Solve Series and Find General Solution

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving differential equations, specifically focusing on series solutions and the determination of coefficients in power series expansions. The problems presented involve manipulating and simplifying expressions for coefficients in the context of differential equations.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are exploring the relationships between coefficients \(C_{n+2}\) and \(C_n\) in the context of two differential equations. There are attempts to derive expressions for \(C_{n+2}\) based on previous coefficients, with some questioning the simplifications made during the process. The original poster expresses confusion over the correctness of their derived expressions and seeks clarification on specific terms and cancellations.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on the derivation of \(C_{n+2}\), indicating that the original poster's expression aligns with expected results. However, there remains uncertainty regarding the simplification steps and the representation of certain terms in the series, particularly for odd coefficients. The discussion is ongoing, with participants actively questioning and verifying each other's reasoning.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of hints from a grader that have prompted the original poster to revisit their solutions. The discussion includes references to specific values of \(n\) and the resulting patterns in coefficients, suggesting a deeper exploration of series behavior and convergence.

Zem
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These are differential equations problems. They are now "redo's", so I have hints from the grader that I don't understand.

First problem:
(x^2 + 1)y'' + 6xy' + 4y = 0
After isolating C_n+2, I have this.

(n+2)(n+1)C_n+2 * X^n = -n(n-1)C_n * X^n - 6nC_n * X^n + 4C_n
C_n+2 = [-n(n-1)C_n - 6nC_n + 4C_n] / (n+2)(n+1)

Since the grader is saying my solution for C_n+2 is equal to
[-(n+4) / (n+2)]C_n, it appears that I am right up until this point.

I have simplified the numerator, and it still doesn't look right.
C_n+2 = C_n[-n(n-1) - 6n + 4] / (n+2)(n+1)
It looks like it should be
C_n+2 = C_n[(-n)^2 - 5n + 4]
C_n+2 = C_n[(n-4)(n-1)] / (n+2)(n+1)
Is there a (n+1) in the numerator that cancels?

Second problem:
y'' + xy' + y = 0
y'' = Sigma_n=2 n(n-1)C_nX^n-2
y' = Sigma_n=1 nC_nX^n-1
y = Sigma_n=0 C_nX^n
Sigma_n=2 n(n-1)C_nX^n-2 + Sigma_n=1 nC_nX^n-1 + Sigma_n=0 C_nX^n = 0

Sigma_n=0 (n+2)(n+1)C_n+2X^n + Sigma_n=0 nC_nX^n + Sigma_n=0C_nX^n = 0

X^n[(n+2)(n+1)C_n+2 + nC_nX^n + C_nX^n = 0

X^n(n+2)(n+1)C_n+2 = -X^n(n)C_nX^n - X^nC_n
C_n+2 = -X^n(n)C_n - X^nC_n
C_n+2 = (-nC_n - C_n) / (n+2)(n+1)
Is this incorrect? The grader says this should be
C_n+2 = -C_n / (n+2)
 
Last edited:
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You got

[tex]C_{n+2}=\frac{-nC_{n}-C_{n}}{(n+1)(n+2)} =-\frac{C_{n}(n+1)}{(n+1)(n+2)} =-\frac{C_{n}}{n+2}}[/tex]

which is what you were supposed to get, right...?

Daniel.
 
Yes, so I'll make my patterns...

[tex]C_{n+2}=\frac{-C_{n}}{(n+2)}[/tex]
[tex]n=0: C_{2} = \frac{-C_{0}}{2}[/tex]
[tex]n=1: C_{3} = \frac{-C_{1}}{3}[/tex]
[tex]n=2: C_{4} = \frac{(-1)C_{0}}{2*4}[/tex]
[tex]n=3: C_{5} = \frac{(-1)C_{1}}{3*5}[/tex]
[tex]n=4: C_{6} = \frac{(-1)C_{0}}{4*6}[/tex]

The even ones look like [tex]C_{2n} = \frac{(-1)^nC_{0}}{2^{n}n!}[/tex]

But the series for the odd ones is strange. Here is what is in the denominator when n=1, n=3, n=5:
1*3*5*7
This looks like [tex](2n+1)(2n-1)(2n-3)[/tex]
How do I represent that in the series?
 
To me it looks like

[tex](2k \pm 1) ![/tex]

Daniel.
 
Thanks! I have found the radius of convergence and general solution of the second problem.
Back to the first problem. Note:

Code:
[tex](x^2 + 1)y'' + 6xy' + 4y = 0[/tex]
[tex](\sum_{n = 2}^{\infty} \{n(n-1)C_n*X^n}) + (\sum_{n = 2}^{\infty} \{n(n-1)C_n*X^{{n-2}}) + 6(\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \{n}{C_n}*X^n}) + 4(\sum_{n=0}^{\infty} \{C_n*X^n}) = 0[/tex]
[tex](\sum_{n = 2}^{\infty} \{n(n-1)C_n*X^n}) + (\sum_{n = 0}^{\infty} \{(n+2)(n+1)C_{n+2}*X^n}) + 6(\sum_{n=0}^{\infty} \{n}{C_n}*X^n}) + 4(\sum_{n=0}^{\infty} \{C_n*X^n}) = 0[/tex]
[tex](\sum_{n = 0}^{\infty} \{n(n-1)C_n*X^n}) + (\sum_{n = 0}^{\infty} \{(n+2)(n+1)C_{n+2}*X^n}) + 6(\sum_{n=0}^{\infty} \{n}{C_n}*X^n}) + 4(\sum_{n=0}^{\infty} \{C_n*X^n}) = 0[/tex]
[tex](n+2)(n+1)C_{n+2}*X^n = -n(n-1)C_n * X^n - 6nC_n * X^n + 4C_n * X^n[/tex]

[tex](n+2)(n+1)C_{n+2} = C_n[-n(n-1) - 6n + 4]/(n+2)(n+1)[/tex]
[tex]C_{n+2} = C_n[(-n)^2 - 5n + 4]/(n+2)(n+1)[/tex]
[tex]C_{n+2} = C_n[(n-4)(n-1)]/(n+2)(n+1)[/tex]

The simplified equation for C_n+2 is
Code:
[tex]C_{n+2} = C_n(n-4)/(n+2)[/tex]
but I don't see how because (n+1) does not cancel (n-1). Have I made a mistake somewhere?
 
Last edited:

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