Series Solution of Differential Equations and Special Functions

1. Series Solution of Differential Equations:

1.1 Ordinary Point and Singular Point.

d2y dy
Consider the differential equation P0 ( x ) 2
+ P1 ( x ) + P2 ( x ) y = 0 − − − − − (i ) , where
dx dx
P0(x), P1(x) and P2(x) are polynomials in x. Then x=a is called an ordinary point of (i), if P0 ( a )  0
and x = a is called a singular point if P0 ( a ) = 0

Regular Singular point

A singular point x = a of (i) is called a Regular Singular Point if,
P ( x) P ( x)
Q1 ( x ) = 1 ( x − a ) and Q2 ( x ) = 2 ( x − a ) possess derivatives of all orders in some
2

P0 ( x ) P0 ( x )
neighbourhood of a Q1 ( a )   and Q2 ( a )   .

Irregular Singular point

A singular point which is not regular is called an irregular singular point.

Examples:

Example 1.
Show that x = 0 is an ordinary point and x = 1 is a regular singular point of
2

( ) dx2 − 2 x dy
1 − x 2 d y

dx
+ 2y = 0
Ans:
2

(1 − x ) ddxy − 2 x dy
2
2
dx
+ 2 y = 0 − − − − − (i )

P0 ( x ) = 1 − x 2 , P1 ( x ) = −2 x, P2 ( x ) = 2

When x= 0, P0 (0) = (1 - 02) = 1  0  x = 0 is an ordinary point of (i)

When x= 1, P0 (1) = (1 - 12) = 0  x = 1 is a singular point of (i)

P ( x) −2 x −2 x 2x 2x
Q1 ( x ) = 1 ( x − 1) =  ( x − 1) =  ( x − 1) =  ( x − 1) =
P0 ( x ) 1− x 2
(1 − x )(1 + x ) ( x − 1)( x + 1) x +1

P2 ( x ) 2 2 2
Q2 ( x ) = ( x − 1) =  ( x − 1) =  ( x − 1) = −  ( x − 1)
2 2 2 2

P0 ( x ) 1− x 2
(1 − x )(1 + x ) ( x − 1)( x + 1)
−2 ( x − 1)
=
x +1

2 0
Q1 (1) = = 1and Q2 (1) = = 0
2 2
 Q1 ( x ) and Q2 ( x ) possess all order derivatives in the neighbourhood of x=1
Therefore x= 1 is a regular singular point.

Page1 Jayachandran V, Assistant Professor, College of Science and Technology

 Example 2.

Show that x = 1 is an ordinary point, x = −1 is a regular singular point and x = 0 is an irregular

2
+ ( x 2 − 1) + 2 y = 0
2 d y dy
singular point of x ( x + 1)
2
2
dx dx
Ans:
d2y
+ ( x 2 − 1) + 2 y = 0 − − − − − ( i )
dy
x 2 ( x + 1)
2
2
dx dx
P0 ( x ) = x 2 ( x + 1) , P1 ( x ) = x 2 − 1, P2 ( x ) = 2
2

When x= 1, P0 (1) = 12(1 +1)2 = 4  0  x = 1 is an ordinary point of (i)

When x= -1, P0 (-1) = (-1)2(-1 +1)2 = 0  x = -1 is a singular point of (i)

P ( x) x −1
2
( x − 1)( x + 1)  x + 1 = x − 1
Q1 ( x ) = 1
P0 ( x )
( x − −1) = 2  ( x + 1) = 2 ( ) 2
x ( x + 1) x ( x + 1)
2 2
x

P2 ( x )
Q2 ( x ) = ( x − 1) 2
 ( x + 1) =
2
− 2
=
2

P ( x)
0 x 2
( x + 1)
2
x2
−2 2
Q1 ( −1) = = −2 and Q2 ( −1) = =2
( −1) ( −1)
2 2

 Q1 ( x ) and Q2 ( x ) possess all order derivatives in the neighbourhood of x = −1

Therefore x= -1 is a regular singular point.

When x= 0, P0 (0) = 0  x = 0 is a singular point of (i)

P ( x) x −1
2
( x − 1)( x + 1)  x = x − 1
Q1 ( x ) = 1 ( x − 0) = 2  x= 2
P0 ( x ) x ( x + 1)
2
x ( x + 1)
2
x ( x + 1)

P2 ( x ) 2 2
Q2 ( x ) = ( x − 0) =  x2 =
2

P0 ( x ) x 2
( x + 1)
2
( x + 1)
2

0 −1 −1 2
Q1 ( 0 ) = = =  and Q2 ( 0 ) = =2
0 ( 0 + 1) 0 ( 0 + 1)
2

 Q1 ( x ) does not possess all order derivatives in the neighbourhood of x = 0

Therefore x= 0 is an irregular singular point of (i).

Page2 Jayachandran V, Assistant Professor, College of Science and Technology

 d2y dy
1.2 Series solution of the differential equation P0 ( x ) 2
+ P1 ( x ) + P2 ( x ) y = 0
dx dx

1.2.1 General Series Solution

d2y dy
The general series solution of the differential equation P0 ( x ) 2 + P1 ( x ) + P2 ( x ) y = 0 will
dx dx
consist of two linearly independent series solutions say y1 and y2 and the general solution is
y = c1 y1 + c2 y2 , where c1 and c2 are arbitrary constants.

Note:
The series y1 and y2 are said to be linearly dependent if one is the multiple of the other,
otherwise they are said to be linearly independent.

1.2.2 Theorems:

Theorem-I
d2y dy
When x = a is an ordinary point of P0 ( x ) 2
+ P1 ( x ) + P2 ( x ) y = 0 , its every solution can be
dx dx
expressed in the form y = a0 + a1 ( x − a ) + a2 ( x − a ) + a3 ( x − a ) + .............
2 3


 an ( x − a )
n
(OR) y =
n =0

Theorem-II
d2y dy
When x = a is a regular singular point of P0 ( x ) 2
+ P1 ( x ) + P2 ( x ) y = 0 , at least one of the
dx dx
solutions can be expressed as y = ( x − a )  a0 + a1 ( x − a ) + a2 ( x − a ) + a3 ( x − a ) + .............
m 2 3
 

m+ n
(OR) y =  an ( x − a )
n =0

1.3 Power Series Method: Series solution of the differential equation

d2y dy
P0 ( x ) 2 + P1 ( x ) + P2 ( x ) y = 0 when x = 0 is an ordinary point.
dx dx
2
d y dy
P0 ( x ) 2 + P1 ( x ) + P2 ( x ) y = 0 − − − − − − − ( A)
dx dx

