How do you find the derivatives of a power series?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on finding the first and second derivatives of a power series, specifically J(x). Participants clarify that derivatives of power series can be computed term by term, emphasizing the importance of re-indexing when deriving J''(x). The consensus is that J''(x) must start from n=1 to align with the requirements of a related proof involving the equation (x^2)J(x) + xJ(x) + (x^2)J(x) = 0. This re-indexing is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the series representation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of power series and their properties
  • Familiarity with term-by-term differentiation of series
  • Knowledge of re-indexing techniques in summations
  • Basic proficiency in LaTeX for mathematical notation
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the process of term-by-term differentiation in power series
  • Learn about re-indexing techniques in summations
  • Explore the application of power series in solving differential equations
  • Familiarize yourself with LaTeX commands for mathematical formatting
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators in mathematics, particularly those studying calculus and power series, as well as anyone involved in mathematical proofs and series manipulation.

stupidmonkey
Messages
4
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


http://imgur.com/FJhgN
Give this power series J(x) (leftmost in the picture), find the first and second derivative.

Homework Equations


You take the derivative of a power series term by term.


The Attempt at a Solution


I don't understand how to get the J''(x) in the image, which is the solution that was given. I thought that when you take the derivative of J'(x) you start from n=1 in J'(x), but then start from n=2 in J''(x). I can get the term inside the summation though.
This question is part of a problem that asks you to prove (x^2)J(x)+xJ(x)+(x^2)J(x)=0 and the proof will only work if J''(x) starts from n=1 so I don't think the answer is a typo.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
It looks like it's just re-indexing the series. Consider the following:
\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} x^n
and
\sum_{n=2}^{\infty} x^{n-1}

These are exactly the same, we just changed where the dummy variable starts, and the terms in the series had to shift to compensate
 
Hmmm but I thought when you took the derivative of
Ʃ(n=1 to infinity) ((-1)^n)(x^(2n-1))(2n)/((2^(2n))(((m+1)!)^2) you get

Ʃ(n=2 to infinity) ((-1)^n)(x^(2n-2))(2n)(2n-1)/((2^(2n))((n!)^2))

Then if you change the index to n=1 you get:

Ʃ(n=1 to infinity) (((-1)^(n+1)))(2(n+1)(2n+1)(x^(2n))/((2^(2m+2)((m+1)!)^2)
which is different...
Sorry for the ugly complicated symbols, I don't know how to make it look more clean...
Btw how do you make such a large sigma symbol?
 
stupidmonkey said:
Sorry for the ugly complicated symbols, I don't know how to make it look more clean...
Btw how do you make such a large sigma symbol?

Sorry for not addressing the problem, but I'm a bit rusty with power series.

In the "Reply to Thread" window (the "advanced" one with formatting toolbar), on the far right of the toolbar is the sigma symbol. Clicking that will open a sort of index of symbols/formatting/etc. in LaTeX.

You can search for LaTeX commands through Google as well. I'm sure there's also a thread about this somewhere. . .
https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=8997
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
4K
Replies
8
Views
3K
Replies
0
Views
892
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
Replies
6
Views
2K