Write sin in terms of Hermite polynomials

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around expressing the sine function, specifically ##sin(ax)## for ##a \in \mathbb{R}##, in terms of Hermite polynomials using a generating function approach.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between the sine function and the exponential function, considering the generating function for Hermite polynomials. There is discussion about setting ##z=ik## and how this affects the equations derived from the exponential form of sine.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with each other's ideas, questioning assumptions about the variables involved, and suggesting different approaches to the problem. Some have made progress in manipulating the equations, while others are still clarifying their understanding of the relationships between the variables.

Contextual Notes

There is an emphasis on ensuring that the variable ##z## is not treated as a function of ##x##, which raises questions about the nature of the equations being solved. Participants are also considering the implications of only odd terms surviving in the series expansion.

skrat
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Homework Statement


Write ##sin(ax)## for ##a \in \mathbb{R}##. (Use generating function for appropriate ##z##)


Homework Equations



##e^{2xz-z^2}=\sum _{n=0}^{\infty }\frac{H_n(x)}{n!}z^n##

The Attempt at a Solution



No idea what to do.

My idea was that since ##sin(ax)=\frac{1}{2i}(e^{iax}-e^{-iax})## I tried to calculate ##z## from ##e^{iax}=e^{2xz-z^2}## but I doubt this method really works.

Could somebody give me a hint?
 
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skrat said:

Homework Statement


Write ##sin(ax)## for ##a \in \mathbb{R}##. (Use generating function for appropriate ##z##)


Homework Equations



##e^{2xz-z^2}=\sum _{n=0}^{\infty }\frac{H_n(x)}{n!}z^n##

The Attempt at a Solution



No idea what to do.

My idea was that since ##sin(ax)=\frac{1}{2i}(e^{iax}-e^{-iax})## I tried to calculate ##z## from ##e^{iax}=e^{2xz-z^2}## but I doubt this method really works.

Could somebody give me a hint?

Hint: Consider z = ik for some strictly positive k.
 
I don't see how this would be any different to my idea?

##e^{iax}=e^{2xz-z^2}##

##iax=2xz-z^2## Now this part is already confusing since this should be true for ALL x or in other words ##z\neq z(x)##. The same if I set ##z=ik##.

If I ignore that, than this is of course quadratic equation for z:

##z_{1,2}=x\pm \sqrt{x^2-iax}## and also a very similar solutions for ##k## if ##z=ik##.

I don't think that ##z## is meant to be a function of anything? Or am I wrong here?
 
Why don't you actually try what pasmith suggested? Don't make assumptions based on how you think it's supposed to work out. Just set z=ik and work out what the lefthand side equals.
 
I try to not make a fool out of myself so don't be offended but I did consider his hint before replying.

Anyhow, ##2xz-z^2=2xik+k^2=iax## which, like I already mentioned, is quadratic equation for ##k##.

##k_{1,2}=-ix\pm \sqrt{iax-x^2}##
 
Oh, okay, now I see what you were trying.

Why are you solving for ##k##? What would that buy you? Again, I'll suggest you work out what the lefthand side works out to, not just the exponent.
 
Because I was looking for ##z##.

Hmm, let's try it ##e^{2xik+k^2}=e^{2xik}e^{k^2}=e^{k^2}(cos(2kx)+isin(2kx))##

Does this mean that ##k=\frac{a}{2}##? How do I continue from here?
 
I think I got it:

for ##z=ik## the exponent ##e^{2xik+k^2}=e^{k^2}(cos(2kx)+isin(2kx)##

for ##z=-ik## the exponent ##e^{-2xik+k^2}=e^{k^2}(cos(2kx)-isin(2kx)##

No simply the difference between the equations above:

##e^{2xik+k^2}-e^{-2xik+k^2}=2ie^{k^2}sin(2kx)##

##sin(2kx)=\frac{1}{2ie^{k^2}}(e^{2xik+k^2}-e^{-2xik+k^2})## now note that ##z_1=ik## and ##z_2=-ik##

##sin(2kx)=\frac{1}{2ie^{k^2}}(e^{2xz_1-z_1^2}-e^{2xz_2-z_2^2})##

##sin(2kx)=\frac{1}{2ie^{k^2}}\sum _{n=0}^{\infty }\frac{H_n(x)}{n!}(ik)^n[1-(-1)^n)##

What do you think?
 
Looks good so far. You can still simplify it a bit further.
 
  • #10
Yes I thought about that too. Since only odd numbers survive I think this should be ok:##sin(2kx)=\frac{1}{2ie^{k^2}}\sum _{n=0}^{\infty }\frac{H_n(x)}{n!}(ik)^n[1-(-1)^n]##

##sin(2kx)=\frac{1}{e^{k^2}}\sum _{n=0}^{\infty }(-1)^n\frac{H_{2n+1}(x)}{(2n+1)!}k^{2n+1}##
 

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