Step-1: Assume the solution to (A) be of the form

y = a0 + a1x + a2 x 2 + a3 x3 + a4 x 4 + a5 x5 + a6 x6 + a7 x7 + ..... − − − (i )  By Theorem I

(OR) y =  an xn
n =0
dy
 = a1 + 2a2 x + 3a3 x 2 + 4a4 x3 + 5a5 x 4 + 6a6 x5 + 7a7 x 6 + .........
dx
dy 
( OR ) =  n an x n−1
dx n=1

Page3 Jayachandran V, Assistant Professor, College of Science and Technology

 d2y
2
= 2a2 + 3  2a3 x + 4  3a4 x 2 + 5  4a5 x3 + 6  5a6 x 4 + 7  6a7 x5 + ............
dx

d2y
( OR ) 2
=  n ( n − 1) an x n−2
dx n=2

dy d2y
Step-2: Substitute the values of y, and 2 in (A)
dx dx

Step-3: Equate the coefficients of various powers of x to zero and find the values of a 2, a3, a4,…
in terms of a0 and a1. (The relation obtained by equating the coefficient of xk to zero is called
the recurrence relation)

Step-4: substitute the values of a2, a3, a4, … in terms of a0 and a1 in (i), we get the general
solution or complete solution of (A)

Note:
We can also find the solution about an ordinary point other than zero say x=c
In this case we first shift the origin to the point x= c by putting x = t + c. The differential
equation thus obtained is solved by the above method and then replace t with x – c

Examples.

Example 1.
d2y
Find the series solution of the equation + xy = 0
dx 2
Ans:
d2y
+ xy = 0 − − − − − − − − ( A)
dx 2
P0 ( x ) = 1, P1 ( x ) = 0, P2 ( x ) = x
P0 (0) =10. Therefore x= 0 is an ordinary point of (A).
Assume the solution to (A) be
y = a0 + a1x + a2 x2 + a3 x3 + a4 x4 + a5 x5 + a6 x6 + a7 x7 + ..... − − − (i )
dy
 = a1 + 2a2 x + 3a3 x 2 + 4a4 x 3 + 5a5 x 4 + 6a6 x 5 + 7a7 x 6 + .........
dx
d2y
= 2a2 + 3  2a3 x + 4  3a4 x 2 + 5  4a5 x 3 + 6  5a6 x 4 + 7  6a7 x 5 + ............
dx 2
d2y
Substituting the values of and y in (A), we get
dx 2
 2a2 + 3  2a3 x + 4  3a4 x 2 + 5  4a5 x 3 + 6  5a6 x 4 + 7  6a7 x 5 + .........
+ x  a0 + a1 x + a2 x 2 + a3 x 3 + a4 x 4 + a5 x 5 + a6 x 6 + a7 x 7 + ....... = 0
 2a2 + 3  2a3 + a0  x +  4  3a4 + a1  x 2 + 5  4a5 + a2  x3 +  6  5a6 + a3  x 4
+  7  6a7 + a4  x5 + 8  7a8 + a5  x 6 + ............. = 0

Equating the coefficients of x0 , x1, x 2 , x3 , x 4 , x5 , x6 , x7 ,........ to zero,

2a2 = 0  a2 = 0

Page4 Jayachandran V, Assistant Professor, College of Science and Technology

 1
3  2a3 + a0 = 0  a3 = − a0
3 2
1
4  3a4 + a1 = 0  a4 = − a1
43
1
5  4a5 + a2 = 0  a5 = − a2 = 0  a2 = 0
5 4
1 1  1 
6  5a6 + a3 = 0  a6 = − a3 = a0  a3 = − a0 
65 6 53 2  3 2 
1 1  1 
7  6a7 + a4 = 0  a7 = − a4 = a1  a4 = − a1 
76 7 6 43  43 
1
8  7 a8 + a5 = 0  a8 = − a5 = 0  a5 = 0
87
......................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................

Substituting these values in (i), we get

1 1 1 1
y = a0 + a1 x + 0  x 2 − a0 x 3 − a1 x 4 + 0  x 5 + a0 x 6 + a1 x 7 + .....
3 2 43 6 53 2 7 6 43
 1 3 1 1 
= a0 1 − x + x6 + x 9 + ........ 
 3 2 6 53 2 9 8  6 5 3 2 
 1 4 1 1 
+ a1  x − x + x7 − x10 + .... 
 43 7 6 43 10  9  7  6  4  3 
It is the complete solution where a0 and a1 are arbitrary constant.

(OR)

d2y
+ xy = 0 − − − − − − ( A )
dx 2
Clearly x= 0 is an ordinary point {since P0 (0) =10}

Assume the solution to (i) be y = a0 + a1 x + a2 x + a3 x + a4 x + a5 x + a6 x + ......... − − − (i )

2 3 4 5 6


(Or) y =  an x
n

n =0

dy  d2y 
 =  n an x n−1 and 2
=  n ( n − 1) an x n−2
dx n=1 dx n=2
d2y
Substituting the values of y and in (A), we get,
dx 2
 
 n ( n − 1) an xn−2 + x  an x n = 0
n=2 n =0
 
  n ( n − 1) an x n−2 +  an x n+1 = 0 − − − − − − − ( B )
n=2 n =0

Equating the coefficients of x 0 to zero,

Page5 Jayachandran V, Assistant Professor, College of Science and Technology

 2 ( 2 − 1) a2 = 0  a2 = 0

Equating the coefficient of xk to zero, we get,

( k + 2)( k + 2 −1) ak +2 + ak −1 = 0  ( k + 2 )( k + 1) ak +2 = −ak −1
−1
 ak + 2 = a , k = 1, 2, 3 ..., which is called the recurrence relation.
( k + 2 )( k + 1) k −1
−1 −1
Put k = 1, a3 = a1−1 = a0
(1 + 2 )(1 + 1) 3 2
1
Put k = 2, a4 = − a1
43
1
Put k = 3, a5 = − a2 = 0  a2 = 0
5 4
1 1  −1  1  −1 
Put k = 4, a6 = − a3 = −  a0  = a0  a3 = a0 
65 6 5  3 2  6 53 2  3 2 
1 1  1  1  −1 
Put k = 5, a7 = − a4 = − − a1  = a1  a4 = a1 
76 7 6  43  76 43  43 
1
Put k = 6, a8 = − a5 = 0  a5 = 0
87
.............................................................................
.....................................................................................
Substituting the values of a2, a3, a4, a5, a6, a7, ………... in (i),
1 1 1 1
y = a0 + a1 x + 0  x 2 − a0 x 3 − a1 x 4 + 0  x 5 + a0 x 6 + a1 x 7 + .....
3 2 43 6 53 2 7 6 43
 1 3 1 1 
= a0 1 − x + x6 + x 9 + ........ 
 3 2 6 53 2 9 8  6 5 3 2 
 1 4 1 1 
+ a1  x − x + x7 − x10 + .... 
 43 7 6 43 10  9  7  6  4  3 

