Classical Orthogonal Polynomials - Definition

Definition

In general, the orthogonal polynomials Pn with respect to a weight W:RR+ on the real line are defined by

\begin{align}
&\deg P_n = n~, \quad n = 0,1,2,\ldots\\
&\int P_m(x) \, P_n(x) \, W(x)\,dx = 0~, \quad m \neq n~.
\end{align}

The relations above define Pn up to multiplication by a number. Various normalisations are used to fix the constant, e.g.

The classical orthogonal polynomials correspond to the three families of weights:

\begin{align}
\text{(Jacobi)}\quad &W(x) = \begin{cases} (1 - x)^\alpha (1+x)^\beta~, & -1 \leq x \leq 1 \\ 0~, &\text{otherwise}
\end{cases} \\
\text{(Hermite)}\quad &W(x) = \exp(- x^2) \\
\text{(Laguerre)}\quad &W(x) = \begin{cases} x^\alpha \exp(- x)~, &\quad x \geq 0 \\ 0~, &\text{otherwise}
\end{cases}
\end{align}

The standard normalisation (also called standardization) is detailed below.

Read more about this topic:  Classical Orthogonal Polynomials

Famous quotes containing the word definition:

    The very definition of the real becomes: that of which it is possible to give an equivalent reproduction.... The real is not only what can be reproduced, but that which is always already reproduced. The hyperreal.
    Jean Baudrillard (b. 1929)

    The definition of good prose is proper words in their proper places; of good verse, the most proper words in their proper places. The propriety is in either case relative. The words in prose ought to express the intended meaning, and no more; if they attract attention to themselves, it is, in general, a fault.
    Samuel Taylor Coleridge (1772–1834)

    According to our social pyramid, all men who feel displaced racially, culturally, and/or because of economic hardships will turn on those whom they feel they can order and humiliate, usually women, children, and animals—just as they have been ordered and humiliated by those privileged few who are in power. However, this definition does not explain why there are privileged men who behave this way toward women.
    Ana Castillo (b. 1953)