Series Solution to ODE IVP: How to Find Initial Values?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on finding the series solution to the initial value problem defined by the differential equation xy'' + y' + 2y = 0 with initial conditions y(1) = 2 and y'(1) = 4. The solution involves substituting a power series y = ∑(c_n)(x-1)^n into the differential equation and equating coefficients to derive relationships between the constants c_n. The constants are determined through a systematic approach, leading to expressions for c_0, c_1, c_2, c_3, c_4, c_5, and c_6. The challenge lies in applying the initial conditions correctly, as they relate to the variable x while the series is expressed in terms of t = x - 1.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of ordinary differential equations (ODEs)
  • Familiarity with power series and their convergence
  • Knowledge of initial value problems (IVPs)
  • Ability to manipulate series and coefficients
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the method of Frobenius for solving ODEs with power series
  • Learn about the convergence criteria for power series solutions
  • Explore techniques for applying initial conditions to power series
  • Investigate the relationship between series coefficients and differential equations
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Students and educators in mathematics, particularly those studying differential equations and series solutions, as well as anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of initial value problems in ODEs.

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Homework Statement


Find the series solution to the initial value problem.
xy[tex]\acute{}[/tex][tex]\acute{}[/tex] + y[tex]\acute{}[/tex] + 2y = 0
y(1) = 2
y[tex]\acute{}[/tex](1) = 4

Homework Equations



y=[tex]\sum^{\infty}_{n=0}c_{n}(x-1)^{n}[/tex]

t = (x-1), x = (t+1)

y = [tex]\sum^{\infty}_{n=0}c_{n}t^{n}[/tex]

y[tex]\acute{}[/tex]= [tex]\sum^{\infty}_{n=1}c_{n}(n)t^{n-1}[/tex]

y[tex]\acute{}[/tex][tex]\acute{}[/tex]= [tex]\sum^{\infty}_{n=2}c_{n}(n)(n-1)t^{n-2}[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution


I substituted the above series into the DE, adjusted the series so they all had t[tex]^{n}[/tex], and took out terms so that they all had the same starting index. By grouping the terms and the series, I got:

(2[tex]c_{2}[/tex] + [tex]c_{1}[/tex] + 2[tex]c_{0}[/tex]) + [tex]\sum^{\infty}_{n=1}t^{n}[ (n+2)(n+1)c_{n+2} + (n+1)^{2}c_{n+1} + 2c_{n}][/tex] = 0

Setting the terms and series equal to zero and finding several constants:

[tex]2c_{2}[/tex] + [tex]c_{1}[/tex] + [tex]2c_{0}[/tex] = 0

[tex](n+2)(n+1)c_{n+2}[/tex] + [tex]c_{n+1}[/tex](n+1)[tex]^{2}[/tex] + [tex]2c_{n}[/tex]] = 0

[tex]c_{0}[/tex] = -(2c_{2}[/tex]+[tex]c_{1}[/tex])/2

[tex]c_{1}[/tex] = -2([tex]c_{0}[/tex]+[tex]c_{2}[/tex])

[tex]c_{2}[/tex] = -([tex]c_{1}[/tex]+[tex]2c_{0}[/tex])

[tex]c_{3}[/tex] = [tex](2/3)c_{0}[/tex]

[tex]c_{4}[/tex] = [tex](c1-4c0)/(3\cdot4)[/tex]

[tex]c_{5}[/tex] = [tex]-(c1+5c0)/(3\cdot5)[/tex]

[tex]c_{6}[/tex] = [tex](9c1+46c0)/(2\cdot3\cdot5\cdot6)[/tex]

I don't understand how find the solution for the initial values. I can't determine a pattern for the constants for [tex]c_{n}[/tex]. Are you supposed to group these constants: y = [tex]c_{0}[/tex][ 1 + x + ...] + [tex]c_{1}[/tex][ 1 + x +...] to get the solution, and if so how do we find the constants for the initial values? Any help will be greatly appreciated.
 
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Your initial conditions y(1) = 2 and y'(1) = 4 are all in terms of x. Your power series is in terms of t = x - 1, so x = 1 corresponds to t = 0. Does that help?
 

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