Example 2.
d2y
Find the series solution of the equation (1 − x )
dy
2
2
− 2x + 2 y = 0
dx dx
Ans:
2

(1 − x ) ddxy − 2 x dy
2
2
dx
+ 2y = 0 −−−−−−−− ( A)
P0 ( x ) = 1 − x 2 , P1 ( x ) = −2 x, P2 ( x ) = 2
P0 (0) =10. Therefore x= 0 is an ordinary point of (A).
Assume the solution to (A) be y = a0 + a1 x + a2 x + a3 x + a4 x + .......... − − − (i )
2 3 4


(Or) y =  an x
n

n =0

dy  d2y 
 =  n an x and
n−1
2
=  n ( n − 1) an x n−2
dx n=1 dx n=2
dy d2y
Substituting the values of y, and in (A), we get,
dx dx 2

Page6 Jayachandran V, Assistant Professor, College of Science and Technology

   
(1 − x2 ) n=2
 n ( n − 1) an x n−2 − 2 x  n an x n−1 + 2  an x n = 0
n=1 n =0
   
  n ( n − 1) an x n−2 −  n ( n − 1) an x n −  2n an x n +  2an x n = 0 − − − − − − − ( B )
n=2 n=2 n=1 n =0

Equating the coefficient of xk to zero, we get,

( k + 2)( k + 2 − 1) ak +2 − k ( k − 1) ak − 2k ak + 2 ak = 0
 ( k + 2 )( k + 1) ak +2 =  k ( k − 1) + 2k − 2  ak

 ak + 2 =
k2 + k − 2
ak =
( k + 2 )( k − 1) a
( k + 2 )( k + 1) ( k + 2 )( k + 1) k
k −1
 ak + 2 = ak , k = 0,1, 2, 3 ..., which is called the recurrence relation.
k +1
Put k = 0, a2 = −a0
Put k = 1, a3 = 0  a1 = 0
1 1
Put k = 2, a4 = a2 = − a0  a2 = −a0 
3 3
2
Put k = 3, a5 = a3 = 0
4
3 3 1  1
Put k = 4, a6 = a4 =  − a0  = − a0
5 5 3  5
4
Put k = 5, a7 = a5 = 0
6
5 5 1  1
Put k = 6, a8 = a6 =  − a0  = − a0
7 7 5  7
.............................................................................
.....................................................................................
Substituting the values of a2, a3, a4, a5, a6, a7, ………... in (i),
1 1
y = a0 + a1 x − a0 x 2 + 0  x 3 − a0 x 4 + 0  x 5 − a0 x 6 + .......
3 5
 1 1 
= a0 1 − x 2 − x 4 − x 6 − ...........  + a1 x
 3 5 

Example 3.
d2y dy
Find the series solution of the equation +x + x2 y = 0
dx 2 dx
Ans:
d2y dy
2
+ x + x2 y = 0 − − − − − − − − ( A)
dx dx
P0 ( x ) = 1, P1 ( x ) = x, P2 ( x ) = x 2
P0 (0) =10. Therefore x= 0 is an ordinary point of (A).
Assume the solution to (A) be y = a0 + a1 x + a2 x + a3 x + a4 x + .......... − − − (i )
2 3 4


(Or) y =  an x
n

n =0

Page7 Jayachandran V, Assistant Professor, College of Science and Technology

 dy  d2y 
 =  n an x n−1 and 2
=  n ( n − 1) an x n−2
dx n=1 dx n=2
dy d2y
Substituting the values of y, and in (A), we get,
dx dx 2
  
 n ( n − 1) an x n−2
+ x  n an x n−1
+x 2
 an x n = 0
n=2 n=1 n =0
  
  n ( n − 1) an xn−2 +  n an x n +  an x n+2 = 0 − − − − − − − (B)
n=2 n=1 n =0

Equating the constant to zero,

2 ( 2 − 1) a2 = 0  a2 = 0

Equating the coefficient of x to zero,

1
3 ( 3 − 1) a3 + 1 a1 = 0  a3 = − a1
23

Equating the coefficient of xk to zero, we get,

 k ak + ak − 2 
( k + 2 )( k + 1) ak + 2 + k ak + ak −2 = 0  ak + 2 = −  
 ( k + 2 )( k + 1) 
 k 1 
 ak + 2 = −  ak + ak − 2  , k = 2,3, 4,...
 ( k + 1)( k + 2 ) ( k + 1)( k + 2 ) 
 2 1   2 1  1
Put k = 2, a4 = −  a2 + a0  = −  0+ a0  = − a0
3 4 3 4  3 4 3 4  3 4
 3 1   3  1  1  1  3 
Put k = 3, a5 = −  a3 + a1  = −  − a1  + a1  = − 1 −  a1
45 45  45  23  45  45  23 
3
=− a1
2 3 4 5
 4 1   4  1  1  4
Put k = 4, a6 = −  a4 + a2  = −  − a0  +  0 = a0
56 56  5 6  3 4  5 6  3 4 5 6
 5 1   5  3  1  1 
Put k = 5, a7 = −  a5 + a3  = −  − a1  + − a1  
67 67   6  7  2  3  4  5  6  7  2  3 
 15 + 20   35 
=  a1 =   a1
 2 3 4 5 6  7   2  3 4  5 6  7 
 6 1   6  4  1  1 
Put k = 6, a8 = −  a6 + a4  = −   a0  + − a0  
 7 8 7 8   7  8  3  4  5  6  7  8  3  4 
 24 − 30  6
= − a0  = a0
3 4 5 6  7 8  3 4 5 6  7 8
−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−
−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−

Substituting the values of a2, a3, a4, a5, a6, a7, ………... in (i),

Page8 Jayachandran V, Assistant Professor, College of Science and Technology

 1 1 3 4
y = a0 + a1 x + 0  x 2 − a1 x 3 − a0 x 4 + − a1 x 5 + a0 x 6
23 3 4 2 3 4 5 3 4 56
35 6
+ a1 x 7 + a0 x8 + ....
2 3 4 5 6  7 3 4 5  6  7 8
 1 4 4 6 
= a0 1 − x + x6 + x8 + .... 
 3 4 3 4 5 6 3 4 5  6  7 8 
 1 3 3 35 
+ a1  x − x − x5 + x 7 + .... 
 23 2 3 4 5 2 3 4 56 7 
1 1 4 6   1 3 3 5 35 7 
= 2a0  − x 4 + x 6 + x8 + ....  + a1  x − x − x + x + .... 
 2! 4! 6! 8!   3! 5! 7! 

