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

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The discussion focuses on the non-dimensional differential equation for the height function h(μ) given by h(μ) = (1/μ) - (1/μ²) log_e(1+μ) for small values of μ. A Taylor expansion of log_e(1+μ) leads to an estimation of h(μ) as approximately 1/2 + O(μ). The comparison with the time function t_h(μ) = 1 - (μ/2) + O(μ) indicates that for small μ, the maximum height h approaches 1/2, occurring at a time t close to 1. The key takeaway is that the order of μ significantly influences the behavior of the height function, particularly in the limit as μ approaches zero. Thus, h(μ) can be effectively approximated in this regime.
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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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