Please help with Legendre problem.

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the Legendre equation given by (1-x^2)y''-2xy'+6y=0, with initial conditions y(0)=0 and y'(0)=1. Participants are exploring the nature of the solutions, particularly focusing on whether a bounded solution exists under the specified conditions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to derive the general solution and evaluate the conditions for boundedness. Some participants question the implications of the boundary conditions and the nature of the solution at x=0. Others express uncertainty about the meaning of boundedness in the context of the solution.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively discussing the interpretation of bounded solutions and the implications of the initial conditions. There is a recognition of differing views on the boundedness of the solution, particularly regarding the behavior of Q_2 at x=0. No consensus has been reached, and the discussion remains open-ended.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of a potential misunderstanding regarding the definition of boundedness over the interval (-1,1) as referenced in the textbook. The participants are also grappling with the implications of the boundary conditions on the solution's behavior.

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Homework Statement



Determine the IVP has bounded solution:
Legendre equation:
[tex](1-x^2)y''-2xy'+6y=0[/tex] ; y(0)=0, y'(0)=1

Homework Equations



[tex]P_2 (x)=\frac{1}{2}[3x^2 -1][/tex]

[tex]Q_2 (x)=P_2 (x)\int \frac{dx}{[P_2 (x)]^2 (1-x^2)}[/tex]

[tex]y'(x)=c_1 P'_2 (x) + c_2 {P'_2(x)\int \frac{dx}{[P_2 (x)]^2 (1-x^2)}+c_2 P_2 (x)\frac{1}{[P_2 (x)]^2 (1-x^2)}}[/tex]


The Attempt at a Solution



n(n+1)=6 give n=2

General solution is [tex]y(x)=c_1 P_n (x)+c_2 Q_n (x)[/tex]

[tex]P_2 (x)=\frac{1}{2}[3x^2 -1]\Rightarrow P_2 (0)=1[/tex]

[tex]y(0)=0 \Rightarrow c_1 = 0 \Rightarrow y(x)=c_2 Q_2 (x)[/tex] only.

[tex]P'_2 (x)=6x[/tex] therefore

[tex]y'(x)=c_2 {P'_2(x)\int \frac{dx}{[P_2 (x)]^2 (1-x^2)}+P_2 (x)\frac{1}{[P_2 (x)]^2 (1-x^2)}}[/tex]

[tex]y'(x)=c_2 [6x\int\frac{dx}{(3x^2 -1)^2 (1-x^2)}+(3x^2 -1)\frac{1}{(3x^2 -1)^2 (1-x^2)}][/tex]

x=0, the first part of y'(x)=0 because anything multiply by 6x equal zero. Therefore:

For x=0, [tex]y'(x)=c_2 [\frac{1}{(3x^2 -1)(1-x^2)}][/tex]

[tex]y'(0)=-c_2[/tex]


Therefor there is a bounded solution for the problem.

The answer from the book was [tex]Q_2[/tex] is unbounded on (-1,1) therefore the Legendre differential equation has no bounded solution from the given boundary condition.
What did I do wrong?
 
Last edited:
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Anyone please?
 
The book meant bounded over the interval when it asked for a bounded solution.
 
What's so special about x=0?
 
Because the boundary condition given y(0)=0 and y'(0)=1

I claim [tex]Q_2 (0)[/tex] is bounded. There is a bounded solution at x=0.

I am still not quite sure about the bound or unbound of Q really means.
 
Last edited:
The solution to a differential equation is a function, not the function evaluated at some point.
 

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