(OR)

d2y dy
2
+ x + x 2 y = 0 − − − − − − ( A)
dx dx
Clearly x= 0 is an ordinary point {since P0 (0) =10}

Assume the solution to (i) be y = a0 + a1 x + a2 x + a3 x + a4 x + a5 x + a6 x + ......... − − − (i )

2 3 4 5 6

dy
 = a1 + 2a2 x + 3a3 x 2 + 4a4 x3 + 5a5 x 4 + 6a6 x 5 + 7 a7 x 6 + 8a8 x 7 + ......
dx
2
d y
2
= 2a2 + 6a3 x + 12a4 x 2 + 20a5 x 3 + 30a6 x 4 + 42a7 x 5 + 56a8 x 6 + ......
dx
dy d2y
Substituting the values of y, and in ( A) ,we get
dx dx 2
( 2a2 + 6a3 x + 12a4 x 2 + 20a5 x3 + 30a6 x 4 + 42a7 x5 + 56a8 x 6 + ...... )
+x ( a1 + 2a2 x + 3a3 x 2 + 4a4 x 3 + 5a5 x 4 + 6a6 x 5 + 7a7 x 6 + 8a8 x 7 + ......)
+x 2 ( a0 + a1 x + a2 x 2 + a3 x 3 + a4 x 4 + a5 x 5 + a6 x 6 + ....) = 0
 2a2 + ( 6a3 + a1 ) x + (12a4 + 2a2 + a0 ) x 2 + ( 20a5 + 3a3 + a1 ) x 3 + ( 30a6 + 4a4 + a2 ) x 4
+ ( 42a7 + 5a5 + a3 ) x 5 + ( 56a8 + 6a6 + a4 ) x 6 + ....... = 0

Equating coefficients of x0 , x1, x2 , x3 , x 4 , x5 , x6 ,..... to zero

2a2 = 0  a2 = 0
1
6a3 + a1 = 0  a3 = − a1
6
1
12a4 + 2a2 + a0 = 0  a4 = − a0
12
  1   1
20a5 + 3a3 + a1 = 0  20a5 = − 3a3 + a1  = − 3  − a1  + a1  = − a1
  6   2
1
 a5 = − a1
40

Page9 Jayachandran V, Assistant Professor, College of Science and Technology

  1  1
30a6 + 4a4 + a2 = 0  30a6 = −4a4 − a2 = −4  − a0  − 0 = a0
 12  3
1
 a6 = a0
90
 1   1  1 1 7
42a7 + 5a5 + a3 = 0  42a7 = −5a5 − a3 = −5  − a1  −  − a1  = a1 + a1 = a1
 40   6  8 6 24
7 1
 a7 = a1 = a1
24  42 144
 1   1  1 1 1
56a8 + 6a6 + a4 = 0  56a8 = −6a6 − a4 = −6  a0  −  − a0  = − a0 + a0 = a0
 90   12  15 12 60
1 1
 a8 = a0 = a0
58  60 3480
..............................................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................................

Substituting the values of a2, a3, a4, a5, a6, a7, a8 ……….. in (ii),
1 1 1 1
y = a0 + a1 x + 0  x 2 − a1 x 3 − a0 x 4 − a1 x 5 + a0 x 6
6 12 40 90
1 1
+ a1 x 7 + a0 x8 + ....
144 3480
 1 1 1 8   1 1 1 7 
= a0 1 − x 4 + x 6 + x + ......  + a1  x − x 3 − x 5 + x + ...... 
 12 90 3480   6 40 144 

1.4 FROBENIUS METHOD: Series solution of the differential equation

d2y dy
P0 ( x ) 2
+ P1 ( x ) + P2 ( x ) y = 0 when x = 0 is a regular singular point.
dx dx

d2y dy
Let P0 ( x ) 2
+ P1 ( x ) + P2 ( x ) y = 0 − − − − − − − ( A)
dx dx

Step-1: Assume the solution to (i) be of the form


y = x m ( a0 + a1 x + a2 x 2 + ...........) =  an x m + n − − − ( i )
n =0
2
dy d y dy d2y
Step-2: From (i) find and 2 and substitute the values of y, and 2 in (A)
dx dx dx dx

Step-3: Equate the coefficient of lowest degree term in x to zero. It gives a quadratic equation
in m called indicial equation.

Step-4: Equating the coefficients of next higher powers of x to zero and find the values of a1, a2,
a3, a4, … in terms of a0. Or find the recurrence relation and then find the values of a 1, a2, a3, a4,…
in terms of a0

Step-5: The complete solution depends on the nature of the roots m1 and m2 of the indicial
equation:

Page10 Jayachandran V, Assistant Professor, College of Science and Technology

 Case 1.
When the roots m1 and m2 of the indicial equation are distinct and not differing by an integer,

the complete solution is y = c1 ( y )m + c2 ( y )m

1 2

Case 2.
When the roots of the indicial equation are equal say m1, the complete solution is

 y 
y = c1 ( y )m + c2  
1
 m m1

Case 3.

When the roots of the indicial equation are distinct and differing by an integer, making some
of the coefficients of y series indeterminate when m = m2, the complete solution is given by
putting m = m2 in y which contains two arbitrary constants.

Case 4.

When the roots of the indicial equation are distinct and differing by an integer, making some
of the coefficients of y series infinite.

Let m1 and m2 are the roots such that m1 < m2. If some of the coefficients of y series become
infinite when m = m1, we modify the form of y by replacing a0 by b0 (m – m1). Then the complete

 y 
y = c1 ( y )m + c2  
solution is 2
 m m1
Remarks:
1. The first solution is obtained by putting m=m2 in y and the second solution is obtained by
putting m = m1 in the derivative of the modified form of y
2. The first solution can also be found by putting m = m1 in the modified form of y

Examples.

