Expanding f(z) with Powers of z-1

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the expansion of the function $\displaystyle f(z) =\frac{2z + 3}{z + 1}$ in powers of $z-1$. Participants explore methods for performing this expansion, including the use of substitutions and series expansions, while also addressing the concept of radius of convergence.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests using the substitution $u=z-1$ to facilitate the expansion.
  • Another participant expresses confusion about how to apply the substitution and asks for clarification on the placement of $u$.
  • It is proposed that $f(z)$ can be rewritten as $f(u + 1) = \frac{2u + 5}{u + 2}$.
  • Participants discuss methods for finding the radius of convergence, with one suggesting the use of a Taylor series.
  • Another participant proposes using a geometric series approach to express $\frac{1}{u+2}$ and derive a series expansion.
  • There are conflicting statements regarding the radius of convergence, with some suggesting $R = 2$ and others questioning this conclusion.
  • One participant presents two series expansions for $f(z)$, each with different conditions for convergence.
  • Concerns are raised about the correctness of a ratio test applied to the series, with one participant asserting that a factor of "1/2" was incorrectly included in the limit calculation.
  • Another participant questions the neglect of the "1/2" factor in the ratio test and seeks clarification on its role.
  • One participant attempts to derive the conditions for convergence in terms of $z$ and presents a geometric interpretation of the radius of convergence.
  • There is a repeated inquiry about whether the radius of convergence is indeed 2, with some participants affirming this conclusion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express uncertainty regarding the correct application of the ratio test and the implications for the radius of convergence. While some participants assert that the radius of convergence is 2, others challenge this conclusion, indicating that multiple competing views remain unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Limitations in the discussion include potential misunderstandings of the ratio test, the treatment of factors in series expansions, and the conditions under which different series converge. The discussion does not resolve these issues definitively.

Dustinsfl
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How do I expand $\displaystyle f(z) =\frac{2z + 3}{z + 1}$ in powers of $z-1$?
 
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Use the substitution $u=z-1$ .
 
Fernando Revilla said:
Use the substitution $u=z-1$ .

Where does the $u$ go?
 
z=u+1, now find f(z)= f(u+1)
 
So $\displaystyle f(z) = f(u + 1) = \frac{2u + 5}{u + 2}$.

I am a little confused. How do I expand this to find the radius of convergence? By a Taylor series?
 
That would be one method. Perhaps simpler is to use the fact that u+2= 2((u/2)+ 1)= 2(1- (-u/2)) and $\frac{1}{1- z}= \sum z^n$ (sum of a geometric series). So $\frac{1}{u+ 2}= \frac{1}{2}\frac{1}{1- (-u/2)}= \frac{1}{2}\sum (-u/2)^n$
 
HallsofIvy said:
That would be one method. Perhaps simpler is to use the fact that u+2= 2((u/2)+ 1)= 2(1- (-u/2)) and $\frac{1}{1- z}= \sum z^n$ (sum of a geometric series). So $\frac{1}{u+ 2}= \frac{1}{2}\frac{1}{1- (-u/2)}= \frac{1}{2}\sum (-u/2)^n$

So the $R = 2$ then correct?
 
dwsmith said:
So the $R = 2$ then correct?

First series expansion

$f(z)=2+\dfrac{1}{u+2}=2+\dfrac{1}{2}\dfrac{1}{1+u/2}=2+\dfrac{1}{2}\displaystyle\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}(-u/2)^n=2+\dfrac{1}{2}\displaystyle\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}(-(z-1)/2)^n$ ( if 0<|z-1|<2 )

Second series expansion

$f(z)=2+\dfrac{1}{u+2}=2+\dfrac{1}{u}\dfrac{1}{1+2/u}=2+\dfrac{1}{u}\displaystyle\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}(-2/u)^n=2+\displaystyle\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}(-2)^n/(z-1)^{n+1}$ ( if 2<|z-1|<$+\infty$ )
 
$\displaystyle\frac{1}{2}\sum_n^{\infty}(2z + 3)\left(-\frac{u}{2}\right)^n$

By ratio test,

$\displaystyle \frac{1}{2} \lim_{n\to\infty}\left|\frac{(2z+3)\left(-\frac{u}{2}\right)^{n+1}}{(2z+3)\left(-\frac{u}{2}\right)^n}\right|$
$\displaystyle =\frac{1}{2}\lim_{n\to\infty}\left|\left(-\frac{u}{2}\right)\right|=\frac{1}{4}\left|u\right|<1\Rightarrow\left| u\right| < 4$

Is this not correct?
 
Last edited:
  • #10
No, that is not correct. You should not have that "1/2" in front of the limit.
 
  • #11
HallsofIvy said:
No, that is not correct. You should not have that "1/2" in front of the limit.

$\displaystyle \lim_{n\to\infty}\left|\frac{(2z+3)\left(-\frac{u}{2}\right)^{n+1}}{(2z+3)\left(-\frac{u}{2}\right)^n}\right|$
$\displaystyle =\lim_{n\to\infty}\left|\left(-\frac{u}{2}\right)\right|=\frac{1}{2}\left|u\right|<1\Rightarrow\left| u\right| < 2$

Is this correct then?

Also, if the 1/2 was part of the factorization, why was it neglected?
 
Last edited:
  • #12
I think I have it.

$u = z - 1$

$|z - 1|<2\Rightarrow |x - 1 + yi|<2\Rightarrow \sqrt{(x-1)^2+y^2}<2$

$\Rightarrow (x-1)^2+y^2<4\Rightarrow -1<x<3$ and $-2<y<2$.

Now is this correct?

Assuming this is correct, what would I say the Radius of convergence is?
 
Last edited:
  • #13
The radius of convergence is 2 right?
 
  • #14
dwsmith said:
The radius of convergence is 2 right?

Right.
 

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