Series Solution Coefficients for y'' - (sinx)y = cosx with Initial Conditions

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on finding the coefficients of the power series solution for the differential equation y'' - (sinx)y = cosx with initial conditions y(0) = -5 and y'(0) = 3. The user correctly identifies the first two coefficients as -5 and 3, and calculates the x^2 term as 0.5. The challenge arises in determining the subsequent coefficients due to the presence of sin(x) and cos(x) in the equation. The solution involves expanding sin(x) and cos(x) using their Taylor series to derive the remaining coefficients.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of power series and their convergence
  • Familiarity with Taylor series expansions for sin(x) and cos(x)
  • Knowledge of differential equations and initial value problems
  • Ability to manipulate summation notation in mathematical expressions
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the Taylor series expansion of sin(x) and cos(x) in detail
  • Learn about solving differential equations using power series methods
  • Explore techniques for finding coefficients in power series solutions
  • Practice additional problems involving initial conditions in differential equations
USEFUL FOR

Students studying differential equations, mathematicians working with power series, and educators teaching calculus concepts related to Taylor series and initial value problems.

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Homework Statement


Find the indicated coefficients of the power series solution about x = 0 of the differential equation:
y'' - (sinx)y = cosx, y(0) = -5, y'(0) = 3.
y = _ + _x + _x^2 + _x^3 + _x^4 + O(x^5)


Homework Equations




The Attempt at a Solution


This is going to be a tad confusing in typing it, but I hope it can be read.

I have the summation(anx^n)
This equals y.
y' = summation(nanx^n-1)
y'' = summation (n(n-1)anx^n-2)

Just to make it easier, we end up with
x^n[(n+2)(n+1)an+2-ansinx] = cosx
Thus, an+2 = (cosx + ansinx) / ((n+2)(n+1))

I know obviously that the first two terms (x^0 and x^1) are -5 and 3 respectively. I also know that the x^2 term is 0.5 by plugging in 0 for x. However, this doesn't work for the rest of them. I've done a lot of these types of problems, but this is the first one with sin(x) or cos(x), which puts an "x" in the an+2 equation (which I wrote above). What does x equal in this case? Can anyone just show me how to find the remaining coefficients because I'm pretty sure my equation is correct.
 
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Expand sin(x) and cos(x) in Taylor's series.
 
Yes, but I still don't have x do I?
 
I got it. Thanks for the help.
 

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