ES201 Advanced Mathematical Methods in Engineering

Master of Engineering in Energy and Environment

REFLECTION PAPER
TOPIC: Power Series Solutions and Classification of Singularities (Niño Louie R. Boloron)
In Content, Experience, Reflection, Application (CERA) format

The second chapter of the textbook, ADVANCED MATHEMATICAL METHODS IN SCIENCE AND
ENGINEERING (Second Edition), by S.I. Hayek, essentially introduces the concepts behind series
solutions of ordinary differential equations and briefly presents some tests that can be done to evaluate
certain equations in a series. There are four (4) specific topics presented in the chapter and these are the
following: 2.1 Introduction, 2.2 Power Series Solutions, A.3 Classification of Singularities, and A.4 Frobenius
Solution. As mentioned, this chapter briefly covers the series solutions of ordinary differential equations,
and the methods of solution of singular differential equations. For my assigned topic, I focused on the first
three (3) specific topics on the introduction, power series solutions and classification of singularities. Of
interest is the power series solutions of ordinary differential equations – conducting ratio tests before
proceeding, to identify whether the series converges or diverges, and using the power series notation to
find the solution of the ordinary differential equation.
Even though the chapter introduces the concepts and some tests that can be done to evaluate
certain series and eventually finding the appropriate solution, I initially struggled to fully comprehend my
assigned topic. It was really challenging and exciting, considering that I had little experience on the assigned
topic, and I had to do a report of it as if I was thoroughly knowledgeable. When I was doing internet research
and selectively choosing the appropriate resources for my report, I was amazed at how, even though each
reference were presenting a separate technique, the Airy’s equation was constantly used as an example
to explain the topic. It was my first time encountering the Airy’s equation and I was even more surprised
when I later came to learn that such an equation is being used in physics develop mathematical models
regarding the diffraction of light. It just shows that concepts presented in some fields of study can be used
to associate and relate with other fields of study, in this case, establishing a relationship between
mathematics, physics and optics.
This bridging between various fields of study is what reminded me of my plan when I was still an
undergraduate student. Back then, I wanted to conduct research that will connect the field of Mechanical
Engineering to Information Technology – I pursued research on Computer Vision and used it to determine
the physical parameters of certain objects. Fortunately, I completed my research and presented a working
proof of concept, with the intention of having it improved in the future. Unfortunately, it was left as a proof
of concept since there was no student willing to improve upon its foundation. Yet, as classes are now held
virtually and more and more students are being exposed to computer and technology-derived resources, I
am somewhat hopeful that there will be more research thesis involving other fields of study.
Going back to my topic on the power series solution for ordinary differential equations, it is important
to identify its direct function when it comes to finding appropriate solutions. For this topic, the power series
is employed to effectively dissect a certain function or equation and find its appropriate finite solution. I
specifically mention finite since it is still possible to find other solutions, however, it will be somewhat taxing
and complicated, especially if dealing with divergent equations and zero solutions. Additionally, using the
classification of singularities, a differential equation may be further evaluated as Regular Singular Point and
Irregular Singular Point. This is important since during the evaluation, a certain equation will be identified
on whether its coefficients result in a finite or infinite, bounded or unbounded solution.

Niño Louie R. Boloron