Calculating Coefficients of Infinite Power Series

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the coefficients of the infinite power series defined by f(x) = ∑_{n=0}^{∞} a_n x^n and its reciprocal, 1/f(x) = ∑_{n=0}^{∞} b_n x^n. It is established that while there is no straightforward formula to derive b_n from a_n, one effective method is through long division of power series. The example provided illustrates that when a_0 is non-zero, the coefficients b_n can be systematically obtained using this technique, particularly when f(x) is a simple function like x.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of infinite power series
  • Familiarity with coefficient extraction techniques
  • Knowledge of long division in the context of power series
  • Basic principles of combinatorial arguments in series manipulation
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the method of long division for power series in detail
  • Explore combinatorial techniques for series transformations
  • Learn about the implications of the chain rule in series calculus
  • Investigate the properties of power series convergence and divergence
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, students of calculus, and anyone interested in advanced series manipulation techniques will benefit from this discussion.

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given the infinite power series

f(x)= \sum_{n=0}^{\infty}a_ {n}x^{n}

if we know ALL the a(n) is there a straight formula to get the coefficients of the b(n)

\frac{1}{f(x)}= \sum_{n=0}^{\infty}b_ {n}x^{n}

for example from the chain rule for 1/x and f(x) could be obtain some combinatorial argument to get the b(n) from the a(n) ??
 
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Not usually. f(x)=x. There is no power series for 1/f(x).
 
Take the case a_0 not 0. We can obtain the b_n by *long division* of power series.
 

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