THE TEACHING OF MATHEMATICS

THE TEACHING OF MATHEMATICS
Application of different methods for solving linear difference equations with variable coefficients
Mehmed Nurkanović and Mirsad Trumić

Abstract

Several methods for solving linear difference equations are considered: the operator method, the method of invariants, the method of generating functions, the $Z$-transform method, and the factorial series method. The application of these methods is demonstrated by solving higher-order linear difference equations with variable coefficients, in particular to solving an interesting problem from the Putnam student competition in 1990.

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Keywords: Linear difference equation; operator method; invariant method; method of generating functions; $Z$-transform method; method of factorial series.

DOI: 10.57016/TM-UURP1450

Pages:  30$-$41     

Volume  XXVIII ,  Issue  1 ,  2025