Analysis of singular one-dimensional linear boundary value problems using two-point Taylor expansions

Abstract

We consider the second-order linear differential equation (x2 − 1)y'' + f (x)y′ + g(x)y = h(x) in the interval (−1, 1) with initial conditions or boundary conditions (Dirichlet, Neumann or mixed Dirichlet–Neumann). The functions f, g and h are analytic in a Cassini disk Dr with foci at x = ±1 containing the interval [−1, 1]. Then, the two end points of the interval may be regular singular points of the differential equation. The two-point Taylor expansion of the solution y(x) at the end points ±1 is used to study the space of analytic solutions in Dr of the differential equation, and to give a criterion for the existence and uniqueness of analytic solutions of the boundary value problem. This method is constructive and provides the two-point Taylor appro-ximation of the analytic solutions when they exist.