Example 1.
d2y dy
Solve in series the equation 9 x (1 − x ) 2
− 12 + 4 y = 0
dx dx
Ans:
d2y dy
9 x (1 − x ) 2 − 12 + 4 y = 0 − − − − − − − ( A )
dx dx
P0 ( x ) = 9 x (1 − x ) , P1 ( x ) = −12, P2 ( x ) = 4
P0 ( 0 ) = 0 . Therefore x=0 is a singular point of (A)
P1 ( x ) −12 −12
Q1 ( x ) = ( x − 0) =  x=
P0 ( x ) 9 x (1 − x ) 9 (1 − x )
P2 ( x ) 4 4x
Q2 ( x ) = ( x − 0) =  x2 =
2

P0 ( x ) 9 x (1 − x ) 9 (1 − x )

Page11 Jayachandran V, Assistant Professor, College of Science and Technology

 −12 0
Q1 ( 0 ) = and Q2 ( 0 ) = = 0
9 9
 Q1 ( x ) and Q2 ( x ) possess all order derivatives in the neighbourhood of x = 0
Therefore x= 0 is a regular singular point.
 Assume the solution of the form y = x m ( a0 + a1 x + a2 x 2 + a3 x3 + ..........) − − − ( i )

( OR ) y =  an x m+n
n =0

dy d2y 
 =  ( m + n ) an x m+ n−1 and 2 =  ( m + n )( m + n − 1) an x m+ n−2
dx n=0 dx n =0
dy d2y
Substituting the values of y, and 2 in (A) we get,
dx dx
  
9 x (1 − x )  ( m + n )( m + n − 1) an x m+ n−2 − 12  ( m + n ) an x m+ n−1 + 4  an x m+ n = 0
n =0 n =0 n =0
  
(
 9x − 9x2 )  ( m + n )( m + n − 1) an xm+n−2 − 12  ( m + n ) an xm+n−1 + 4  an xm+n = 0
n =0 n =0 n =0
  
  9 ( m + n )( m + n − 1) an x m+n−1 −  9 ( m + n )( m + n − 1) an x m+n −  12 ( m + n ) an x m+n−1
n =0 n =0 n =0

+  4an x m+ n = 0 − − − − ( B )
n =0
The least power of x is m – 1 and is obtained by putting n =0 in the first and third sigma.
Therefore, the indicial equation is obtained by equating the coefficient of xm-1 to zero.

 9 ( m + 0 )( m + 0 − 1) a0 − 12 ( m + 0 ) a0 = 0
 9m ( m − 1) − 12m  a0 = 0  ( 9m 2 − 21m ) a0 = 0
 9m 2 − 21m = 0  3m ( 3m − 7 ) = 0  a0  0
7
 m=0,
3
7
The roots of the indicial equation are 0 and . Clearly the roots are distinct and difference is
3
not an integer. (Type-1)
Equating the coefficients of next higher powers of x to zero successively, we can find the values
of a1, a2, a3, a4, … in terms of a0

The recurrence relation is obtained by putting the coefficient of xm+k to zero

The coefficient of xm+k is obtained by putting n=k+1 in first and third sigma and n = k in second
and fourth sigma of (B)
 9 ( m + k + 1)( m + k + 1 − 1) ak +1 − 9 ( m + k )( m + k − 1) ak − 12 ( m + k + 1) ak +1 + 4ak = 0
 9 ( m + k + 1)( m + k ) − 12 ( m + k + 1)  ak +1 = 9 ( m + k )( m + k − 1) − 4  ak

 3 ( m + k + 1) 3 ( m + k ) − 4  ak +1 = 9 ( m + k ) − 9 ( m + k ) − 4  ak
2
 
9 ( m + k ) − 12 ( m + k ) + 3 ( m + k ) − 4 3 ( m + k ) 3 ( m + k ) + 1 − 4 3 ( m + k ) + 1
2

 ak +1 = ak = ak
3 ( m + k + 1) 3 ( m + k ) − 4  3 ( m + k + 1) 3 ( m + k ) − 4 

Page12 Jayachandran V, Assistant Professor, College of Science and Technology

 3 ( m + k ) + 1 3 ( m + k ) − 4  3( m + k ) +1 3m + 3k + 1
= ak = ak = ak
3 ( m + k + 1) 3 ( m + k ) − 4  3 ( m + k + 1) 3 ( m + k + 1)
3m + 3k + 1
 ak +1 = ak , where k = 0, 1, 2, 3,....
3 ( m + k + 1)
Putting k =0, 1, 2, 3, ... in the recurrence relation, we get the values of a1, a2, a3, … in terms of a0
3m + 1
Put k = 0, a1 = a0
3 ( m + 1)

Put k = 1, a2 =
3m + 4 ( 3m + 1)( 3m + 4 ) a
a1 = 2
3( m + 2) 3 ( m + 1)( m + 2 )
0

Put k = 2, a3 =
3m + 7 ( 3m + 1)( 3m + 4 )( 3m + 7 ) a
a2 = 3
3 ( m + 3) 3 ( m + 1)( m + 2 )( m + 3)
0

...................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................
Therefore from (i),

y = x m  a0 +
3m + 1
a0 x + 2
( 3m + 1)( 3m + 4 ) a x 2 + ( 3m + 1)( 3m + 4 )( 3m + 7 ) a x3 + − − − − 

3 ( m + 1) 3 ( m + 1)( m + 2 ) 33 ( m + 1)( m + 2 )( m + 3)
0 0
 
 3m + 1 ( 3m + 1)( 3m + 4 ) x 2 + ( 3m + 1)( 3m + 4 )( 3m + 7 ) x3 + − − − −  − − − ii
= a0 x m 1 + x+ 2  ( )
 3 ( m + 1) 3 ( m + 1)( m + 2 ) 33 ( m + 1)( m + 2 )( m + 3) 
7
The roots of the indicial equation are m = 0 ,
3
 1 1  4 1 47 3 
 y1 = ( y )m =0 = a0 1 + x+ 2 x2 + 3 x + − − − −
 3 1 3 1  2 3 1  2  3 
 y2 = ( y ) m = 7
3

 7  7  7   7  7  7  
7 3 +1  3  + 1 3  + 4   3  + 1 3  + 4  3  + 7  
x+
3 3  3  x 2 +  3  3  3  x3 + − − 
= a0 x 1 +
3

 3  7 + 1  7  7
32  + 1 + 2 
  7  7  7
33  + 1 + 2  + 3 
 
   
3   3  3   3  3  3 
7
 8 8 11 2 8 1114 3 
= a0 x 3 1 + x+ x + x + − − − −
 10 10 13 10 13 16 
Therefore, the complete solution is,
y = c1 y1 + c2 y2
 1 1 4 2 1 4  7 3 
= C1 1 + x + 2 x + 3 x + − − − −
 3 3 1  2 3 1  2  3 
7
 8 8 11 2 8 1114 3 
+ C2 x3 1 +
 10 x + x + x + − − − −
10 13 10 13 16 

Example 2.
d 2 y dy
Solve in series the equation x 2 + + x y = 0
2

dx dx
Ans:
d 2 y dy
x 2 + + x 2 y = 0 − − − − − − − ( A)
dx dx

Page13 Jayachandran V, Assistant Professor, College of Science and Technology

 P0 ( x ) = x, P1 ( x ) = 1, P2 ( x ) = x 2

P0 ( 0 ) = 0 . Therefore x=0 is a singular point of (A)

P1 ( x ) 1
Q1 ( x ) = ( x − 0) =  x =1
P0 ( x ) x
P2 ( x ) x2
Q2 ( x ) = ( x − 0) =  x 2 = x3
2

P0 ( x ) x
Q1 ( 0 ) = 1 and Q2 ( 0 ) = 0
 Q1 ( x ) and Q2 ( x ) possess all order derivatives in the neighbourhood of x = 0
Therefore x= 0 is a regular singular point.

