Legendre polynomials and Rodrigues' formula

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the derivation of Legendre polynomials and the application of Rodrigues' formula. The second-order differential equation for Legendre polynomials is presented as (1-x^2)f''_n-2(n-1)xf'_n+2nf_n=0, leading to confusion regarding the transformation to equation (24). The participants confirm that the normalization condition Pn(1)=1 is essential for defining Legendre polynomials, and they express difficulty in achieving this normalization using the proposed methods. The conclusion emphasizes the importance of correctly applying the General Leibniz formula in the derivation process.

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  • Understanding of differential equations, specifically second-order linear differential equations.
  • Familiarity with Legendre polynomials and their properties.
  • Knowledge of Rodrigues' formula for generating orthogonal polynomials.
  • Basic calculus skills, including differentiation and normalization techniques.
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  • Study the derivation of Legendre polynomials using Rodrigues' formula in detail.
  • Explore the application of the General Leibniz formula in solving differential equations.
  • Investigate the normalization conditions for orthogonal polynomials, focusing on Legendre polynomials.
  • Learn about the properties and applications of orthogonal polynomials in mathematical physics.
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Mathematicians, physicists, and students studying mathematical methods in physics, particularly those interested in orthogonal polynomials and their applications in solving differential equations.

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Source: http://www.nbi.dk/~polesen/borel/node4.html#1
Differentiating this equation we get the second order differential eq. for fn,
(1-x^2)f''_n-2(n-1)xf'_n+2nf_n=0 ....(22)
But when I differentiate to 2nd order, I get this instead,
(1-x^2)f''_n+2(n-1)xf'_n+2nf_n=0Applying General Leibniz formula to (22) we easily get,
(1-x^2)f^{(n+2)}_n-2xf^{(n+1)}_n+n(n+1)f^{(n)}_n=0 ,...(24)
How did the author get to (24)? I thought he get that by subbing the Leibniz formula into (22) by replacing the f with fn but it doesn't get to (24) and it doesn't make sense at all.
What I get,
(1-x^2)f^{(n+2)}_n+2(n-1)xf^{(n+1)}_n+2nf^{(n)}_n=0

which is exactly Legendre's differential equation (1-49). This equation is therefore satisfied by the polynomials
$$y=\frac{d^n}{dx^n}(x^2-1)^n$$......(25)
The Legendre polynomials Pn(x) are normalized by the requirement Pn(1)=1. Using y=2nn! for x=1,
Is equation (25) supposed to be the Legendre polynomial? And why do we normalized with x=1?Besides, attempt to normalize the Legendre polynomial with x=1 doesn't get me anywhere.
$$P_l(1)=\sum^n_{k=0} (-1)^k \frac{(2n-2k)!}{2^nk!(n-k)!(n-2k)!}*1$$
 
Last edited:
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Your initial statement, that the text is wrong, is correct. I haven't gone further.
 

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