Series Solution to Differential Equation

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving the differential equation y'' + (1-t)y' + y = sin(2t) using power series methods. The user proposes a series solution y = ∑(a_n t^n) and derives expressions for y', y'', and sin(2t) in series form. Key insights include the necessity to account for both even and odd powers of t in the series expansion and the suggestion to explore Fourier transforms as an alternative approach. The conversation highlights the complexity of finding "nice" solutions and the importance of correctly identifying coefficients based on initial conditions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of differential equations, specifically second-order linear equations.
  • Familiarity with power series and their convergence properties.
  • Knowledge of Fourier transforms and their application in solving differential equations.
  • Basic skills in manipulating series expansions and coefficients.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the method of power series solutions for second-order differential equations.
  • Learn about Fourier transforms and their role in solving differential equations.
  • Explore the application of series solutions in quantum mechanics and partial differential equations.
  • Investigate the relationship between even and odd powers in series expansions for differential equations.
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, physicists, and engineering students interested in advanced techniques for solving differential equations, particularly those involving series solutions and Fourier analysis.

ChrisVer
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I have to solve the differential equation
y''+(1-t) y' + y= sin(2t)

can someone judge this?
How could I continue it?

y=\sum_{n=0}^{∞}{a_{n} t^{n}}

y'=\sum_{n=1}^{∞}{a_{n} n t^{n-1}}

y''=\sum_{n=2}^{∞}{a_{n} n(n-1) t^{n-2}}

sin(2t)=\sum_{n=0}^{∞}{\frac{2^{2n}}{2n!} t^{2n}}y''+(1-t) y' + y= sin(2t)
\sum_{n=2}^{∞}{a_{n} n(n-1) t^{n-2}}+\sum_{n=1}^{∞}{a_{n} n (1-t)t^{n-1}}+\sum_{n=0}^{∞}{a_{n} t^{n}}=\sum_{n=0}^{∞}{\frac{2^{2n}}{2n!} t^{2n}}

\sum_{n=2}^{∞}{a_{n} n(n-1) t^{n-2}}+\sum_{n=1}^{∞}{a_{n} n t^{n-1}}-\sum_{n=1}^{∞}{a_{n} n t^{n}}+\sum_{n=0}^{∞}{a_{n} t^{n}}=\sum_{n=0}^{∞}{\frac{2^{2n}}{2n!} t^{2n}}

\sum_{k=0}^{∞}{a_{k+2} (k+2)(k+1) t^{k}}+\sum_{k=0}^{∞}{a_{k+1} (k+1) t^{k}}-\sum_{k=0}^{∞}{a_{k} k t^{k}}+\sum_{k=0}^{∞}{a_{k} t^{k}}=\sum_{k=0}^{∞}{\frac{2^{2k}}{2k!} t^{2k}}

\sum_{k=0}^{∞}{(a_{k+2} (k+2)(k+1)+a_{k+1} (k+1) -a_{k} k + a_{k}) t^{k}}=\sum_{k=0}^{∞}{\frac{2^{2k}}{2k!} t^{2k}}

\sum_{k=0}^{∞}{(a_{k+2} (k+2)(k+1)+a_{k+1} (k+1)+ (1-k) a_{k}) t^{k}}=\sum_{k=0}^{∞}{\frac{2^{2k}}{2k!} t^{2k}}

\sum_{m=0}^{∞}{(a_{2m+2} (2m+2)(2m+1)+a_{2m+1} (2m+1)+ (1-2m) a_{2m}) t^{2m}}=\sum_{m=0}^{∞}{\frac{2^{2m}}{2m!} t^{2m}}a_{2m+2} (2m+2)(2m+1)+a_{2m+1} (2m+1)+ (1-2m) a_{2m}=\frac{2^{2m}}{2m!}
 
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Are you sure such a series approach is useful?

This allows to find all coefficients if you know starting values, but finding "nice" solutions based on this can be messy.
Your series for the sin looks wrong - it has even powers of t instead of odd.
Don't forget that you have equations both for even and odd powers of t.
 
hahahaha yes, sorry about the sin, it was my mistake :p
As for the rest, I don't know, I've seen this procedure used in so many applications (from QM, to partial derivative problems eg in cylinder or spherical coords), so I thought of applying it... or maybe try the Fourier transform of y?
yup I know, but because eg of the Fourier transform, I could kill the (corrected) even powers
 
The even powers will have =0 on the right-hand side, but this is still a non-trivial equality. The derivatives mix even and odd coefficients in those equations, you cannot use symmetry as argument to ignore them.

Power series * sin(2t) + Power series * cos(2t) could be an interesting approach. This could work with polynomials.
 

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