Solutions around ordinary points

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The discussion centers on the solutions of second-order linear homogeneous ordinary differential equations (ODEs) with ordinary points. It confirms that when choosing a point \(x_0 = a \neq 0\) in \(\mathbb{R}\), the solution retains the same structure as when \(x_0 = 0\), specifically expressed as a sum of even and odd indexed terms. The recurrence relation for coefficients \(a_n\) remains applicable regardless of the choice of \(x_0\). This highlights the flexibility in selecting ordinary points without altering the fundamental form of the solution.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of second-order linear homogeneous ordinary differential equations
  • Familiarity with power series solutions
  • Knowledge of recurrence relations in mathematical sequences
  • Basic concepts of ordinary and singular points in differential equations
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  • Study the derivation of power series solutions for differential equations
  • Explore the implications of choosing different ordinary points in ODEs
  • Learn about the classification of singular points in differential equations
  • Investigate the application of recurrence relations in solving differential equations
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Mathematicians, students of differential equations, and anyone interested in the analytical methods for solving ordinary differential equations will benefit from this discussion.

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I did this quite a while ago, and I wanted to know something specific.

Suppose we have a well behaved, second order, linear, homogeneous, ordinary differential equation. Suppose further all points are ordinary, and so we can seek an ordinary solution about ##x_0 = 0##. Then the solution takes the form:

$$y = \sum_{n = 0}^{\infty} a_n (x - x_0)^n = \sum_{n = 0}^{\infty} a_n x^n = \sum_{k = 0}^{\infty} a_{2k} x^{2k} + \sum_{k = 0}^{\infty} a_{2k + 1} x^{2k + 1}$$

Where we may deduce ##a_n## from a recurrence relation on ##n##.

Now my question is, if I chose ##x_0 = (a \neq 0) \in \mathbb{R}## instead of ##x_0 = 0##, would the solution take the form:

$$y = \sum_{n = 0}^{\infty} a_n (x - x_0)^n = \sum_{n = 0}^{\infty} a_n (x - a)^n = \sum_{k = 0}^{\infty} a_{2k} (x - a)^{2k} + \sum_{k = 0}^{\infty} a_{2k + 1} (x - a)^{2k + 1}$$

?

Thank you.
 
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Yes: all that is happening is the infinite sum is being divided into two sums, even index terms and odd index terms.
 

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