How Do You Calculate the Power Series of (1-x)/(1-2x)^3?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around calculating the power series representation of the function (1-x)/(1-2x)^3. Participants are exploring methods to derive the first four terms of the series and determining the domain of convergence.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses uncertainty about their approach, which involves finding derivatives of the function.
  • Another participant suggests using Taylor's formula and indicates that the derivatives calculated by the first participant may be incorrect.
  • A different participant proposes using the binomial expansion for (1-2x)^-3 and multiplying the resulting series by (1-x), stating that it will converge for |x|<1/2.
  • Another reply emphasizes the need to apply the quotient rule and chain rule correctly to find the derivatives, providing a corrected expression for the first derivative.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on the correctness of the initial derivatives calculated, and multiple approaches to finding the power series are presented. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best method to use.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention the need for specific mathematical rules (quotient rule, chain rule) and the implications of using Taylor's formula, but do not fully resolve the mathematical steps or assumptions involved in their calculations.

dan
Hi, I am stuck on this problem!

Given the function, find the first four terms of the power series representation and find the domain of convergence?

function is;
(1-x)/(1-2x)^3

my calculation;
find derivatives of the function.

y'=(1-x)/(1-2x)^4
y''=(1-x)/(1-2x)^5

I am having difficulty in knowing if what I did was correct.

I'm not sure if this is how you are meant to approach it and if what I did was the correct way to go about solving the problem.

If anyone can help me in solving my problem your help will be appreciated.

Dj
 
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Hi dan,
I think you should use Taylor's formula.
It's true you need the derivatives.
But I think your results are wrong. I get, for instance,

y'=(5-4x)/(1-2x)^4
 
Use the binomial expansion to get a series for (1-2x)-3, multiply the first few terms by (1-x). It will converge for |x|<1/2.
 
Your derivatives are not exactly correct. You need to use the quotient rule and the chain rule in this case.
Remember the quotient rule y' = (vu' - uv')/v^2.
Now let u = (1-x) and v = (1-2x)^3.
u' = -1, v' = -6(1-2x)^2 (chain rule).

therefore y' = (-(1-2x)^3-(-6)(1-x)(1-2x)^2)/(1-2x)^6
= ((1-2x)^2(5-4x))/(1-2x)^6
= (5-4x)/(1-2x)^4
 

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