Find solution of differential equation

In summary, we discussed the method of power series for finding the general solution of a given differential equation, and we also mentioned the existence of polynomial solutions for regular singular points of the equation.
  • #1
evinda
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Hello! (Wave)

The following differential equation is given:

$$(1-x^2)y''-xy'+p^2y=0, p \in \mathbb{R}$$

  • Find the general solution of the differential equation at the interval $(-1,1)$ (with the method of power series).
  • Are there solutions of the differential equation that are polynomials?

That's what I have tried:We are looking for a solution of the form $y(x)= \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} a_n x^n$ with radius of convergence $R>0$.

$$y'(x)= \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} n a_n x^{n-1}= \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} (n+1) a_{n+1} x^n$$

$$y''(x)= \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} (n+1)n a_{n+1}x^{n-1}= \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} (n+2)(n+1) a_{n+2} x^n$$

$$-x^2y''(x)= \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} -n(n-1)a_n x^n$$We have:$$\sum_{n=0}^{\infty} \left[ (n+2)(n+1) a_{n+2}-n(n-1) a_n-na_n+p^2a_n\right]x^n=0, \forall x \in (-R,R)$$It has to hold:

$$(n+2)(n+1) a_{n+2}+ \left[ -n(n-1)-n+p^2\right] a_n=0 \\ \Rightarrow (n+2)(n+1)a_{n+2}+ \left[ -n(n-1+1)+p^2 \right]a_n=0 \\ \Rightarrow a_{n+2}=\frac{n^2-p^2}{(n+2)(n+1)} a_n \forall n=0,1,2, \dots$$For $n=0: a_2=-\frac{p^2}{2}a_0$

For $n=1: a_3= \frac{1-p^2}{2 \cdot 3} a_1$

For $n=2: a_4= \frac{(2^2-p^2)(-p^2)}{2 \cdot 3 \cdot 4 } a_0$For $n=3: a_5=\frac{(3^2-p^2)(1-p^2)}{2 \cdot 3 \cdot 4 \cdot 5}a_1$For $n=4: a_6=\frac{(4^2-p^2)(2^2-p^2)(-p^2)}{2 \cdot 3 \cdot 4 \cdot 5 \cdot 6}a_0$

For $n=5: a_7=\frac{(5^2-p^2)(3^2-p^2)(1-p^2)}{2 \cdot 3 \cdot 4 \cdot 5 \cdot 6 \cdot 7}$So:$$a_{2n}=\frac{\prod_{i=0}^{n-1} (2i)^2-p^2}{(2n)!} a_0$$

$$a_{2n+1}=\frac{\prod_{i=0}^{n-1} (2i+1)^2-p^2}{(2n+1)!} a_1$$So the solution $y$ can be written as follows:$$y(x)=\sum_{n=0}^{\infty} a_{2n}x^{2n}+ \sum_{n=0}^{\infty}a_{2n+1}x^{2n+1}$$Is it right so far? If so, then do we have to find for the power series $\sum_{n=0}^{\infty} a_{2n}x^{2n}$ and $\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}a_{2n+1}x^{2n+1}$ the radius of convergence and show that they define functions that are infinitely many times differentiable?If so, then do we have to take the ratio$$\left| \frac{a_{2(n+1)} x^{2(n+1)}}{a_{2n} x^{2n}}\right|$$? If yes, could we deduce something from the latter about the radius of convergence? :confused:
 
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  • #2
Answer:Yes, you are on the right track. To find the radius of convergence for the power series solutions, you need to take the ratio $$\left| \frac{a_{2(n+1)} x^{2(n+1)}}{a_{2n} x^{2n}}\right|$$ and show that it converges to 0 as n goes to infinity. This will give you the radius of convergence. As for polynomial solutions, yes there are solutions of the differential equation that are polynomials. These are called the regular singular points of the equation. In particular, if $p^2$ is a non-negative integer, then there are polynomial solutions of the form $y = c_1 x^m + c_2 x^{m+1} + \dots + c_k x^{m+k}$, where $m = p^2$ and $k$ is the degree of the polynomial.
 

FAQ: Find solution of differential equation

What is a differential equation?

A differential equation is a mathematical equation that relates a function with its derivatives. It is commonly used to model the behavior of systems that change over time.

Why is it important to find solutions of differential equations?

Finding solutions of differential equations allows us to understand and predict the behavior of complex systems in various fields, such as physics, engineering, economics, and biology. It also helps us make informed decisions and solve real-life problems.

What methods are used to find solutions of differential equations?

There are various methods for finding solutions of differential equations, such as separation of variables, substitution, and the use of differential equation solvers. The method used depends on the type and complexity of the differential equation.

What are initial and boundary conditions in differential equations?

Initial conditions refer to the values of the function and its derivatives at a specific starting point, while boundary conditions refer to the values of the function at the boundaries of the domain. These conditions are necessary to uniquely determine a solution for a differential equation.

Are there any challenges in finding solutions of differential equations?

Yes, finding solutions of differential equations can be challenging due to the complexity of the equations and the fact that not all equations have analytical solutions. In some cases, numerical methods must be used to approximate the solution.

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