How to solve an ODE in powers of x?

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In summary, an ODE, or ordinary differential equation, is an equation that relates a function to its derivatives and is used to model physical phenomena. Solving an ODE in powers of x involves finding a solution in the form of a power series, and the steps include determining the order of the ODE, substituting the power series, equating coefficients, and solving resulting equations. This method allows for a more general and compact solution, and is commonly used in fields such as physics, engineering, and finance to model various systems and phenomena.
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ineedhelpnow
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I have this question due soon and I have no idea how to do it. Please help me get started on it

Solve in powers of x: (1-x^2)y''-2xy'+42y=0
 
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Re: Solving in powers

The equation:

\(\displaystyle \left(1-x^2\right)y''-2xy'+n(n+1)y=0\)

where $n\in\mathbb{N}$ is called Legendre's differential equation which has as solutions:

Legendre polynomials

That should give you a place to start. :D
 
  • #3
Thank You, Mark! I'll try working on it and reply with any problems I have
 

Related to How to solve an ODE in powers of x?

What is an ODE?

An ODE, or ordinary differential equation, is an equation that relates a function to its derivatives. It is used to model various physical phenomena and is an important tool in many areas of science and engineering.

What does it mean to solve an ODE in powers of x?

Solving an ODE in powers of x means finding a solution to the equation in the form of a power series, where each term is a multiple of a power of x. This method is often used when the equation cannot be solved using traditional methods.

What are the steps involved in solving an ODE in powers of x?

The steps involved in solving an ODE in powers of x include determining the order of the ODE, substituting the power series into the equation, equating coefficients of like powers of x, and solving the resulting equations. The process may also involve finding initial conditions and convergence of the series.

What are the benefits of solving an ODE in powers of x?

Solving an ODE in powers of x allows for a more general solution to the equation, as the power series can be truncated at any term to achieve a desired level of accuracy. It also allows for a solution to be expressed in a more compact form, making it easier to analyze and manipulate.

What are some real-world applications of solving ODEs in powers of x?

ODEs in powers of x are commonly used in fields such as physics, engineering, and finance to model various systems and phenomena. Some examples include modeling the motion of a pendulum, the spread of disease in a population, and the behavior of stock prices over time.

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