Boundary conditions of the second-order differential equation and the Riccati equation

Abstract

The conversion of a second-order linear ordinary differential equation with variable coefficients into a Riccati equation depends on whether the second-order problem is an initial-value or two-point boundary-value problem. The distinction is critical in determining the initial condition for the Riccati equation. If the second-order problem is an initial-value problem, the choice of the Riccati transformation depends on whether a zero initial condition for the function or its derivative is specified. If the problem is a two-point boundary-value problem, special methods must be introduced as described in the paper.