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Re: Associated Legendre Definition

• To: mathgroup at smc.vnet.net
• Subject: [mg25643] Re: Associated Legendre Definition
• From: Kevin <kevinmccann at home.com>
• Date: Wed, 18 Oct 2000 02:52:19 -0400 (EDT)
• References: <8se9qf$6q3@smc.vnet.net>
• Sender: owner-wri-mathgroup at wolfram.com

The Mathematica definition is the more common in what I have seen. I
have seen the occasional reference that views the additional (-1)^m as
an "unnecessary complication".  Most physics texts use the Mathematica version.

Kevin

Preben Bohn wrote:

> In Mathematica, the associated Legendre polynomial is defined as
>
> P(n,m,x) = (-1)^m (1-x^2)^(m/2) d^m/dx^m (P(n,x))
>
> while in Schaum's Outlines 'Mathematical Handbook of Formulas and
> tables' it is defined as
>
> P(n,m,x) = (1-x^2)^(m/2) d^m/dx^m (P(n,x))
>
> What is true (or doesn't it matter)?
>
> Best regards
>
> Preben Bohn
>
> Sent via Deja.com http://www.deja.com/
> Before you buy.