attempt at a solution
I understand everything the solution says except how $a_0$ and $a_1$ were obtained. That is, I don't think understand what the author of the solutions is doing in the following step.:

y(0) = $a_0$ = 1
y'(0) = $a_1$ = 1

It seems like the initial-conditions are being used, but did the author make a mistake? I ask, because it seems to me that $a_0$ should equal 0 instead of 1.

Assuming the author of the solutions is correct, could someone please tell me what the logic is in getting those values? Looking at similar problems in my textbook, I notice what seems to be like constants that are not part of the sums in front of what seems to be two linearly independent solutions, and I don't understand what is going on.

Any help would be GREATLY appreciated!

P.S.
If more detail is needed, just ask!

P.P.S
Also, is it just me, or is the author answering a slightly different question than what the question poses?

#### Attached Files:

• ###### TheSolution.jpg
File size:
22.3 KB
Views:
56
2. Apr 16, 2014

### disregardthat

Looks like the solution is correct up until a certain point, except clearly $a_0 = 0$ here.

3. Apr 16, 2014

### s3a

Alright, good; I thought I wasn't understanding something!

Thanks!