Legendre polynomials and binomial series

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the integration of Legendre polynomials, specifically finding the function f(n) such that the integral of the nth Legendre polynomial P_n(x) from 0 to 1 equals f(n) {1/2 choose k} plus a term g(n). The Legendre generating function is correctly identified as (1 - 2xh + h^2)^{-1/2} = ∑ P_n(x)h^n. The solution involves integrating both sides of the generating function and extracting the coefficient of h^n, rather than solving for P_n directly.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Legendre polynomials and their properties
  • Familiarity with generating functions in mathematics
  • Knowledge of binomial series expansions
  • Basic calculus, specifically integration techniques
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  • Study the properties of Legendre polynomials in detail
  • Learn about generating functions and their applications in combinatorics
  • Explore binomial series and their convergence
  • Practice integration techniques involving series expansions
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Mathematicians, physics students, and anyone studying polynomial approximations or series expansions will benefit from this discussion.

LANS
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Homework Statement


Where P_n(x) is the nth legendre polynomial, find f(n) such that
\int_{0}^{1} P_n(x)dx = f(n) {1/2 \choose k} + g(n)

Homework Equations



Legendre generating function:
(1 - 2xh - h^2)^{-1/2} = \sum_{n = 0}^{\infty} P_n(x)h^n

The Attempt at a Solution



I'm not sure if that g(n) term is necessary.

First I integrate both sides of the generating function on 0->1. I can then replace the (1+h^2)^1/2 term with a binomial series. I'm not sure how to cancel out the rest of the factors to solve for P_n. Any help would be appreciated, thanks.
 
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LANS said:

Homework Statement


Where P_n(x) is the nth legendre polynomial, find f(n) such that
\int_{0}^{1} P_n(x)dx = f(n) {1/2 \choose k} + g(n)


Homework Equations



Legendre generating function:
(1 - 2xh - h^2)^{-1/2} = \sum_{n = 0}^{\infty} P_n(x)h^n

The Attempt at a Solution



I'm not sure if that g(n) term is necessary.

First I integrate both sides of the generating function on 0->1. I can then replace the (1+h^2)^1/2 term with a binomial series. I'm not sure how to cancel out the rest of the factors to solve for P_n. Any help would be appreciated, thanks.

The generating function is
\frac{1}{\sqrt{1-2xh + h^2}},
not what you wrote (see, eg., http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legendre_polynomials ).

Anyway, why try to solve for P_n? When you integrate you just need the coefficient of h^n on both sides.
 

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