Power series to solve 2nd order ordinary differential equations

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the application of power series to solve a second-order ordinary differential equation, specifically the equation y'' - xy' - y = 0, with a focus on finding a power series centered at x = 1.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants express uncertainty about starting the power series method and how to determine the center of the series. Questions arise regarding the implications of different starting indices in summations and the effects of changing the center point.

Discussion Status

Some participants have shared resources that may assist in understanding the topic. There is an ongoing exploration of the implications of different summation indices, and participants are questioning how these affect the overall approach to the problem.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of specific constraints related to the starting index of summations, as well as the particular point of expansion (x = 1) that is under discussion.

hbomb
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I need some help with power series.
I can't remember how to find a power series center around a point.
example question:
y"-xy'-y=0, x=1
I don't how to start this.
 
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hbomb said:
I need some help with power series.
I can't remember how to find a power series center around a point.
example question:
y"-xy'-y=0, x=1
I don't how to start this.

You should find this link useful: http://tutorial.math.lamar.edu/AllBrowsers/3401/SeriesSolutions.asp" .
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Yes, thanks. The site has been helpful, but I have a question that I couldn't find an answer for. What happens if you have a summation with the starting index of the summation with n=0 but one of the summations you have an index of n=1. All the exponents are the same.

Also what happens if instead x=1?
 
If you start at n =1, you subtract 1 from the exponent. So:

\sum_{n=0}^{k} x^{n} = \sum_{n=1}^{k}x^{n-1}
 

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