Chapter 5: Problem 5
Apply the power series method. Do this by band, not by a \(\mathrm{CAS},\) so that you get a feel for the method, e.g., why a series may terminate, or has even powers only, or has no constant or Linear terms, etc. Show the details of your work. $$(2+x) y^{\prime}=y$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The solution is a constant function, specifically \( y = a_0 \).
Step by step solution
01
Set up the power series
Assume that the solution can be represented as a power series: \[ y = \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} a_n x^n \]Differentiate to find \(y'\): \[ y' = \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} na_n x^{n-1} \]Substitute these into the differential equation \((2+x)y' = y\).
02
Substitute the power series into the equation
Substitute the power series into the equation:\[(2 + x)\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} na_n x^{n-1} = \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} a_n x^n\]Multiply out the left side:\[2\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} na_n x^{n-1} + x\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} na_n x^{n-1} = \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} a_n x^n\]This becomes: \[2\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} na_n x^{n-1} + \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} na_n x^{n} = \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} a_n x^n\].
03
Align the series powers
Re-index the first term on the left so all series are compatible. For the first series:\[2\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} na_n x^{n-1} = 2\sum_{m=0}^{\infty} (m+1)a_{m+1} x^{m} \] For the second term, there is no need for a re-index:\[\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} na_n x^n = \sum_{m=1}^{\infty} ma_m x^m \] However, extend it down to start at \(m=0\) because the coefficient of \(x^0\) must be zero:\[\sum_{m=0}^{\infty} ma_m x^m \] (with \(m_0 = 0\)).Make sure the series on the right also start at \(m=0\): \[\sum_{m=0}^{\infty} a_m x^m\].
04
Combine and equate coefficients
Combine the series and equate coefficients for each power of \(x\) to find expressions for \(a_n\):\[2(m+1)a_{m+1} + ma_{m} = a_{m}\]Simplifying this equality, we find:\[2(m+1)a_{m+1} = 0\]Thus:\[a_{m+1} = 0\] implies \(a_{1}, a_{2}, \ldots \text{ all } 0\) meaning the series terminates.
05
Determine constant term and solution
The equating implies all higher \(a_n\) coefficients are zero beyond the first one. Thus:\[y = a_0 \]This indicates the solution is simply a constant, and further computation shows:\[y(x) = a_0\cdot 1\].
Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!
-
Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
-
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
-
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
-
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.
Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91Ó°ÊÓ!
Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Differential Equations
Differential equations form a fundamental part of calculus and mathematical modeling. They are equations that involve a function and its derivatives. Essentially, they help us describe how things change. For example, they can model how populations grow, how heat transfers, or how objects move.
- In our example, we have the differential equation \((2+x) y^{\prime}=y\). This is a first-order differential equation, which means it involves only the first derivative of \(y\).
- The goal is to find a function \(y(x)\) that satisfies this relationship for all \(x\).
Power Series Solution
The power series method is a powerful technique used to solve differential equations, especially when a neat, straightforward algebraic solution is elusive. In essence, it represents functions as an infinite sum of terms, each term being a multiple of a power of \(x\).
- In our exercise, we assume the solution \(y\) can be expressed as a power series: \( y = \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} a_n x^n \).
- This lets us handle more complex functions by breaking them down into simpler polynomial terms.
Re-indexing Series
Re-indexing a series is a process of adjusting the starting point and index of a series. It ensures that all related series have a compatible form, which simplifies comparing and combining them.
- In our solution, we re-index the series to have common starting indices, so every term for each power of \(x\) can match easily.
- For example, the term \(2\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} na_n x^{n-1}\) is re-indexed as \(2\sum_{m=0}^{\infty} (m+1)a_{m+1} x^{m}\).
Terminating Series
In the context of power series, a terminating series is one where almost all the coefficients vanish—practically, it behaves like a polynomial of finite degree.
- In our example, after re-indexing and equating powers, we found that \(a_{m+1} = 0\) whenever \(m \geq 1\).
- This tells us that the series does not continue indefinitely; it stops after the first constant term, making it a terminating series.