FM November 2022 p12 q04
4256
The function \(f\) is such that \(f''(x)= f(x)\)
Prove by mathematical induction that, for every positive integer n,
\(\frac{d^{2n-1}}{dx^{2n-1}}(xf(x)) = xf'(x) + (2n-1)f(x).\)
Solution
Base case: For \(n = 1\),
\(\frac{d}{dx}(xf(x)) = xf'(x) + f(x) = xf'(x) + (2(1)-1)f(x).\)
Assume true for \(n = k\), so
\(\frac{d^{2k-1}}{dx^{2k-1}}(xf(x)) = xf'(x) + (2k-1)f(x).\)
Then,
\(\frac{d^{2k}}{dx^{2k}}(xf(x)) = xf(x) + 2kf'(x).\)
\(\frac{d^{2k+1}}{dx^{2k+1}}(xf(x)) = xf'(x) + f(x) + 2kf(x)\)
\(= xf'(x) + (2k+1)f(x).\)
So, it is also true for \(n = k+1\). Hence, by induction, true for all positive integers.
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