Why Is the Frobenius Method's Second Solution Valid?

  • Thread starter Thread starter matematikawan
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Frobenius Method
Click For Summary
The discussion centers on the Frobenius method for finding a second linearly independent solution to a differential equation with a regular singular point and equal roots in the indicial equation. The first solution is established as y_1(x) = x^{\lambda_1}∑a_n x^n, while the second solution is proposed to take the form y_2(x) = y_1(x)lnx + x^{\lambda_1}∑b_n x^n. A method from the Schaum Outline Series is referenced, suggesting that y_2 can be derived using the partial derivative of y_1 with respect to λ evaluated at λ = λ_1. The author seeks clarification on why this method yields a valid solution for the differential equation and notes similarities to the repeated root case in linear constant coefficient equations. Recommendations for further reading include Hildebrand's Advanced Calculus for Engineers, which provides a clearer exposition on the topic.
matematikawan
Messages
336
Reaction score
0
Assume that x=0 is a regular singular for x2y" + xp(x)y' + q(x)y = 0
and the indicial equation has equal roots \lambda = \lambda_1 = \lambda_2

The first solution is alway known to be of the form y_1(x) = x^{\lambda_1}\sum a_n x^n

Although tedious, I know how to obtain the second linearly independent solution using the Lagrange reduction of order, y2(x) =u (x)y1.

I think it is well known that the second solution will be of the form
y_2(x) = y_1(x)lnx + x^{\lambda_1}\sum b_n x^n


The book I'm refering, Schaum Outline Series in Differential Equation (cheap and direct to the method :smile: ) gives the following method to compute y2.

y_2(x) = \frac{\partial y_1(x,\lambda)}{\partial\lambda} |_{\lambda=\lambda_1} \\\ (*) .

As you all know the book never proved any of their theorem/method.

My question is why (*) is a solution for the DE? Any proof for it?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I don't remember the method well enough to do this for you but I think its sortof similar to how you prove that a linear constant coefficient equation with a repeated root of the characteristic polynomial will have a second solution given by t times the first. I know I have seen a very good exposition on this topic in Hildebrand's Advanced Calculus for Engieneers. I would highly recommend that book for a lot of stuff and that section was very clear - but I didn't work it through well enough to internalise it and be able to answer your question from the top of my head.
 
Thanks b17m4p.
There is a copy in our library. I will try to get it. But it looks quite an old edition 1958 ?

QA303 HIL 1949
Advanced calculus for engineers
Hildebrand, Francis Begnaud.
Englewood Cliffs, N.J. : Prentice-Hall, [1958]


If only I have the note with a click of mouse! :smile:
Wikipedia ? MIT courses ?
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
10
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K