(
 Assume the solution of the form y = x m a0 + a1 x + a2 x 2 + a3 x3 + ....... − − − ( i ) )

( OR ) y =  an x m+n
n =0

dy d2y 
 =  ( m + n ) an x m + n −1
and 2 =  ( m + n )( m + n − 1) an x m+ n − 2
dx n =0 dx n =0

dy d2y
Substituting the values of y, and in (A) we get,
dx dx 2
  
x ( m + n )( m + n − 1) an x m + n − 2 +  ( m + n ) an x m+ n −1 + x 2  an x m+ n = 0
n =0 n =0 n =0
  
  ( m + n )( m + n − 1) an x m + n −1 +  ( m + n ) an x m+ n −1 +  an x m+ n + 2 = 0 − − − − ( B )
n =0 n =0 n =0

The least power of x is m – 1 and is obtained by putting n =0 in the first and second sigma.
Therefore, the indicial equation is obtained by equating the coefficient of xm-1 to zero.
m ( m − 1) a0 + ma0 = 0  m ( m − 1 + 1) a0 = 0
 m2a0 = 0  m2 = 0  m = 0, 0 (equal roots)

Equating the coefficient of xm to zero

( m + 1) ma1 + ( m + 1) a1 = 0  ( m + 1)( m + 1) a1 = 0
0
( m + 1) a1 = 0  a1 = =0  m + 1  0 as m = 0
2

( m + 1)
2

Equating the coefficient of xm+1 to zero

( m + 2 )( m + 1) a2 + ( m + 2 ) a2 = 0  ( m + 2 )( m + 1 + 1) a2 = 0
0
 ( m + 2 ) a2 = 0  a2 = =0  m + 2  0 as m = 0
2

( m + 2)
2

The recurrence relation is obtained by putting the coefficient of xm+k to zero

The coefficient of xm+k is obtained by putting n=k+1 in first and second sigma and n = k-2 in third
sigma of (B).

( m + k + 1)( m + k ) ak +1 + ( m + k + 1) ak +1 + ak −2 = 0  ( m + k + 1)( m + k + 1) ak +1 = − ak − 2
−1
 ak +1 = ak − 2 , k = 2,3, 4,.....
( m + k + 1)
2

Page14 Jayachandran V, Assistant Professor, College of Science and Technology

 −1
Put k = 2, a3 = a0
( m + 3)
2

−1
Put k = 3, a4 = a1 = 0
( m + 4)
2

−1
Put k = 4, a5 = a2 = 0
( m + 5)
2

−1 1
Put k = 5, a6 = a3 = a0
( m + 6) ( m + 3) ( m + 6 )
2 2 2

−1
Put k = 6, a7 = a4 = 0
(m + 7)
2

−1
Put k = 7, a8 = a5 = 0
( m + 8)
2

−1 −1
Put k = 8, a9 = a6 = a0
( m + 9) ( m + 3) ( m + 6 ) ( m + 9 )
2 2 2 2

...................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................
Therefore, from (i),
 1 1
y = x m  a0 + 0  x + 0  x 2 − a x3 + 0  x 4 + 0  x5 + a x6
( m + 3) ( m + 3) ( m + 6 )
2 0 2 2 0


1 
+ 0  x 7 + 0  x8 − a0 x9 + ....
( m + 3) ( m + 6 ) ( m + 9 )
2 2 2

 1 1 1 
= a0 x m 1 − x 3
+ x 6
− x 9
+ ..... − − − − ( ii )
 ( m + 3) ( m + 3) ( m + 6 ) ( m + 3) ( m + 6 ) ( m + 9 )
2 2 2 2 2 2


The roots of the indicial equation are m = 0 , 0 (Equal roots-Case2)

 y1 = ( y )m =0
 1 1 1 
= a0 1 − 2 x3 + 2 2 x 6 − 2 2 2 x9 + ..... 
 3 3 6 3 6 9 
To get the second solution differentiate (ii) partially with respect to m and put m =0

Equation (ii) is,

 1 1 1 
y = a0 x m 1 − x 3
+ x 6
− x 9
+ ..... 
 ( m + 3) 2 ( m + 3 )
2
( m + 6 )
2
( m + 3 )
2
( m + 6 )
2
( m + 9 )
2

 
y  1 1 1 
 = a0 x m log ( x ) 1 − x3 + x6 − x 9 + .....
m  ( m + 3) ( m + 3) ( m + 6 ) ( m + 3) ( m + 6 ) ( m + 9 )
2 2 2 2 2 2

 2 1 2  1 1  6 
0 + x3 − 2 
+ x 
( m + 3) ( m + 3) ( m + 3) ( m + 6 )  m + 3 m + 6 
2 2
m  
+ a0 x  
2  1 1 1  9
 + 2 
+ +  x − .....
( m + 3) ( m + 6 ) ( m + 9 )  m + 3 m + 6 m + 9 
2 2
 

Page15 Jayachandran V, Assistant Professor, College of Science and Technology

    1  −2 2 1 
 − x 3
 = − x 3
=  x 3

 m  ( m + 3) ( m + 3) ( m + 3) ( m + 3)
2 3 2
 
 
   1  6 
 1 1  
  x 6
 = x    
 m  ( m + 3) ( m + 6 ) m  ( m + 3)2 ( m + 6 )2 
2 2
 
 
 6 1 −2 1 −2  −2  1 1  6
= x   +  3
= 2 
+ x 
 ( m + 3) ( m + 6 ) ( m + 6 ) ( m + 3)  ( m + 3) ( m + 6 )  m + 3 m + 6  
2 3 2 2

OR
 d  1  
To find   
 dm  ( m + 3)2 ( m + 6 )2  
 
 Put u = 1 
 ( m + 3) ( m + 6 )
2 2 
 
  1  
 log u = log   = log1 − log ( m + 3)2 + log ( m + 6 )2  
  ( m + 3) ( m + 6 ) 
2 2  
 
