Solve Series and Find General Solution

In summary, the conversation discusses two problems involving differential equations. The first problem involves solving for C_n+2 and the grader suggests that the solution should be equal to [-C_n/(n+2)]. The second problem involves finding the general solution and radius of convergence. There is also a discussion about the solution for the first problem and the question of whether the denominator should include (n+1).
  • #1
Zem
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0
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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  • #2
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.
 
  • #3
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?
 
  • #4
To me it looks like

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

Daniel.
 
  • #5
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:

1. What is the purpose of solving a series and finding the general solution?

The purpose of solving a series and finding the general solution is to obtain a mathematical expression that represents a family of solutions for a given problem. This allows for a more efficient and comprehensive understanding of the problem and its potential solutions.

2. How do you solve a series and find the general solution?

To solve a series and find the general solution, one must first identify the type of series (e.g. arithmetic, geometric) and then use appropriate mathematical techniques such as summation, integration, or differentiation. The general solution can then be found by incorporating any necessary constants or variables into the expression.

3. Can the general solution be used to find specific solutions?

Yes, the general solution can be used to find specific solutions by assigning specific values to the constants or variables in the expression. This allows for a more personalized and accurate solution to the given problem.

4. What are some common applications of solving series and finding general solutions?

Solving series and finding general solutions has many practical applications in various fields such as physics, engineering, and economics. It can be used to model and predict complex systems, analyze data, and optimize processes.

5. Is there only one general solution for a given series?

No, there can be multiple general solutions for a given series depending on the specific problem and the mathematical techniques used to solve it. Each general solution represents a different family of solutions that can be obtained for the same problem.

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