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For a normalized second-order equation, a point is singular when its coefficient functions are not both analytic there. If multiplying them by the first and second powers of distance to the point makes them analytic, it is a regular singular point. This classification concerns the equation; some individual solutions may nevertheless extend analytically through the point.

With $s=\sqrt{z}$ and $Y(s)=y(s^2)$, the displayed linear differential equation becomes $Y_{ss}+Y=0$ away from zero. Its Frobenius solutions have exponents $0$ and $1/2$: $\cos \sqrt{z}={\sum }_{n\ge 0}(-1{)}^n{z}^n/(2n)!$ and $\sin \sqrt{z}=z^{1/2}{\sum }_{n\ge 0}(-1{)}^n{z}^n/(2n+1)!$. The first is an entire function of $z$; the second needs a local square-root branch. This illustrates how a regular singular point can arise from a degenerate change of independent variable.