 = 0 − 2 log ( m + 3) − 2 log ( m + 6 ) 
 1 du −2 2 
 = − 
 u dm m + 3 m + 6 
 du  −2 2  1  −2 2  
 = u −  = 2 
−  
 dm  m + 3 m + 6  ( m + 3) ( m + 6 )  m + 3 m + 6  
2

 
 −2  1 1  
= 2 
+ 
 ( m + 3 ) (
2
m + 6 )  m + 3 m + 6  
 
 
 y   1 1 1 
 y2 =   = a0 log ( x ) 1 − 2 x 3 + 2 2 x 6 − 2 2 2 x 9 + ..... 
 y  m =0  3 3 6 3 6 9 
2 1 2 1 1 2 1 1 1 
+ a0  2  x 3 − 2 2  +  x 6 + 2 2 2  + +  x 9 − ....
3 3 3 6  3 6  3 6 9  3 6 9  

Therefore, the complete solution is,

y = c1 y1 + c2 y2
 1 1 1 
= C1 1 − 2 x3 + 2 2 x 6 − 2 2 2 x9 + ..... 
 3 3 6 3 6 9 
  1 1 1   2 1 2 1 1  6 
+ C2  log ( x ) 1 − 2 x3 + 2 2 x 6 − 2 2 2 x9 + .....  +  2  x3 − 2 2  3 + 6  x + .....  
  3 3 6 3 6 9  3 3 3 6 
 1 1 1 
= C1 + C2 log ( x )  1 − 2 x3 + 2 2 x 6 − 2 2 2 x9 + ..... 
 3 3 6 3 6 9 
2 1 2 1 1 2 1 1 1 
+ C2  2  x3 − 2 2  +  x 6 + 2 2 2  + +  x9 + ... .
3 3 3 6  3 6  3 6 9  3 6 9  

Page16 Jayachandran V, Assistant Professor, College of Science and Technology

 Example 3.
d2y dy
Solve in series the equation x 2 + 2 + x y = 0
dx dx
Ans:
d2y dy
x 2 + 2 + x y = 0 − − − − − ( A)
dx dx

P0 ( x ) = x, P1 ( x ) = 2, P2 ( x ) = x

P0 ( 0 ) = 0 . Therefore x=0 is a singular point of (A)

P1 ( x ) 2
Q1 ( x ) = ( x − 0) =  x =2
P0 ( x ) x
P2 ( x ) x 2
Q2 ( x ) = ( x − 0) =  x = x2
2

P0 ( x ) x
Q1 ( 0 ) = 2 and Q2 ( 0 ) = 0
 Q1 ( x ) and Q2 ( x ) possess all order derivatives in the neighbourhood of x = 0
Therefore x= 0 is a regular singular point.

(
 Assume the solution of the form y = x m a0 + a1 x + a2 x 2 + a3 x3 + ..... − − − ( i ) )

( OR ) y =  an x m+n
n =0

dy d2y 
 =  ( m + n ) an x m+ n −1 and 2 =  ( m + n )( m + n − 1) an x m+ n − 2
dx n =0 dx n =0

dy d2y
Substituting the values of y, and in (A) we get
dx dx 2
  
x ( m + n )( m + n − 1) an x m + n − 2 + 2 ( m + n ) an x m + n −1 + x  an x m + n = 0
n =0 n =0 n =0
  
  ( m + n )( m + n − 1) an x m + n −1 +  2 ( m + n ) an x m + n −1 +  an x m + n +1 = 0 − − − − ( B )
n =0 n =0 n =0

The least power of x is m – 1 and is obtained by putting n =0 in the first and second sigma.
Therefore, the indicial equation is obtained by equating the coefficient of xm-1 to zero.

m ( m − 1) a0 + 2ma0 = 0  m ( m − 1 + 2 ) a0 = 0
m ( m + 1) a0 = 0  m ( m + 1) = 0  m = 0, −1 (differ by integer)

Equating the coefficient of xm to zero

( m + 1) ma1 + 2 ( m + 1) a1 = 0  ( m + 1)( m + 2 ) a1 = 0
0 0
 a1 = = ( indeterminate form )  m = −1
( m + 1)( m + 2 ) 0
Therefore, take a1 also as an arbitrary constant.

The recurrence relation is obtained by putting the coefficient of xm+k to zero

The coefficient of xm+k is obtained by putting n=k+1 in first and second sigma and n = k-1 in third
sigma of (B)

Page17 Jayachandran V, Assistant Professor, College of Science and Technology

 ( m + k + 1)( m + k ) ak +1 + 2 ( m + k + 1) ak +1 + ak −1 = 0
 ( m + k + 1)( m + k + 2 ) ak +1 = −ak −1
−1
 ak +1 = a , k = 1, 2,3,....
( m + k + 1)( m + k + 2 ) k −1

−1
Put k = 1, a2 = a
( m + 2 )( m + 3) 0
−1
Put k = 2, a3 = a
( m + 3)( m + 4 ) 1
−1 1
Put k = 3, a4 = a2 = a
( m + 4 )( m + 5) ( m + 2 )( m + 3)( m + 4 )( m + 5 ) 0
−1 1
Put k = 4, a5 = a3 = a
( m + 5)( m + 6 ) ( m + 3)( m + 4 )( m + 5)( m + 6 ) 1
...................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................

Therefore, from(i)
 −1 −1 
 a0 + a1 x + ( m + 2 )( m + 3) a0 x + ( m + 3)( m + 4 ) a1 x
2 3

m 
y=x
 1 1 
 + a0 x +
4
a1 x − ..... 
5

 ( m + 2 )( m + 3)( m + 4 )( m + 5 ) ( m + 3)( m + 4 )( m + 5 )( m + 6 ) 
 1 1 
= a0 x m 1 − x2 + x 4 − ..... 
 ( m + 2 )( m + 3) ( m + 2 )( m + 3)( m + 4 )( m + 5 ) 
 1 1 
+ a1 x m  x − x3 + x 5 − .....  − − − − − − ( ii )
 ( m + 3)( m + 4 ) ( m + 3)( m + 4 )( m + 5 )( m + 6 ) 

Therefore, the complete solution is obtained by putting m= -1 in (ii)

C.S is,
 1 2 1   1 3 1 
y = a0 x −1 1 − x + x 4 − .....  + a1 x −1  x − x + x 5 − ..... 
 1 2 1 2  3  4   23 2  3 4  5 
 1 1   1 1 
= a0 x −1 1 − x 2 + x 4 − .....  + a1 x −1  x − x3 + x 5 − ..... 
 2! 4!   3! 5! 

