How Does the Order of μ Affect the Height Function h(μ)?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the behavior of the height function \( h(\mu) \) as a function of the parameter \( \mu \) in the context of a non-dimensional differential equation. Participants explore how to estimate \( h(\mu) \) up to \( O(\mu) \) and compare it with another function \( t_h(\mu) \). The focus includes mathematical reasoning and Taylor expansions.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the equation for \( h(\mu) \) and expresses uncertainty about how to begin the analysis.
  • Another participant suggests starting with a Taylor expansion of \( \log_e(1+\mu) \) to derive \( h(\mu) \) and provides the expansion: \( \log_e(1+\mu) = \mu - \frac{\mu^2}{2} + \frac{\mu^3}{3} - \frac{\mu^4}{4} + \cdots \).
  • A subsequent reply calculates \( h(\mu) \) as \( h(\mu) = \frac{1}{2} - \frac{\mu}{3} + \frac{\mu^2}{4} + \cdots \) and notes that the problem requests \( h(\mu) \) up to \( O(\mu) \), concluding \( h(\mu) = \frac{1}{2} + O(\mu) \).
  • Participants compare \( \log_e(1+\mu) \) with \( t_h(\mu) = 1 - \frac{\mu}{2} + \cdots \) but do not reach a definitive conclusion about the implications of this comparison.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on the implications of the comparison between \( h(\mu) \) and \( t_h(\mu) \). Participants express different interpretations and calculations without resolving the overall relationship between the two functions.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes assumptions about the behavior of \( \mu \) being small and the implications of Taylor expansions, but these assumptions are not universally agreed upon or fully explored.

ra_forever8
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Consider non-dimensional differential equation for the height at the highest point is given by
\begin{equation} h(\mu)= \frac{1}{\mu}- \frac{1}{\mu^2} log_e(1+\mu) \end{equation}
$0<\mu<<1.$
Deduce an estimate to $O(\mu)$ for $h(\mu)$ and compare with $t_h(\mu)=1-\frac{\mu}{2}+...$
=> I really don't how to start this question. please help me.
 
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grandy said:
Consider non-dimensional differential equation for the height at the highest point is given by
\begin{equation} h(\mu)= \frac{1}{\mu}- \frac{1}{\mu^2} log_e(1+\mu) \end{equation}
$0<\mu<<1.$
Deduce an estimate to $O(\mu)$ for $h(\mu)$ and compare with $t_h(\mu)=1-\frac{\mu}{2}+...$
=> I really don't how to start this question. please help me.

Start with a Taylor expansion...
 
I like Serena said:
Start with a Taylor expansion...
$\log_e(1+\mu) = \mu - \dfrac{\mu^2}{2} + \dfrac{\mu^3}{3} - \dfrac{\mu^4}{4}+\cdots$ and plug that in,
to get $h(\mu) =\dfrac12- \dfrac\mu3+\dfrac{\mu^2}{4}+\cdots.$
now, comparing $\log_e(1+\mu)$ with $t_h(\mu)=1-\frac{\mu}{2}+\cdots$
what can I say?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
grandy said:
$\log_e(1+\mu) = \mu - \dfrac{\mu^2}{2} + \dfrac{\mu^3}{3} - \dfrac{\mu^4}{4}+\cdots$ and plug that in,
to get $h(\mu) =\dfrac12- \dfrac\mu3+\dfrac{\mu^2}{4}+\cdots.$

The problem asked for $h(\mu)$ up to $O(\mu)$, so that would be:
$$h(\mu) = \frac 1 2 + O(\mu)$$

now, comparing $\log_e(1+\mu)$ with $t_h(\mu)=1-\frac{\mu}{2}+\cdots$
what can I say?

The time is $t_h(\mu) = 1 + O(\mu)$.
So with small enough $\mu$ the maximum height is approximately $h \approx \dfrac 1 2$ which is reached at a time of approximately $t \approx 1$.
 

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