Solving Hermite Polynomials: Find Form from Definition

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on deriving the form of Hermite polynomials, specifically through the equation \(\Phi(x,t)=\exp(2xh-h^2)=\sum_{n=0}^{\infty} \frac{h^n}{n!}H_n(x)\). The user initially struggled with manipulating the exponential function and applying the Cauchy product formula. Ultimately, the solution lies in performing a Taylor expansion to express Hermite polynomials correctly. This approach clarifies the relationship between the exponential function and Hermite polynomials.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Taylor series expansion
  • Familiarity with exponential functions
  • Knowledge of Hermite differential equations
  • Basic concepts of infinite series and convergence
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of Hermite polynomials from their differential equation
  • Learn about the Cauchy product formula and its applications
  • Explore Taylor series and their convergence properties
  • Investigate the applications of Hermite polynomials in physics and engineering
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, physics students, and anyone interested in polynomial solutions to differential equations will benefit from this discussion.

Zorba
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In a past exam paper at my uni I am asked to show that the hermite polynomials are solutions of the hermite diff. equation but first there is the following

\Phi(x,t)=\exp (2xh-h^2)=\sum_{n=0}^{\infty} \frac{h^n}{n!}H_n(x)

So I need to find the form of H_n first, and I'm stuck. I tried writing

\exp (2xh-h^2)=\exp (2xh) \cdot \exp (-h^2)

and then writing both of those as infinite series and using the Cauchy product formula but I couldn't get it to work out. I've tried a variety of other ways, but none seem to give me the proper formulas that I see on wikipedia and so on. So what the approach to take if you a priori know nothing about the Hermite polynomials, and you need to determine their form using the above definition?
 
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Ah, damn it, I see it now it's a just a matter of doing a Taylor expansion! :smile:
 

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