[Math] Formula for the nth Derivative of a Differential Equation

calculusderivativesordinary differential equations

I have the differential equation
$$f'(x)=2xf(x)$$
With the initial condition that $f(0)=1$

I need to prove that the nth derivative evaluated at zero is equivalent to $n!/(n/2)!$ for even n.
$$\text{Show } f^{(n)}(0)=\frac{n!}{(n/2)!} \text{ for even values of n}$$

I have tried using the general Leibniz rule, which gives me that

$$\left[ \sum_{k=0}^c \frac{c!}{k!(c-k)!}(2x)^{(k)}(f^{(c-k)}(x)) \right]_{x=0}=\frac{c!}{(c/2)!}$$
But then I don't know how to proceed from here, any guidance would be appreciated!

Note: I know the solution is $e^{x^2}$ but the problem involves comparing the series expansion and differntial equation, so I need to be able to solve this part.

Best Answer

Substitute $f(x) = \sum_{k=0}^\infty a_k x^k$. Then \begin{equation} f'(x) = \sum_{k=0}^\infty k a_k x^{k-1} = \sum_{k=1}^\infty k a_k x^{k-1} = \sum_{m=0}^\infty (m+1) a_{m+1} x^m, \tag{1} \end{equation} and \begin{equation} 2 x f(x) = \sum_{k=0}^\infty 2a_k x^{k+1} = \sum_{n=1}^\infty 2 a_{n-1} x^n.\tag{2} \end{equation} Equating $(1)$ and $(2)$ term by term, you obtain a recurrence relation for the coefficients $a_n$. The initial condition $f(0) = 1$ yields $a_0 = 1$. You can now use the recursive relation to prove the statement.

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