Expanding f(x) in Legendre Polynomials: Applying the Transformation u = x/2

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on expanding the function f(x) = 1 - (x^2/4) within the interval -2 ≤ x ≤ 2 using Legendre polynomials. The transformation u = x/2 is applied to map the function onto the interval (-1, 1). The correct approach involves using g(x) = f(u(x)), where u(x) = x/2, to perform the change of variable accurately. This ensures that the values of f(x) correspond correctly to the transformed interval.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Legendre polynomials and their properties.
  • Familiarity with variable transformations in mathematical functions.
  • Knowledge of polynomial expansion techniques.
  • Basic calculus concepts, particularly related to function mapping.
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  • Study the properties and applications of Legendre polynomials in function approximation.
  • Learn about variable transformations and their implications in mathematical analysis.
  • Explore polynomial expansion methods, focusing on orthogonal polynomials.
  • Investigate the implications of mapping functions onto different intervals in calculus.
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Mathematicians, physicists, and students involved in advanced calculus or numerical analysis, particularly those interested in polynomial approximations and transformations.

Logarythmic
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I wish to expand

[tex]f(x) = 1 - \frac{x^2}{4} , -2 \leq x \leq 2[/tex]

in terms of Legendre polynomials.

I know that the transformation

[tex]u = \frac{x}{2}[/tex]

maps the function onto the interval (-1,1), but how do I apply this transformation?

Should I use

[tex]g(x) = uf(x)[/tex]

or maybe

[tex]g(x) = f(u(x))[/tex]

?
 
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g(x)= f(u(x)). You are basically making a "change of variable".
 
But shouldn't [tex]f(2) = g(1)[/tex]?
 

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