Finding Power Series Representation for f(x) and Interval of Convergence

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on finding the power series representation for the function f(x) = x/(x^2 - 3x + 2) and determining its interval of convergence. The solution involves separating the function into partial fractions, yielding 2/(x-2) - 1/(x-1). The power series representations for these fractions are derived as Σ (x/2)^n and Σ x^n, respectively. The final step requires combining these series into a single power series representation, with attention to the coefficients and general term.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of partial fraction decomposition
  • Familiarity with power series and their convergence
  • Knowledge of Taylor series and geometric series
  • Ability to manipulate series and identify general terms
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the method of partial fraction decomposition in detail
  • Learn about the convergence criteria for power series
  • Explore techniques for combining multiple power series
  • Investigate the geometric series and its applications in power series
USEFUL FOR

Students studying calculus, particularly those focusing on series and convergence, as well as educators seeking to enhance their teaching of power series representations.

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Homework Statement


Find the power series representation for the function f(x)=x/(x^2-3x+2) and determine the interval of convergence.


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


First I separate into partial fractions 2/(x-2) - 1/(x-1)

2/(x-2) = sum n=0 to infinity (x/2)^n
1/(x-1) = sum n=0 to infinity (x)^n

Now I just don't know how to make them one power series representation.
 
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Temporarily, let x = 2u and add the two power series together. You will need to find the pattern of the coefficients for the general term. You can always switch back to using x as a variable at the end. (There may be something more clever to use, but I'm juggling something else just now...)

Watch out, by the way: 1 + x + x2 + ... is 1/(1 - x) .

EDIT: thought about this a bit more -- the cleaner way to do this is to write the [itex](\frac{x}{2})^{n}[/itex] terms as [itex]\frac{x^{n}}{2^{n}}[/itex] . You will still have a little work on sorting out the general term for the single series representation.
 
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