Find the function for this Taylor series

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding a function corresponding to the Taylor series given by the sum \(\sum_{m=0}^\infty \frac{(m-1)^{m-1}x^{m}}{m!}\). Participants explore various mathematical approaches, including connections to the Lambert W function and the Lagrange Inversion Theorem, while examining convergence conditions and derivatives.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express doubt about the existence of a closed form for the series, noting it converges only for \(|x|<1/e\).
  • One participant suggests that the series resembles the Lambert W function and proposes a relationship involving the W function, but acknowledges difficulty in directly manipulating the series into that form.
  • Another participant notes that differentiating the series leads to a new series that can be expressed in terms of the W function.
  • There are discussions about the use of the Lagrange Inversion Theorem, with some participants questioning its relevance to the original problem.
  • One participant attempts to derive a function from the series and relates it to the W function, providing a detailed mathematical manipulation.
  • Several participants engage in a back-and-forth regarding the correctness of each other's approaches, with some expressing frustration over missed steps or misunderstandings.
  • There is a mention of the radius of convergence and its implications for the derived function.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the existence of a closed form for the series or the best approach to derive the function. Multiple competing views and methods are presented, and the discussion remains unresolved regarding the most effective way to relate the series to known functions.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights limitations related to assumptions about convergence and the manipulation of series terms. There are unresolved mathematical steps in the derivations presented by participants.

arithmetic
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[itex]\sum_{m=0}^\infty \frac{(m-1)^{m-1}x^{m}}{m!}[/itex]


Interesting result...
 
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I doubt there is a closed form for it. Plus, it only converges if |x|<1/e. After looking at the graph, it's similar to the Lambert W function when |x|<1/e: [tex]-W(-x)=\sum_{m=1}^{\infty}{\frac{m^{m-1}x^{m}}{m!}}[/tex] Subtracting 1 from both sides will make it approximately equal to your sum. However, there is no way to manipulate my series to put yours in terms of the W function.
 
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Another interesting thing of note, if [tex]f(x)=\sum_{m=0}^\infty \frac{(m-1)^{m-1}x^{m}}{m!}[/tex] then [tex]f'(x)=\sum_{n=0}^\infty \frac{n^{n}x^{n}}{n!}[/tex] as long as |x|<1/e.
 
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so...
:-)
 
Lagrange inversion...

1/(1- ...) = ...

voilá
 
The Lagrange Inversion Theorem is used to find the inverse of a function. You didn't ask for the inverse in your original post :P
 
TheFool said:
After looking at the graph, it's similar to the Lambert W function when |x|<1/e: [tex]-W(-x)=\sum_{m=1}^{\infty}{\frac{m^{m-1}x^{m}}{m!}}[/tex] Subtracting 1 from both sides will make it approximately equal to your sum. However, there is no way to manipulate my series to put yours in terms of the W function.
How about this? Integrate W wrt x:
[tex]\sum_{m=1}^{\infty}{\frac{m^{m-1}x^{m+1}}{(m+1)!}} = \sum_{m=2}^{\infty}{\frac{(m-1)^{m-2}x^{m}}{m!}} = x\sum_{m=2}^{\infty}{\frac{(m-1)^{m-2}x^{m-1}}{m!}}[/tex]
Now divide by x and differentiate:
[tex]\sum_{m=2}^{\infty}{\frac{(m-1)^{m-1}x^{m-2}}{m!}}[/tex]
.. and finally multiply by x2

[edit] ... finally finally, add in the m = 1 term
 
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Well, it would seem I don't belong posting in this forum. I shouldn't have missed that.
 
TheFool said:
Well, it would seem I don't belong posting in this forum. I shouldn't have missed that.

No, that`s wrong.

Yours is shorter and better. From what you stated, you just need one step further ...
and voilá, 1/ 1-...
 
  • #10
arithmetic said:
No, that`s wrong.

Yours is shorter and better. From what you stated, you just need one step further ...
and voilá, 1/ 1-...

Did you actually know the answer to this problem??
 
  • #11
arithmetic said:
[itex]\sum_{m=0}^\infty \frac{(m-1)^{m-1}x^{m}}{m!}[/itex]
Is this right?
[itex]f(x) = \sum_{m=0}^\infty \frac{(m-1)^{m-1}x^{m}}{m!} = xG(x) - ∫G(x)[/itex]
where G(x) = -W(-x).
Hence [itex]f(x) = ∫x.dG(x)[/itex]
But I don't know where we're trying to get to.
 
  • #12
micromass said:
Did you actually know the answer to this problem??

yes, I know













p.3, 14
 
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  • #13
Even though I showed I really am a fool for missing something so obvious, I decided to finish this.

[tex]y=\sum_{m=0}^{\infty}\frac{(m-1)^{m-1}x^{m}}{m!}[/tex]
[tex]y'=\sum_{m=0}^{\infty}\frac{m^{m}x^{m}}{m!}[/tex]
Move on to the W function.
[tex]-W(-x)=\sum_{m=1}^{\infty}\frac{m^{m-1}x^{m}}{m!}[/tex]
Differentiate.
[tex]\frac{-W(-x)}{x(W(-x)+1)}=\sum_{m=1}^{\infty}\frac{m^{m}x^{m-1}}{m!}[/tex]
[tex]\frac{-W(-x)}{W(-x)+1}=\sum_{m=1}^{\infty}\frac{m^{m}x^{m}}{m!}[/tex]
Take note the subscript in that sum is m=1 instead of m=0.
[tex]y'=1-\frac{W(-x)}{W(-x)+1}[/tex]
[tex]y=\frac{x}{W(-x)}+C[/tex]
In another form.
[tex]y=-e^{W(-x)}+C[/tex]
Both are true when |x|<1/e.
 
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  • #14
Congratulations FOOL.
There are other ways to get the function, but yours is great and different to others I have seen in the literature.

Also congratulations to haruspex who did a great job, indeed, I wonder how you could posibly have found the function from your first post where you handled the sums, their indexes and the x's and x^2's...Just another note:
FOOL, you say |x|<1/e

however W(-1/e)=-1 and
y={1/e}/{W(-1/e)}+C= -1/e +C

What do you say about that?
 
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  • #15
I say that |x|<1/e since that is the radius of convergence of [tex]y=\sum_{m=0}^{\infty}\frac{(m-1)^{m-1}x^{m}}{m!}[/tex]
 

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