Solving the Bessel Function Equation with Series Solution Method

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a differential equation involving Bessel functions, specifically the equation xy'' - y' + (4x^3)y = 0. Participants explore various methods for finding a series solution and its relation to Bessel functions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to solve the equation using a series solution and questions whether this is the correct approach. Some participants suggest looking for solutions based on the form of the equation, while others propose transforming the independent variable. There is also a discussion about the coefficients in the equation and potential typos.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively exploring different methods to approach the problem, with some providing insights into the structure of the equation and its relation to known solutions. There is no explicit consensus, but various interpretations and methods are being discussed.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note that the equation may not resemble a standard Bessel equation and question the appropriateness of seeking a solution in terms of Bessel functions. Additionally, the presence of a regular singular point at x = 0 is mentioned, which may influence the solution approach.

dats13
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I am trying to solve this equation in terms of Bessel functions.

xy"-y'+(4x^3)y=0

I am sure how to do this. The first thing that comes to mind is to solve for a series solution. This solution can then be compared to the bessel function and from that I can determine the first solution and thus get the second linearly independent solution.

Would this be the correct approach or is there any other way to solve for the general solution in terms of Bessel functions?

Any advice is greatly appreciated.
 
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That doesn't look like Bessel's equation but in any case x = 0 is a regular singular point so you would look for a solution

y = x^r\sum_{n=0}^\infty a_nx^n
 
I figured out how to solve this. By comparing the given ODE to the following:

x^{2}\frac{d^{2}y}{d^{2}x}+x(z+2bx^{r})\frac{dy}{dx}+[c+dx^{2s}-b(1-a-r)x^{r}+b^{2}x^{2r}]y=0

I can then determine a, b, c, d, r and s. From this, the solution is given by:

y(x)=x^{\frac{1-a}{2}}e^{-\frac{b}{r}x^{r}}Z_{p}(\frac{\sqrt{d}}{s}x^{s})

where

p=\frac{1}{s}\sqrt{(\frac{1-a}{2})^{2}-c}
 
Hmm...

I find it a bit odd that the question asks you to solve this in terms of Bessel functions, because it has a simple solution in terms of trigonometric functions. Try transforming the independent variable to u = x^2.
 
Ben, I agree with what you're saying.

Determining a, b, c, d, r and s, gives me the solution

y(x)=xZ_{\frac{1}{2}}(x^{2})

Now since p=1/2

Z_{\frac{1}{2}}(x^{2})=c_{1}J_{\frac{1}{2}}(x^{2})+c_{2}J_{-\frac{1}{2}}(x^{2})

Thus the solution is

y(x)=x[c_{1}J_{\frac{1}{2}}(x^{2})+c_{2}J_{-\frac{1}{2}}(x^{2})]=C_{1}cos(x^{2})+C_{2}sin(x^{2})
 
dats13 said:
I figured out how to solve this. By comparing the given ODE to the following:

x^{2}\frac{d^{2}y}{d^{2}x}+x(z+2bx^{r})\frac{dy}{dx}+[c+dx^{2s}-b(1-a-r)x^{r}+b^{2}x^{2r}]y=0

I can then determine a, b, c, d, r and s.
What is the z in the coefficient of y'? Is that a typo?
 
It is a typo. It is suppose to be "a" not "z". Thanks for pointing that out.
 

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