Power Series - Differential Equation (check my answer)

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a differential equation using the power series method, specifically the equation y' + xy = 0 with the initial condition y(0) = 1. Participants are exploring the representation of the solution in the form of a power series.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to express the solution as a power series and seeks validation of their answer. Other participants engage by suggesting potential functions represented by the series and questioning the correctness of these representations.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively discussing the form of the power series and its implications. Some guidance has been provided regarding the nature of the series and its relation to known functions, although there is no explicit consensus on the final representation.

Contextual Notes

There is an ongoing examination of the correctness of the power series representation and the identification of the function it represents, with participants questioning assumptions about the series' convergence and form.

vucollegeguy
Messages
28
Reaction score
0
Using the power series method to solve the differential equation
y'+xy=0 when y(0)=1

Write the solution in the form of a power series and then recognize what function it represents.
************************************

My answer:

[tex]\sum[/tex](-1)k*[(x2k)/(2k)*k!]

Is my answer correct?
Is it written in the form of a power series?
What function does it represent?

Thanks to anyone that helps!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Yes, it's correct. And yes, it's a power series. It looks like exp(f(x)) to me. Can you guess what f(x) might be?
 
I'd guess and say that f(x)=cos(x).
So the function would be f(x)=x2cos(x).

Please correct me if I am wrong.
Thank you for helping thus far.
 
Not quite. Your sum reduces to
[tex]\sum(-1)^k \frac{\left(\frac{x^2}{2}\right)^2}{k!}[/tex]
which is a "cosine" but it is
[tex]cos(\frac{x}{2})[/tex]

[tex]x^2cos(x)[/tex]
would be
[tex]x^2\sum(-1)^k \frac{x^k}{k!}= \sum (-1)^k \frac{x^{k+2}}{k!}[/tex]
 
Ok -got it.
A big "THANKKK YOUUU!" to all for all of your help!
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
4K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
1K