Find Taylor Series of \frac{1/3}{1-2x^3/3}

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the Taylor series expansion of the function \(\frac{1}{3-2x^3}\) about the point \(x = 0\). Participants explore the conditions for convergence and the implications of the series expansion.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the initial attempt at deriving the Taylor series and question the convergence of the series. There is also an inquiry into finding an expansion that converges for values outside the initial convergence range.

Discussion Status

The conversation includes confirmations of the correctness of the initial approach, along with questions about convergence limits. Some participants suggest exploring alternative series expansions for different ranges of \(x\), indicating a productive exploration of the topic.

Contextual Notes

There are constraints regarding the convergence of the series, specifically that it holds for \(|u| < 1\), which translates to \(|x| < \sqrt[3]{\frac{3}{2}}\). Participants are considering how to approach the problem for values where \(|x| > \sqrt[3]{\frac{3}{2}}\).

JG89
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Homework Statement


Find the Taylor series about the point x = 0 for the function [tex]\frac{1}{3-2x^3}[/tex]

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution

[tex]\frac{1}{3 - 2x^3} = \frac{1}{3(1 - \frac{2x^3}{3})}[/tex]. Let [tex]u = \frac{2x^3}{3}[/tex]. Then [tex]\frac{1}{3(1 - \frac{2x^3}{3})} = \frac{1}{3} \frac{1}{1 - u} = \frac{1}{3} (1 + u + u^2 + u^3 + ... )= \frac{1}{3} (1 + \frac{2x^3}{3} + \frac{4x^6}{9} + \frac{8x^9}{27} + ...)[/tex].

I learned that if a function can be expanded in a power series with the point x = 0 in its interval of convergence, then that power series expansion is also the expansion for the Taylor series, so this seems correct to me. Any mistakes?
 
Last edited:
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JG89 said:
Any mistakes?
Nope!
 
JG89 said:

Homework Statement


Find the Taylor series about the point x = 0 for the function [tex]\frac{1}{3-2x^3}[/tex]

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution

[tex]\frac{1}{3 - 2x^3} = \frac{1}{3(1 - \frac{2x^3}{3})}[/tex]. Let [tex]u = \frac{2x^3}{3}[/tex]. Then [tex]\frac{1}{3(1 - \frac{2x^3}{3})} = \frac{1}{3} \frac{1}{1 - u} = \frac{1}{3} (1 + u + u^2 + u^3 + ... )= \frac{1}{3} (1 + \frac{2x^3}{3} + \frac{4x^6}{9} + \frac{8x^9}{27} + ...)[/tex].

I learned that if a function can be expanded in a power series with the point x = 0 in its interval of convergence, then that power series expansion is also the expansion for the Taylor series, so this seems correct to me. Any mistakes?

Sure, looks ok... where does it converge?

Your answer to my last question says that the above equality holds for [tex]|x|<C[/tex]. Try to find a series expansion for the same function that converges for [tex]|x|>C[/tex].
 
Well it converges for [tex]|u| = |\frac{2x^3}{3}| < 1[/tex]. How would I find an expansion that converges for u > 1?
 
JG89 said:
How would I find an expansion that converges for u > 1?

You won't.
 
JG89 said:
Well it converges for [tex]|u| = |\frac{2x^3}{3}| < 1[/tex].

Note: this implies that the series expansion given in the OP converges for [itex]|x|<\sqrt[3]{{\scriptstyle \frac{3}{2}}}[/itex].

JG89 said:
How would I find an expansion that converges for u > 1?

I think you mean, "How do I find an expansion for [itex]|x|> \sqrt[3]{{\scriptstyle \frac{3}{2}}}[/itex]?"

Easy, do pretty much the same thing...

[tex]\frac{1}{3 - 2x^3} = -\frac{1}{2x^3}\cdot\frac{1}{1 - \frac{3}{2x^3}}[/tex]​

Now let [itex]u = \frac{3}{2x^3}[/itex] ... you, finish.
 
Last edited:

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