Deduce Taylor Series: (2n choose n) x^n Converges to 1/sqrt(1-4x)

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around deducing the Taylor series expansion of the function 1/sqrt(1-4x) and demonstrating its equivalence to the series summation (2n choose n) x^n. Participants are exploring the convergence of this series within a specified interval and attempting to manipulate binomial coefficients to achieve the desired form.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to relate the Taylor series of 1/sqrt(1-4x) to the binomial series involving (2n choose n) x^n. There are discussions on substituting variables and manipulating binomial coefficients to find equivalences. Some participants express uncertainty about how to connect their findings and are seeking guidance on the next steps.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants sharing their attempts to derive the Taylor series and expressing challenges in equating the two series. Some guidance has been offered regarding the Taylor expansion process, but no consensus or resolution has been reached yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of a homework assignment, which may limit the information they can use or the methods they can apply. There is a mention of conditional convergence at a specific point, which adds complexity to the problem.

braindead101
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Deduce that the Taylor series about 0 of 1/sqrt(1-4x) is the series summation (2n choose n) x^n.
From this conclude that summation (2n choose n) x^n converges to 1/sqrt(1-4x) for x in (-1/4,1/4).
Then show that summation (2n choose n) (-1/4)^n = 1/sqrt(1-4(-1/4)) = 1/sqrt(2)

What I know:
Taylor series about 0 of f(x) = (1+x)^r, r is a real number given by summation (r choose n) x^n.
I know that (r choose n) can be rewritten as r(r-1)(r-2)..(r-n+1)/n!
and I know from a previous question that the Taylor series converges to f(x) for all x in (-1,1), and summation (2n choose n) x^n converges conditionally at x=-1/4.

How can I do this question with all this information? I am not sure how to piece it all together I am having a lot of trouble with this course.
 
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Well, you know how to Taylor-expand the function [itex]\frac{1}{\sqrt{1+x}}=(1+x)^{-\frac{1}{2}}[/itex], it just your formula with r = -1/2.

So then just write -4x instead of x and you have the Taylor expansion for the given function:smile:

You might want to try and play around with the binomial coefficients ("r chose n") to bring it into the desired form.
 
Last edited:
I have tried to do this, but I am stuck and cannot get them to equal each other.
For f(x)=(1+(-4x))^(-1/2)
The taylor series about 0 is:
sum (-1/2 choose n) (-4x)^n
expanding binomial coefficients:
sum -1/2(-1/2-1)(-1/2-2)...(-1/2-n+1) / n! x (-4)^n (x)^n
sum -1/2(-3/2)(-5/2)...(1/2-n)/n! x (-1)^n (4)^n (x)^n

While the series I am trying to get is:
sum (2n choose n) x^n
expanding binomial coefficients:
sum 2n(2n-1)(2n-2)..(2n-n+1)/n! (x)^n
sum 2n(n-1/2)(n-1)(n-3/2)...(n+1)/n! (x)^n

I am stuck now
 
can anyone help me out, i am still stuck in same place
 

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