Polynomial solutions for a class of second-order linear differential equations

Abstract: We analyze the polynomial solutions of the linear differential equation $p_2(x)y''+p_1(x)y'+p_0(x)y=0$ where $p_j(x)$ is a $j^{\rm th}$-degree polynomial. We discuss all the possible polynomial solutions and their dependence on the parameters of the polynomials $p_j(x)$. Special cases are related to known differential equations of mathematical physics. Classes of new soluble problems are exhibited. General results are obtained for weight functions and orthogonality relations.