Example 4.
d2y dy
Solve in series the equation x 2
+5 + x y = 0
dx dx
Ans:
d2y dy
x 2 + 5 + x y = 0 − − − − − − − ( A)
dx dx

Page18 Jayachandran V, Assistant Professor, College of Science and Technology

 P0 ( x ) = x, P1 ( x ) = 5, P2 ( x ) = x

P0 ( 0 ) = 0 . Therefore x=0 is a singular point of (A)

P1 ( x ) 5
Q1 ( x ) = ( x − 0) = x=5
P0 ( x ) x
P2 ( x ) x 2
Q2 ( x ) = ( x − 0) =  x = x2
2

P0 ( x ) x
Q1 ( 0 ) = 5 and Q2 ( 0 ) = 0
 Q1 ( x ) and Q2 ( x ) possess all order derivatives in the neighbourhood of x = 0
Therefore x= 0 is a regular singular point.

(
 Assume the solution of the form y = x m a0 + a1 x + a2 x 2 + a3 x3 + .......... − − − ( i ) )

( OR ) y =  an x m+n
n =0

dy d2y 
 =  ( m + n ) an x m + n −1
and 2 =  ( m + n )( m + n − 1) an x m+ n − 2
dx n =0 dx n =0

dy d2y
Substituting the values of y, and in (A) we get
dx dx 2
  
x ( m + n )( m + n − 1) an x m+ n − 2 + 5 ( m + n ) an x m+ n −1 + x  an x m+ n = 0
n =0 n =0 n =0
  
  ( m + n )( m + n − 1) an x m + n −1 +  5 ( m + n ) an x m + n −1 +  an x m + n +1 = 0 − − − − − − ( B )
n =0 n =0 n =0

The least power of x is m – 1 and is obtained by putting n =0 in the first and second sigma.
Therefore, the indicial equation is obtained by equating the coefficient of xm-1 to zero.
m ( m − 1) a0 + 5ma0 = 0  m ( m − 1 + 5) a0 = 0  m ( m + 4 ) a0 = 0
 m ( m + 4 ) = 0  m = 0, −4 (differ by integer)

Equating the coefficient of xm to zero

( m + 1) ma1 + 5 ( m + 1) a1 = 0  ( m + 1)( m + 5 ) a1 = 0
0
 a1 = =0  m = 0 and − 4
( m + 1)( m + 5)

The recurrence relation is obtained by putting the coefficient of xm+k to zero

The coefficient of xm+k is obtained by putting n=k+1 in first and second sigma and n = k-1 in third
sigma of (B)
  

 ( m + n )( m + n − 1) a x
n =0
n
m + n −1
+  5 ( m + n ) an x m + n −1 +  an x m + n +1 = 0
n =0 n =0

 ( m + k + 1)( m + k ) ak +1 + 5 ( m + k + 1) ak +1 + ak −1 = 0
 ( m + k + 1)( m + k + 5 ) ak +1 = − ak −1
−1
 ak +1 = a , k = 1, 2,3,...
( m + k + 1)( m + k + 5) k −1

Page19 Jayachandran V, Assistant Professor, College of Science and Technology

 −1
Put k = 1, a2 = a
( m + 2 )( m + 6 ) 0
−1
Put k = 2, a3 = a =0
( m + 3)( m + 7 ) 1
−1 1
Put k = 3, a4 = a2 = a
( m + 4 )( m + 8) ( m + 2 )( m + 4 )( m + 6 )( m + 8 ) 0
−1
Put k = 4, a5 = a =0
( m + 5)( m + 9 ) 3
−1 −1
Put k = 5, a6 = a4 = a0
( m + 6 )( m + 10 ) ( m + 2 )( m + 4 )( m + 6 ) ( m + 8 )( m + 10 )
2

−1
Put k = 6, a7 = a =0
( m + 7 )( m + 11) 5
−1 1
Put k = 7, a8 = a6 = a0
( m + 8)( m + 12 ) ( m + 2 )( m + 4 )( m + 6 ) ( m + 8) ( m + 10 )( m + 12 )
2 2

.................................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................................

Therefore from(i)
 −1 1 4
 a0 + 0  x + ( m + 2 )( m + 6 ) a0 x + 0  x + ( m + 2 )( m + 4 )( m + 6 )( m + 8 ) a0 x 
2 3

y = xm  
 1 
 + 0  x − a0 x 6 + ......
5

( m + 2 )( m + 4 )( m + 6 ) ( m + 8 )( m + 10 )
2
 
 1 1 
1 − ( m + 2 )( m + 6 ) x + ( m + 2 )( m + 4 )( m + 6 )( m + 8 ) x
2 4

m  − − ( ii )
= a0 x
 1 
 − x 6 + ..... 
( m + 2 )( m + 4 )( m + 6 ) ( m + 8 )( m + 10 )
2

 
 y1 = ( y )m =0
 1 2 1 1 1 
= a0 1 − x + x4 − x6 + x8 − ....... 
 26 2  4  6 8 2  4  6  8 10 2  4  6  8 10 12 
2 2 2

Since the second root of the indicial equation is - 4 and if it is substituted in (ii) third term
onwards of (ii) becomes infinity. This is case –IV
To overcome this modify y by replacing a0 with b0[m-(-4)] in (ii).
 1 1 
 y = b0 ( m + 4 ) x m 1 − x2 + x 4 − ....... 
 ( m + 2 )( m + 6 ) ( m + 2 )( m + 4 )( m + 6 )( m + 8) 
 m+4 1 
= b0 x m  ( m + 4 ) − x2 + x 4 − .......  − − − − − ( iii )
 ( m + 2 )( m + 6 ) ( m + 2 )( m + 6 )( m + 8) 

To get the second solution differentiate (iii) partially w.r.t. m and put m = - 4

Page20 Jayachandran V, Assistant Professor, College of Science and Technology

  m+4 1 
y = b0 x m  ( m + 4 ) − x2 + x 4 − ....... 
 ( m + 2 )( m + 6 ) ( m + 2 )( m + 6 )( m + 8) 
y  m+4 1 
= b0 x m log x  ( m + 4 ) − x2 + x 4 − ....... 
m  ( m + 2 )( m + 6 ) ( m + 2 )( m + 6 )( m + 8) 
 
 m 2 + 8m + 20 2 3m 2 + 32m + 76
+ b0 x 1 +
m
x − x − ....... 
4

 ( m 2 + 8m + 12 )2 ( m + 16m + 76m + 96 )
3 2 2

 
 y 
 y2 =  
 m m=−4
 1   1 1 
= b0 x −4 log x  ( 0 ) − 0  x 2 − x 4 − .......  + b0 x −4 1 + x 2 + x 4 + ....... 
 16   4 64 

Therefore, the complete solution is y = C1 y1 + C2 y2

Page21 Jayachandran V, Assistant Professor, College of Science and Technology