Nonhomogeneous Power Series Solution

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving the differential equation y'' + xy' - 2y = e^x using a nonhomogeneous power series approach. The user defines the power series for y(x), y'(x), and y''(x) and substitutes these into the equation, leading to a recurrence relation for the coefficients a_n. The user successfully derives specific terms for even and odd coefficients, including a_2 = 1/2 + a_0 and a_4 = 1/4!. The conversation concludes with a suggestion to multiply the recurrence relation by n! to simplify the calculations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of differential equations, specifically second-order linear equations.
  • Familiarity with power series and their convergence properties.
  • Knowledge of Taylor series expansion, particularly for e^x.
  • Ability to manipulate recurrence relations in mathematical contexts.
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore the derivation of recurrence relations in power series solutions for differential equations.
  • Study the application of the Frobenius method for solving linear differential equations.
  • Learn about the convergence criteria for power series solutions.
  • Investigate the implications of multiplying recurrence relations by factorial terms for simplification.
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, students studying differential equations, and anyone interested in advanced techniques for solving nonhomogeneous linear differential equations using power series methods.

Telemachus
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Hi. I have to solve: [tex]y''+xy'-2y=e^x[/tex]
Using series. So, this is what I did:
[tex]y(x)=\sum_0^{\infty}a_n x^n[/tex]
[tex]y'(x)=\sum_1^{\infty}n a_n x^{n-1}[/tex]
[tex]y''(x)=\sum_2^{\infty}n(n-1) a_n x^{n-1}[/tex]
And [tex]e^x=\sum_0^{\infty}\frac{x^n}{n!}[/tex]
Then, using that m=n-2 for y'' and then replacing in the diff. eq:
[tex]\sum_0^{\infty}(n+2)(n+1)a_{n+2} x^n+x\sum_1^{\infty}n a_n x^{n-1}-2\sum_0^{\infty}a_n x^n=\sum_0^{\infty}\frac{x^n}{n!}[/tex]
So:
[tex]2a_2-2a_0-1+\sum_1^{\infty}\left [(n+2)(n+1)a_{n+2}+n a_n -2a_n -\frac{1}{n!} \right ] x^n=0[/tex]
Then: [tex]2a_2-2a_0-1=0\rightarrow a_2=1/2+a_0[/tex]
And: [tex](n+2)(n+1)a_{n+2}+n a_n -2a_n -\frac{1}{n!}=0\rightarrow a_{n+2}=\frac{a_n(2-n)+\frac{1}{n!}}{(n+2)(n+1)}[/tex]
Now I have to find the recurrence relation for [tex]a_n[/tex]
Is this ok?
Now, I've tried some terms to find the recurrence relation, but I couldn't find it yet.
Even:
[tex]a_2=a_{0+2}=1/2+a_0[/tex]
[tex]a_4=a_{2+2}=\frac{a_2(0)+1/2}{4.3}=1/4![/tex]
[tex]a_6=a_{4+2}=\frac{a_4(-2)+1/4!}{6.5}=-\frac{1}{6!}[/tex]
[tex]a_8=a_{6+2}=\frac{a_6(-4)+1/6!}{8.7}=\frac{5}{8!}[/tex]
[tex]a_{10}=a_{8+2}=\frac{a_8(-6)+1/8!}{10.9}=\frac{-29}{10!}[/tex]

Odd:
[tex]a_3=a_{1+2}=\frac{a_1+1}{6}=\frac{a_1+1}{3!}[/tex]
[tex]a_5=a_{3+2}=\frac{a_3(-1)+1/3!}{5.4}=-a_3+1/5!=-\frac{a_1+1}{5!}+1/5!=-\frac{a_1}{5!}[/tex]
[tex]a_7=a_{5+2}=\frac{a_5(-2)+1/5!}{7.6}=\frac{-3a_1+1}{7!}[/tex]
[tex]a_9=a_{7+2}=\frac{a_7(-5)+1/7!}{9.8}=\frac{15a_1-4}{9!}[/tex]
 
Last edited:
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Hi Telemachus! :smile:
Telemachus said:
[tex](n+2)(n+1)a_{n+2}+n a_n -2a_n -\frac{1}{n!}=0[/tex]

Multiply throughout by n! ? :wink:
 
Oh, I think that's a good idea. Thank you tiny-tim.
 

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