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

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the analysis of the height function \( h(\mu) \) defined by the equation \( h(\mu) = \frac{1}{\mu} - \frac{1}{\mu^2} \log_e(1+\mu) \) for small values of \( \mu \) (specifically \( 0 < \mu << 1 \)). Through a Taylor expansion of \( \log_e(1+\mu) \), participants derive that \( h(\mu) \) approximates to \( \frac{1}{2} + O(\mu) \). The comparison with the time function \( t_h(\mu) = 1 - \frac{\mu}{2} + O(\mu) \) indicates that the maximum height is approximately \( \frac{1}{2} \) at a time of about \( 1 \) when \( \mu \) is sufficiently small.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Taylor series expansion
  • Familiarity with non-dimensional differential equations
  • Knowledge of logarithmic functions, specifically \( \log_e(1+\mu) \)
  • Basic concepts of asymptotic notation, particularly \( O(\mu) \)
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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?
 
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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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