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Differential EquationsSuperchallengeFrobenius & Special Functions

Frobenius & Special Functions · Superchallenge problem

Let PnP_n be the Legendre polynomials, the polynomial solutions of ((1−x2)y′)′+n(n+1)y=0\left((1 - x^2)y'\right)' + n(n+1)y = 0, normalised by Pn(1)=1P_n(1) = 1 and satisfying ∫−11Pn2 dx=22n+1\displaystyle\int_{-1}^1P_n^2\,dx = \frac{2}{2n+1}. Compute ∫−11(1−x2)[P3′(x)+P4′(x)]2dx\displaystyle\int_{-1}^{1}(1 - x^2)\left[P_3'(x) + P_4'(x)\right]^2dx. Express your answer as a common fraction.