Polynomial that satisfies a differential equation

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on demonstrating that the Hermite polynomial \( H_n(x) \) satisfies a specific differential equation. The key equations involved are the recurrence relation \( H_n(x) = -xH_{n-1}(x) - (n - 1)H_{n-2}(x) \) and the derived equation \( H''_n - xH'_n + nH_n = 0 \). Participants emphasize the importance of correctly applying the product rule during differentiation to derive \( H'_n(x) = -nH_{n-1}(x) \). The final goal is to show that \( O_n(x) = e^{-\frac{x^2}{4}}H_n(x) \) satisfies another differential equation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Hermite polynomials and their properties
  • Knowledge of differentiation techniques, including the product rule
  • Familiarity with differential equations and their solutions
  • Basic concepts of mathematical induction
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties and applications of Hermite polynomials in mathematical physics
  • Learn advanced differentiation techniques, particularly the product and chain rules
  • Explore the derivation and solutions of second-order linear differential equations
  • Investigate the role of exponential functions in solving differential equations
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, physics students, and anyone interested in the application of Hermite polynomials in differential equations and mathematical analysis.

TiberiusK
Messages
24
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


I must show that t H_n satisfies a diferential equation. By diferentiating H_n(x) = -xH_(n-1)(x) - (n - 1)H_(n-2)(x) (1) and
using induction on n, show that, for n >= 1,
H'_n(x) = -nH_(n-1)(x) (2)
I have to use (2) to express H_(n-1) and H_(n-2) in terms of derivatives of H_n, and substitute these into (1) to show that
H''_n - xH'_n + nH_n = 0 (3)
for n>= 0. Now let O_n(x) = exp(-(x^2)/4 )H_n(x). Using (3) I must show that
O''_n +(n+1/2-(x^2)/3)O_n=0

Homework Equations


H_n(x) for n = 0,1,2... : H_0(x) =1 and H_1(x) = -x; then, for n >=2, H_n is defined by the recurrence
H_n(x) = -xH_(n-1)(x) - (n - 1)H_(n-2)(x): (1)


The Attempt at a Solution


I need some help on getting started ,my first problem is how to differentiate the recurrence
H_n(x) = -xH_(n-1)(x) - (n - 1)H_(n-2)(x) ...because I get
H_n'(x) =-H_(n-1)'(x) -xH_(n-1)(x) - (n - 1)H_(n-2)'(x) =>-H_(n-1)'(x)[1+x]- (n - 1)H_(n-2)'(x) and I do not know how to continue ...
 
Physics news on Phys.org
any ideas?
 
TiberiusK said:

Homework Statement


I must show that t H_n satisfies a diferential equation. By diferentiating H_n(x) = -xH_(n-1)(x) - (n - 1)H_(n-2)(x) (1) and
using induction on n, show that, for n >= 1,
H'_n(x) = -nH_(n-1)(x) (2)

I have to use (2) to express H_(n-1) and H_(n-2) in terms of derivatives of H_n, and substitute these into (1) to show that
H''_n - xH'_n + nH_n = 0 (3)
for n>= 0. Now let O_n(x) = exp(-(x^2)/4 )H_n(x). Using (3) I must show that
O''_n +(n+1/2-(x^2)/3)O_n=0

Homework Equations


H_n(x) for n = 0,1,2... : H_0(x) =1 and H_1(x) = -x; then, for n >=2, H_n is defined by the recurrence
H_n(x) = -xH_(n-1)(x) - (n - 1)H_(n-2)(x): (1)

So that H_0'= 0 and H_1'= -1.
The formula you want to prove says that H'_1(x)= -(1)H_0(x)= -(1) so it is correct for n= 1.

The Attempt at a Solution

[/B]
I need some help on getting started ,my first problem is how to differentiate the recurrence
H_n(x) = -xH_(n-1)(x) - (n - 1)H_(n-2)(x) ...because I get
H_n'(x) =-H_(n-1)'(x) -xH_(n-1)(x) - (n - 1)H_(n-2)'(x) =>-H_(n-1)'(x)[1+x]- (n - 1)H_(n-2)'(x) and I do not know how to continue ...
Well, you are using the product rule incorrectly.
H_n'(x)= -H_(n-1)(x)- xH_(n-1)'(x)- (n-1)H_(n-2)'(x)
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
6K
Replies
9
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Replies
24
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K