# Algebraic substitution

1. ### cristo

8,412
Staff Emeritus
1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

I have this function $$F(r)=\frac{(r-r_+)(r-r_-)}{r^2}$$ and I want to make the subsitution $r=r_+(1+\rho^2)$.
2. Relevant equations

None.

3. The attempt at a solution

So, I sub in, to obtain $$F=\frac{[r_+(1+\rho^2)-r_-][r_+(1+\rho^2)-r_-]}{r_+^2(1+\rho^2)^2}=\frac{\rho^2[r_+(1+\rho^2)-r_-]}{r_+^2(1+\rho^2)^2}$$.

Now, the solutions say that this is equal to $$\frac{r_+\rho^2(r_+-r_-)}{r_+^2}\cdot [1+O(\rho^2)]$$, however I cannot, for the life of me, see how to get this from my line above! Can anyone help?

2. Science news on Phys.org
3. ### Hootenanny

9,678
Staff Emeritus
Looks like a Taylor expansion to me, but I could be wrong...

4. ### cristo

8,412
Staff Emeritus
Yup, you're correct. I never spot things like that. Thanks!

Know someone interested in this topic? Share a link to this question via email, Google+, Twitter, or Facebook

Have something to add?