Differential Eq- Power Series Solution

In summary: To make the starting value of each index the same, we can simply let k=n-1. This will give us:\sum_{k=0}^\infty c_{k}x^{k}=c_0 x^0+c_1 x^1+c_2 x^2+...Now, let's apply this to your original problem. We have the equation:(x^2-1)y''+3xy'+xy=0We can rewrite this as:x^2y''-y''+3xy'+xy=0Substituting our power series solutions for y, y', and y'', we get:\sum_{n=0}^\infty n(n-1)c
  • #1
sami23
76
1
Find a power series sol'n: (x2-1)y'' + 3xy' + xy = 0

Homework Equations


let y = [tex]\Sigma[/tex] (from [tex]\infty[/tex] to n=0) Cnxn
let y' = [tex]\Sigma[/tex] (from [tex]\infty[/tex] to n=1) nCnxn-1
let y'' = [tex]\Sigma[/tex] (from [tex]\infty[/tex] to n=2) n(n-1)Cnxn-2

The Attempt at a Solution


I wrote the differential eq as: x2y''-y''+3xy'+xy=0

Substituting back into the differential eq and multiplying the x2 gives:
[tex]\Sigma[/tex] (from [tex]\infty[/tex] to n=2) n(n-1)Cnxn - [tex]\Sigma[/tex] (from [tex]\infty[/tex] to n=2) n(n-1)Cnxn-2 + 3[tex]\Sigma[/tex] (from [tex]\infty[/tex] to n=1) nCnxn + [tex]\Sigma[/tex] (from [tex]\infty[/tex] to n=0) Cnxn+1 = 0

For the first 2 terms I let k=n-2 , n=k+2 which would give:
[tex]\Sigma[/tex] (from [tex]\infty[/tex] to k=0) (k+2)(k+1)Ck+2xk+2 - [tex]\Sigma[/tex] (from [tex]\infty[/tex] to k=0) (k+2)(k+1)Ck+2xk

For the 3rd and 4th term I let k=n which would give:
3[tex]\Sigma[/tex] (from [tex]\infty[/tex] to k=1) kCkxk + [tex]\Sigma[/tex] (from [tex]\infty[/tex] to k=0) Ckxk+1

The new series would be:
[tex]\Sigma[/tex] (from [tex]\infty[/tex] to k=0) (k+2)(k+1)Ck+2xk+2 - [tex]\Sigma[/tex] (from [tex]\infty[/tex] to k=0) (k+2)(k+1)Ck+2xk + 3[tex]\Sigma[/tex] (from [tex]\infty[/tex] to k=1) kCkxk + [tex]\Sigma[/tex] (from [tex]\infty[/tex] to k=0) Ckxk+1

I don't know how to make the starting value of each index the same (from [tex]\infty[/tex] to k=0) and how would I get to the general solution?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
First off a tip. Write your summations like this: \sum_{n=a}^\infty. This will look like [itex] \sum_{n=a}^\infty[/itex], which is a lot neater. Secondly put the tex brackets around your entire equation, not just the summation symbols.

This will make your equation look like:
[tex]\sum_{n=0}^\infty c_n x^n[/tex]

Let's start with a simple example. Take [itex]\sum_{n=1}^\infty c_{n-1}x^{n-1}[/itex]. We want to write this series as [itex]\sum_{n=0}^\infty c_k x^k[/itex]. Let's take a look at the first series.

[tex]
\sum_{n=1}^\infty c_{n-1}x^{n-1}=c_0 x^0+c_1 x^1+c_2 x^2+...
[/tex]

We obviously want [itex]\sum_{n=0}^\infty c_k x^k[/itex] to be equal to this. So how would you express k in terms of n?

[tex]\sum_{n=0}^\infty c_k x^k=c_0 x^0+c_1 x^1+c_2 x^2+...[/tex]?
 
Last edited:

FAQ: Differential Eq- Power Series Solution

What is a power series solution for a differential equation?

A power series solution for a differential equation is a series of terms that can be used to approximate the solution to a differential equation. It involves expressing the solution as a sum of infinitely many terms, each with increasing powers of the independent variable.

Why is the power series method used to solve differential equations?

The power series method is used to solve differential equations because it allows for an approximation of the solution that can be computed to any desired degree of accuracy. It is also a useful method when an explicit solution cannot be found using other techniques.

What are the steps for using the power series method to solve a differential equation?

The steps for using the power series method to solve a differential equation are as follows:

  1. Express the differential equation in the form of a power series.
  2. Find the recurrence relation between the coefficients of the power series.
  3. Solve the recurrence relation to find the coefficients.
  4. Substitute the coefficients into the power series to obtain the solution.

What are the limitations of using the power series method to solve differential equations?

The power series method can only be used to solve linear differential equations with constant coefficients. It also requires the existence of a power series solution for the given equation, which may not always be the case. Additionally, the method may produce solutions that are valid only for a limited range of the independent variable.

How can one verify the accuracy of a power series solution for a differential equation?

The accuracy of a power series solution for a differential equation can be verified by substituting the solution into the original differential equation and checking if it satisfies the equation. The solution can also be compared to other known solutions or approximations to determine its level of accuracy.

Similar threads

Back
Top