Finding a power series solution to a differential equation?

In summary, to find the recurrence relation in the power series solution for ##y''-xy'-y=0## centered about ##x_0=1##, we can use the equations ##y=\sum_{n=0}^\infty a_nx^n##, ##xy'=\sum_{n=1}^\infty na_n(x-1)^{n-1}##, and ##y''=\sum_{n=0}^\infty n(n-1)a_n(x-1)^{n-2}##. By substituting these into the original equation, we get the recurrence relation ##(n+2)(n+1)a_{n+2}=x(n+1)a_{
  • #1
Eclair_de_XII
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Homework Statement


"Find the recurrence relation in the power series solution for ##y''-xy'-y=0## centered about ##x_0=1##."

Homework Equations


##y=\sum_{n=0}^\infty a_nx^n##
Answer as given in book: ##(n+2)a_{n+2}-a_{n+1}-a_n=0##

The Attempt at a Solution


##y=\sum_{n=0}^\infty a_n(x-1)^n##
##xy'=x\sum_{n=0}^\infty na_n(x-1)^{n-1}=x\sum_{n=1}^\infty na_n(x-1)^{n-1}=x\sum_{n=0}^\infty (n+1)a_{n+1}n(x-1)^{n}##
##y''=\sum_{n=0}^\infty n(n-1)a_n(x-1)^{n-2}=\sum_{n=0}^\infty n(n-1)a_n(x-1)^{n-2}=\sum_{n=2}^\infty n(n-1)a_n(x-1)^{n-2}=\sum_{n=0}^\infty a_{n+2}(n+2)(n+1)(x-1)^{n}##

##y''-xy'-y=0=\sum_{n=0}^\infty[(n+2)(n+1)a_{n+2}-x(n+1)a_{n+1}-a_n](x-1)^n##

##(n+2)(n+1)a_{n+2}=x(n+1)a_{n+1}+a_n##

I don't know what I'm doing wrong. It's not matching the answer given in the back of the book.
 
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  • #2
Never mind, I found what I did wrong.

##xy'=x\sum_{n=0}^\infty na_n(x-1)^{n-1}=[1+(x-1)]⋅\sum_{n=0}^\infty na_n(x-1)^{n-1}=\sum_{n=1}^\infty na_n(x-1)^{n-1}+\sum_{n=0}^\infty na_n(x-1)^{n}=\sum_{n=0}^\infty (n+1)a_{n+1}(x-1)^{n}+\sum_{n=1}^\infty na_n(x-1)^{n}##
 

Related to Finding a power series solution to a differential equation?

1. How do you determine the coefficients of a power series solution to a differential equation?

The coefficients of a power series solution can be determined by substituting the power series into the differential equation and equating coefficients of like powers of the variable. This will result in a system of equations that can be solved for the unknown coefficients.

2. Can a power series solution always be found for a given differential equation?

No, not all differential equations have power series solutions. In particular, power series solutions are only possible for certain types of equations, such as linear differential equations with constant coefficients.

3. How do you know if a power series solution is valid?

A power series solution is considered valid if it converges to the solution of the differential equation within a certain interval of the variable. This can be determined by using convergence tests, such as the ratio test or the root test, on the power series.

4. Can a power series solution be used to approximate the exact solution of a differential equation?

Yes, a power series solution can be used to approximate the exact solution of a differential equation. The more terms included in the power series, the closer the approximation will be to the exact solution.

5. Are there any other methods for finding solutions to differential equations?

Yes, there are other methods for finding solutions to differential equations, such as separation of variables, variation of parameters, and the method of undetermined coefficients. The method of power series solutions is just one approach that is particularly useful for certain types of equations.

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