ODEs- Series Solutions Near a Regular Singular Point

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding values of \( r \) for which a series solution exists for a second-order ordinary differential equation (ODE) near a regular singular point. The original poster presents a specific ODE and outlines two forms of series solutions, emphasizing the need to identify \( r \) without solving for constants.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to find the indicial equation and reports obtaining multiple values for \( r \). Some participants question the validity of these values and the interpretation of the second equation, suggesting it may not represent an indicial equation. Others discuss the application of the Frobenius method and the potential confusion regarding the series forms.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively exploring the problem, with some providing guidance on the interpretation of equations and the application of methods. There is a recognition of the need to clarify the correct form of the series and the implications of using different methods. No explicit consensus has been reached, but several productive lines of inquiry are being pursued.

Contextual Notes

Participants note potential typos in the series forms and express uncertainty about the implications of the regular singular point at \( x=2 \). The discussion includes considerations of the complexity of the problem in an exam context.

Roni1985
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Homework Statement


6x2(x+1)2y''+0.5x(x+2)y'+y=0

ii) Find all values of r for which there is a series solution of form
xr[tex]\sum[/tex](anxn,n=0,inf)
a0 [tex]\neq[/tex]0

Find all values of r for which there is a series solution of form
inf
xr[tex]\sum[/tex]an(x-2)n
n=0
a0 [tex]\neq[/tex]0

Do not try to solve the problem, just find the values of r without solving for any constants.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution



What I tried to do was finding the indicial equation. For the first one I got 2 indicial equations, so I got 4 answers. Does it make sense ?

r=1/2
r=1/3
r=0
r=23/24
Also, if I try to reach the Euler equation, I get only the first two, but not the last two. Have I made any mistakes ?

And, I didn't know how to do the second one. Actually, I can do it but it would take me ages, so I believe there is a way to find r's without trying to reach the indicial equation.

Maybe I can try and reach the Euler equation?

Thanks,
Roni.
 
Last edited:
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Roni1985 said:

Homework Statement


6x2(x+1)2y''+0.5x(x+2)y'+y=0

ii) Find all values of r for which there is a series solution of form
xr[tex]\sum[/tex](anxn,n=0,inf)
a0 [tex]\neq[/tex]0

Find all values of r for which there is a series solution of form
inf
xr[tex]\sum[/tex]an(x-2)n
n=0
a0 [tex]\neq[/tex]0

Do not try to solve the problem, just find the values of r without solving for any constants.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution



What I tried to do was finding the indicial equation. For the first one I got 2 indicial equations, so I got 4 answers. Does it make sense ?

r=1/2
r=1/3
r=0
r=23/24
Also, if I try to reach the Euler equation, I get only the first two, but not the last two. Have I made any mistakes ?
Your second equation isn't an indicial equation; it just tells you how to calculate a1 in terms of a0. Only your first equation, the one involving only a0, dictates what the allowed values of r are.
Roni1985 said:
And, I didn't know how to do the second one. Actually, I can do it but it would take me ages, so I believe there is a way to find r's without trying to reach the indicial equation.

Maybe I can try and reach the Euler equation?
Think about when you need to use the Frobenius method as opposed to the regular old series solution.
 
Last edited:
vela said:
Your second equation isn't an indicial equation; it just tells you how to calculate a1 in terms of a0. Only your first equation, the one involving only a0, dictates what the allowed values of r are.

The thing is that the second equation is also for a0 and this is confusing me.
((12(r-1)*r+0.5*r)a0)x1+r=0


vela said:
Think about when you need to use the Frobenius method as opposed to the regular old series solution.
We use Frobenius method near singular regular points...
but I don't think I understand how to use the second one.
 
Roni1985 said:
The thing is that the second equation is also for a0 and this is confusing me.
((12(r-1)*r+0.5*r)a0)x1+r=0
Your missing another term that contributes to the coefficient of xr+1.
 
Roni1985 said:
We use Frobenius method near singular regular points...
but I don't think I understand how to use the second one.
Ignore my earlier question. :)

Are you sure you have the correct form for the second series? I'm guessing they wanted you to expand about x=2, so the series should be

[tex](x-2)^r \sum_{n=0}^\infty a_n (x-2)^n[/tex]

whereas you only have xr out front.
 
vela said:
Your missing another term that contributes to the coefficient of xr+1.

I went over it like 5 times, and I don't think I'm missing anything when I group a0

There are two terms but for a1...


And, how would you do the second one ?

Thanks.
 
Roni1985 said:
I went over it like 5 times, and I don't think I'm missing anything when I group a0

There are two terms but for a1...
You don't group by an. You group by powers of x.
 
vela said:
Ignore my earlier question. :)

Are you sure you have the correct form for the second series? I'm guessing they wanted you to expand about x=2, so the series should be

[tex](x-2)^r \sum_{n=0}^\infty a_n (x-2)^n[/tex]

whereas you only have xr out front.
I have only xr, it might be a typo, though...
Say we have (x-2)r, should I go the regular Frobenius method ? Is it going to be like very very long for a question on an exam ? is there a shortcut ?

Thanks.
 
vela said:
You don't group by an. You group by powers of x.

hmmm... wow... thanks a lot.. didnt know this ...
appreciate it.
 
  • #10
Roni1985 said:
I have only xr, it might be a typo, though...
Say we have (x-2)r, should I go the regular Frobenius method? Is it going to be like very very long for a question on an exam ? is there a shortcut?
I'd try the substitution u=x-2, and then go with the regular Frobenius method with the new differential equation.
 
  • #11
vela said:
I'd try the substitution u=x-2, and then go with the regular Frobenius method with the new differential equation.

substitution... hmm, very smart :\

I'm going to try it...

Thanks.
 
  • #12
Roni1985 said:
substitution... hmm, very smart :\

I'm going to try it...

Thanks.

because x=2 is reguler point, this eq has solution power serier.
And we can apply Frobinous theorem
 

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