Solving an ODE with Legendre Polynomials

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on solving the ordinary differential equation (ODE) derived from Griffiths' "Electromagnetism" (4th edition), specifically the equation \(\frac{d}{d\theta}\left(\sin\theta\frac{d\Theta}{d\theta}\right) = -l(l+1)\sin \theta \Theta\). The solution to this ODE is expressed in terms of Legendre Polynomials, \(\Theta = P_l(\cos\theta)\), where \(P_l\) is defined as \(\frac{1}{2^l !} \frac{d^l}{dx^l} (x^2 - 1)^l\). The discussion also covers the transformation of the ODE into Legendre's differential equation through variable substitution and manipulation, demonstrating the relationship between the ODE and Legendre Polynomials.

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CrosisBH
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From Griffiths E&M 4th edition. He went over solving a PDE using separation of variables. It got to this ODE
\frac{d}{d\theta}\left(\sin\theta\frac{d\Theta}{d\theta}\right)= -l(l+1)\sin \theta \Theta
Griffths states that this ODE has the solution
\Theta = P_l(\cos\theta)
Where $$P_l = \frac{1}{2^l !} \frac{d^l}{dx^l} (x^2 - 1)^l $$ is a Legendre Polynomial. I was curious to see how this generalizes. I found the definition of the Legendre's Polynomials is
[source]

I have trouble seeing how this is the form of the ODE above. I've tried playing with it but I can't get it into the form where it makes sense that the Legendre Polynomials are the solution. I'm also curious of more examples of ODEs that can be manipulated into this form. Thank you!
 
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Begin by deviding both side of
$$\frac{d}{d\theta}\bigg(\sin\theta\frac{d\Theta}{d\theta}\bigg) = - l(l+1)\sin\theta\,\Theta$$
by ##\sin\theta## to get
$$\frac{1}{\sin\theta}\frac{d}{d\theta}\bigg(\sin\theta\frac{d\Theta}{d\theta}\bigg) + l(l+1)\Theta = 0.$$
Now, introduce the new variable ##x=-\cos\theta## and thus
$$\frac{d}{d\theta} = \sin\theta\frac{d}{dx}.$$
Therefore
$$\frac{d}{dx}\bigg(\sin^2\theta\frac{d\Theta}{dx}\bigg) + l(l+1)\Theta = 0.$$
Lastly, notice that ##x^2 = \cos^2\theta## together with the trigonometric identity ##\sin^2\theta = 1-\cos^2\theta##. Thus,
$$\frac{d}{dx}\bigg((1-x^2)\frac{d\Theta}{dx}\bigg) + l(l+1)\Theta = 0$$
which exactly is Legendre's differential equation.
 
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