Can We Simplify the Taylor Series Expansion for e^(f(x,y))?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the Taylor series expansion for the exponential function of a two-variable function, specifically whether a compact form can be derived for ##e^{f(x,y)}## similar to the one-variable case. Participants explore the implications of using Taylor series definitions for multiple variables and the validity of certain expressions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that the expression ##e^{f(x,y)} = \sum_{n = 0}^{\infty}\frac{(f(x,y))^n}{n!}## is valid, while others caution that it may not represent the Taylor series for the function of two variables.
  • One participant explains that substituting any expression for ##z## in the series for ##e^z## remains valid as long as it yields a real number, suggesting that both one-variable and two-variable cases are valid under this substitution.
  • Another participant points out that while the series for ##e^{f(x)}## is a power series, the series for ##e^{f(x,y)}## may not necessarily be a power series in ##x## or ##y##.
  • A suggestion is made to factor out ##e^{f(0,0)}## from the Taylor-type series of ##f(x,y)## if ##f(0,0)## is not approximately zero, leading to a modified expression that may simplify the expansion.
  • One participant expresses uncertainty about simplifying the expression further, especially when dealing with higher-order terms in ##\Delta x## and ##\Delta y##.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on whether the proposed expansions represent valid Taylor series. There are competing views on the applicability of the Taylor series definition for multiple variables and the validity of the expressions presented.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the assumptions made about the behavior of ##f(x,y)## near the point of expansion, as well as the dependence on the definitions of Taylor series for multiple variables. The discussion does not resolve these aspects.

thatboi
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I know that for 1 variable, one can write ##e^{f(x)} = \sum_{n = 0}^{\infty}\frac{(f(x))^n}{n!}##. In the case of 2-variables ##f(x,y)##, I assume we cannot write ##e^{f(x,y)} = \sum_{n = 0}^{\infty}\frac{(f(x,y))^n}{n!}## right (because of how the Taylor series is defined for multiple variables)? Is there still a compact way of writing this expansion?
 
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For any variable ##z## it is the case that
$$e^z = \sum_{n=0}^\infty \frac{z^n}{n!}$$
Substituting any expression for ##z## it remains valid, as long as the expression delivers a real number.
Substituting ##f(x)## for ##z## gives your first formula.
Substituting ##f(x,y)## for ##z## gives your second formula.
Both are valid.
The definition of a Taylor series for two variables is not relevant. In neither case is the formula a Taylor series for the function of ##x## or ##x,y##.
 
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thatboi said:
I know that for 1 variable, one can write ##e^{f(x)} = \sum_{n = 0}^{\infty}\frac{(f(x))^n}{n!}##. In the case of 2-variables ##f(x,y)##, I assume we cannot write ##e^{f(x,y)} = \sum_{n = 0}^{\infty}\frac{(f(x,y))^n}{n!}## right (because of how the Taylor series is defined for multiple variables)?
Those equations are perfectly valid. But, they may not represent the Taylor series for the given function. In general, it won't even be a power series in ##x##:
$$e^{f(x)} = \sum_{n=0}^\infty \frac{f(x)^n}{n!} = 1 + f(x) + \frac{f(x)^2}{2!} + \dots$$Which is fine, but it's not necessarily the Taylor series for ##e^{f(x)}##

In some cases, you do get the Taylor series. For example, if we let ##z = x^2##, then (as above) we get the power series:
$$e^{x^2} = \sum_{n=0}^\infty \frac{x^{2n}}{n!}$$Which is the Taylor series for ##e^{x^2}##.
 
Suggestion is that if ## f(0,0) ## is not approximately zero, that you factor out ## e^{f(0,0)} ## from the expression for the Taylor type series of ## f(x,y) ##.

Edit: It leaves you with ## e^{f(0,0)}e^{\Delta}=e^{f(0,0)}(1+ \Delta+ \Delta^2/2+...)##, = maybe it will work...Edit 2=even ## \Delta ## is complicated to second order in ## \Delta x ## and ## \Delta y ##=I don't see an easy way to simplify it.

In any case, ignore=my calculus was rusty today...:confused:
 
Last edited:

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