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

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves finding coefficients of a power series solution for the differential equation y'' - (sinx)y = cosx, with initial conditions y(0) = -5 and y'(0) = 3. The series is expressed in terms of powers of x.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to derive coefficients using a power series representation and expresses confusion regarding the role of sin(x) and cos(x) in the equation. They question how to find the remaining coefficients after determining the first few.

Discussion Status

Some participants suggest expanding sin(x) and cos(x) using Taylor series as a potential approach. The original poster acknowledges a breakthrough in understanding, indicating a shift in their perspective on the problem.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes the challenge of incorporating trigonometric functions into the power series method, which may complicate the determination of coefficients. The initial conditions provide specific values for the first two coefficients, but the subsequent terms remain uncertain.

JaysFan31

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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