Power Series Expansion of f(x) = \frac{10}{1+100*x^2}

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the power series expansion of the function f(x) = 10/(1 + 100x^2). Participants are tasked with determining the coefficients of the series representation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to derive coefficients for the power series but encounters discrepancies in their calculations for C_1 through C_4. Some participants question the modeling of the function and suggest verifying the expansion terms.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively discussing the coefficients of the power series, with some providing terms of the expansion and others pointing out potential errors in the calculations. There is a recognition of the need to check assumptions regarding the series representation.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of a constraint regarding the validity of the expansion for |x| < 1/10, which may impact the results. The original poster references a similar problem from a textbook, indicating a possible source of confusion.

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the function [tex]f(x) = \frac{10}{1+100*x^2}[/tex]
is represented as a power series
[tex]f(x) = \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} C_nX^n[/tex]

Find the first few coefficients in the power series:
C_0 = ____
C_1 = ____
C_2 = ____
C_3 = ____
C_4 = ____


well [tex]f(x) = \frac{10}{1+100*x^2}[/tex] can be written as [tex]10\sum_{n=0}^{\infty} (-100x^2)^n[/tex]

for C_0, i got 10 because if you plug in n = 0, you get 10 (which is correct).
for c_1, when i plug in n=1, i get -1000, which is incorrect.
i tried doing the same for c_2-c_4, but it keeps telling me i get the wrong answer. does anyone know why?
 
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Im pretty sure you modeled the function incorrectly.
 
Write out a few terms of your expansion. What are the coefficients of the even powers of x in your expansion?
 
and more importantly, what are the coefficients of the odd powers of x?
 
i don't think i modeled it incorrectly, because there's a similar problem in the book, but maybe i made a mistake so who knows, but here are the first few terms...

10 - 1000x^2 + 10000x^4 -10000000x^6 + 1000000000x^8...

coefficients of the odd powers are zero...

but i can't seem to get the even coefficients correctly... what am i doing wrong?
 
Looks fine to me except that your coefficient for [itex]x^4[/itex] is one power of ten too small. Remember that this expansion is only valid for [itex]|x|<1/10[/itex] too.
 

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