Convergence of Arctan(t) Power Series at Endpoints

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the convergence of the power series for the function arctan(t) at the endpoints of the interval [-1, 1]. The series converges absolutely at both endpoints, x = 1 and x = -1, confirmed by p-comparison and Abel's theorem, indicating uniform convergence over the entire interval. The participants also explore the limit as x approaches 1 from the left, relating arctan(x) to ln(√(x+1)) and suggesting the use of Taylor series for further evaluation. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding the radius of convergence and the behavior of series at their endpoints.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Taylor series expansion
  • Familiarity with the concept of uniform convergence
  • Knowledge of p-comparison test for series convergence
  • Basic calculus concepts including limits and integrals
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of Abel's theorem in series convergence
  • Learn about the properties of Taylor series and their convergence
  • Explore the p-comparison test in detail for series analysis
  • Investigate the relationship between arctan(x) and ln(√(x+1)) using Taylor series
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators in advanced calculus, particularly those focusing on series convergence, as well as mathematicians interested in the properties of power series and their applications in analysis.

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Homework Statement



An exercise from advanced calculus by taylor :

attachment.php?attachmentid=57226&stc=1&d=1364515036.png


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



(a)

##\int_{0}^{x} tan^{-1}(t) dt = \int_{0}^{x} \sum_{n=0}^{∞} (-1)^n \frac{t^{2n+1}}{2n+1} dt = \sum_{n=0}^{∞} \frac{(-1)^n}{2n+1} \int_{0}^{x} t^{2n+1} dt = \sum_{n=0}^{∞} \frac{(-1)^n}{2n+1} \frac{x^{2n+2}}{2n+2}##

Now I won't plaster everything here, but this series appears to converge for ##|x| < 1## by the ratio test. The question asks me to pay special attention to the endpoints of the interval of convergence, namely ##±1##.

By some quick inspection, I see that at x = 1 the series will converge absolutely by p-comparison so that the series will be uniformly convergent on [0,1] by Abel's theorem.

At x = -1 the series appears to be absolutely convergent by p-comparison so that the series converges uniformly on [-1,0] by Abel's theorem once again.

This implies the series is uniformly convergent over the whole interval [-1,1].


(b)

I have no clue how to do part (b) for some reason though. I know that as ##x→1^-##, ##arctan(x)→π/4##

Not quite sure how to use this though.
 

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Zondrina said:

Homework Statement



An exercise from advanced calculus by taylor :

[ url]http://gyazo.com/42bad5b853d34bd2bcf504afa86a1397[/url]


Homework Equations


...
Here's an image of the problem:


attachment.php?attachmentid=57220&stc=1&d=1364497551.png
 

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  • 42bad5b853d34bd2bcf504afa86a1397.png
    42bad5b853d34bd2bcf504afa86a1397.png
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SammyS said:
Here's an image of the problem:


attachment.php?attachmentid=57220&stc=1&d=1364497551.png

Thanks Sammy.

I was thinking a moment ago for part (b).

Consider : ##lim_{x→1^-} \space arctan(x) - ln( \sqrt{x+1}) = lim_{x→1^-} \space arctan(x) - \frac{1}{2}ln(x+1)##

Perhaps that could be of some usage? I could convert each function into its equivalent Taylor series and I'll take a stab in the dark that things will start cancelling out.
 
^Just a hint, it's not a matter so much of cancelling as it is evaluating arctan(x) and 1/2 ln(x+1) and noticing a pattern. Whatever series you use, be mindful of where they are centered, by which I mean be mindful of your choice of z_0 in \sum_{n=0}^\infty a_n(z-z_0)^n. If the series you're using are not given by your teacher or haven't been derived in class, you might want to state or show the radius of convergence and check endpoints.
 
Ocifer said:
^Just a hint, it's not a matter so much of cancelling as it is evaluating arctan(x) and 1/2 ln(x+1) and noticing a pattern. Whatever series you use, be mindful of where they are centered, by which I mean be mindful of your choice of z_0 in \sum_{n=0}^\infty a_n(z-z_0)^n. If the series you're using are not given by your teacher or haven't been derived in class, you might want to state or show the radius of convergence and check endpoints.

That seems like more of a first year thing learning what ln(x+1) is in terms of its series.

##ln(x+1) = \sum_{n=1}^{∞} (-1)^{n+1} \frac{x^n}{n}## which i know will converge for x inside the interval (-1,1].

EDIT : Ohh so as x goes to 1 from the left, the desired result is achieved since the series for ln(x+1) converges for x in (-1,1].
 
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