Solve differential equation using power series

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a differential equation using power series, specifically the equation y' - 2xy = 0 with the initial condition y(0) = 1. Participants explore the implications of the initial condition and how it relates to the coefficients in the power series expansion.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the formulation of the power series and the recursive relationships for coefficients derived from substituting the series into the differential equation. Questions arise regarding the meaning of the initial condition y(0) = 1 and its implications for the coefficients, particularly whether it implies x0 = 0.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing exploration of the relationship between the initial condition and the coefficients of the power series. Some participants suggest that y(0) = 1 leads to specific values for the coefficients, while others question how this affects the series expansion and the values of x0.

Contextual Notes

Participants note potential confusion regarding the notation used for the initial condition and its implications for the power series. There is also mention of another related problem involving the term e^x^2 and how to handle it within the context of power series.

kahwawashay1
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Find y(x) as a power series satisfying:
y'-2xy=0 , y(0) = 1

attempt:

y=[itex]\sum[/itex][itex]^{∞}_{n=0}[/itex] an(x-x0)n

y'=[itex]\sum[/itex][itex]^{∞}_{n=0}[/itex] (n+1)an+1(x-x0)n

y' - 2xy = y' - 2y(x-x0) - 2x0y

substituting the power series into above formula and simplifying eventually gives:

a1-2x0a0 + [itex]\sum[/itex][itex]^{∞}_{n=1}[/itex](x-x0)n[(n+1)an+1 - 2an-1 - 2x0an] = 0

so when n=0 and n=1 we get:
a1=2x0a0

when n>1,
an = [itex]\frac{2}{n}[/itex](x0an-1 + an-2)

but what does my professor mean by y(0) = 1? I think he was trying to explain that this means that x0 = 0 ?



Also, another problem is that y' - 2xy = x3ex2, y(0)=1
In this case, any hint as to what should I do with the e^x^2?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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kahwawashay1 said:
Find y(x) as a power series satisfying:
y'-2xy=0 , y(0) = 1

attempt:

y=[itex]\sum[/itex][itex]^{∞}_{n=0}[/itex] an(x-x0)n

y'=[itex]\sum[/itex][itex]^{∞}_{n=0}[/itex] (n+1)an+1(x-x0)n

y' - 2xy = y' - 2y(x-x0) - 2x0y

substituting the power series into above formula and simplifying eventually gives:

a1-2x0a0 + [itex]\sum[/itex][itex]^{∞}_{n=1}[/itex](x-x0)n[(n+1)an+1 - 2an-1 - 2x0an] = 0

so when n=0 and n=1 we get:
a1=2x0a0

when n>1,
an = [itex]\frac{2}{n}[/itex](x0an-1 + an-2)

but what does my professor mean by y(0) = 1? I think he was trying to explain that this means that x0 = 0 ?
This means that y = 1 when x = 0.
kahwawashay1 said:
Also, another problem is that y' - 2xy = x3ex2, y(0)=1
In this case, any hint as to what should I do with the e^x^2?
 
Mark44 said:
This means that y = 1 when x = 0.

yes I know that but what I meant was, how can I use that to solve the problem? If I already have the recursive formula giving me the coefficients in terms of an, of what use is that y(0)=1? On my homework it says y(0)=1 but when my professor was talking about it, he wrote y(x0)=1, but they are not the same thing?? Is there some relation between them I am not seeing?

I mean if x=0, then
y(0)=[itex]\sum^{∞}_{n=1}[/itex](0-x0)n=1
so:
1-x0+x02-x03+... = 1
so this implies x0=0 ? but then all of my coefficients for odd n's become 0..idk if that's supposed to happen...
 
Last edited:
kahwawashay1 said:
Also, another problem is that y' - 2xy = x3ex2, y(0)=1
In this case, any hint as to what should I do with the e^x^2?

Nothing wrong with the odd ones being zero if they have to. And as far as that [itex]e^{x^2}[/itex], just expand it out in it's power series form and equate coefficients on both sides just like you did above except in this case, all the coefficients on the right side are no longer zero.
 
jackmell said:
Nothing wrong with the odd ones being zero if they have to. And as far as that [itex]e^{x^2}[/itex], just expand it out in it's power series form and equate coefficients on both sides just like you did above except in this case, all the coefficients on the right side are no longer zero.

So but then y(0)=1 means x0=0 and that a0 =1, right?
 
Yes, x0 = 0, so your series should be expanded in powers of x, meaning that your series solutions is y = a0 + a1x + a2x2 + ... The initial condition y(0) = 1 determines a0.
 
kahwawashay1 said:
So but then y(0)=1 means x0=0 and that a0 =1, right?

That is correct. Also, compute four or so of the coefficients and then compare them to that series you wrote for the right side of the other one.
 

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