Power series solution to degree 2 ODE

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving the second-degree ordinary differential equation (ODE) given by (x+1)y'' - (x-1)y' - y = 0, centered around x=1, with initial conditions y(1) = 2 and y'(1) = 3. Participants are attempting to derive two distinct power series solutions, one involving coefficients a0 and the other a1, but are struggling to establish a clear pattern in their recurrence relations. Key recurrence relations identified include a2 = (1/4)*a0 and an+2 = (an*n - n*(n+1)*an+1)/(2*(n+1)*(n+2)). The discussion highlights the complexity of managing the coefficients and establishing a coherent series solution.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of ordinary differential equations (ODEs)
  • Familiarity with power series expansions
  • Knowledge of recurrence relations in mathematical sequences
  • Basic calculus, particularly differentiation and initial value problems
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the method of power series solutions for ODEs
  • Explore recurrence relations and their applications in series solutions
  • Learn about the Frobenius method for solving differential equations
  • Investigate the implications of initial conditions on series coefficients
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators in mathematics, particularly those focusing on differential equations, as well as researchers looking for methods to solve complex ODEs using power series techniques.

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Homework Statement


(x+1)y'' - (x-1)y' - y = 0
centred around x=1
y(1) = 2, y'(1) = 3

The Attempt at a Solution


I know I am supposed to get two power series, one with a0 and one with a1 but when I am trying to figure out a pattern, I keep getting both a0 and a1 in all of my terms.

So I end up with a2 = (1/4)*a0
and an+2 = (an*n - n*(n+1)*an+1)/(2*(n+1)*(n+2))
for n = 1 I got a3 = (2a1-(1/2)*a0)/12

for n = 2 I got a4 = ((3/4)*a0-6*((2a1-(1/2)*a0)/12)/24

I did this for n=3 and n=4 and n=5 and I still can't come up with a pattern for two different series, one with a0 and one with a1
 
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My recurrence relation is a little different. Did you replace (x+1) with [(x-1) + 2] in the first term? Then my recurrence relation turned out to be ##a_{n+2} = \frac{a_{n} - na_{n+1}}{2(n+2)}## & I think I noticed a ##2^{n}(n+2)!## in the denominators but I'm having trouble with the numerators. & ##a_{0}=a_{2}=0## since everything on the left-hand side has to add to zero. I could show you how I got that if you really want but these series solution problems are a lot of shovelling. (enough shovelling that I could have easily made a mistake :rolleyes:)
 
Yea I got that and now I got a3 = a1/6 - a0/24 and a4 = a0/24-a1/24 and that doesn't make sense since the a0 is basically the same in both. ugh
 

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