Is the Taylor polynomial for ln(1-x) the same as the one for ln(1+x)?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the Taylor polynomial for the natural logarithm function, specifically comparing ln(1+x) and ln(1-x). The original poster expresses confusion about deriving the Taylor series for ln(1-x) based on the known series for ln(1+x) and questions the signs of the terms in the series.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to understand how to derive the Taylor polynomial for ln(1-x) from that of ln(1+x) and questions whether all terms would be negative. Some participants clarify the process of changing the variable and discuss the implications of the series convergence.

Discussion Status

Participants are exploring the relationship between the two logarithmic functions and their Taylor series. Clarifications have been provided regarding the nature of the series and the convergence limits, but there is no explicit consensus on the final form of the series for ln(1-x).

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of the convergence radius for the series and the undefined nature of the logarithm for certain values, which may influence the discussion on the Taylor series.

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Homework Statement



ln(1+x)=x-\frac{1}{2}x^2+ \frac{1}{3}x^3-\frac{1}{4}x^4+\frac{1}{5}x^5-... -1<\ x\ <1

Is there a Taylor polynomial for ln(1-x) for -1< x <1, if so how would I go about working it out from the above?

This is not really a homework question just a thought I had, as they do it for other changes of sign. I just seem to be having a hard time figuring out how it would work for some reason? Any help appreciated. Are they all minuses for ln(1-x)? Or something else?

I'm sure I could just look it up on the web, but I'd like to see how it's done from (1+x)

I tried multiplying each x term by a - and got: -x+\frac{1}{2}x^2 -\frac{1}{3}x^3+\frac{1}{4}x^4-\frac{1}{5}x^5+...

Is that right?

Be gentle with me I've only just started on this :smile:
 
Last edited:
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You are NOT "multiplying each x by -1", you are multiplying the entire series by -1 so you really have -ln(1+x). If you multiply x by -1- that is, replace x by -x, the even powers of x do not change sign- you would have instead
ln(1+x)=-x-\frac{1}{2}x^2- \frac{1}{3}x^3-\frac{1}{4}x^4-\frac{1}{5}x^5-...

Also, ln(x) is not defined for x\le 0 so the Taylor's series you give for ln(1+x) converges only for (-1, 1). (Since it is a power series it converges in some radius of convergence. The center is at x= 0, since it cannot converge for x= -1 (where ln(1+x)= ln(1-1)= 0) that radius is 1 and so it cannot converge for x> 1.) Since 1- x= 0 when x= 1 and ln(1-x) not defined for x\ge 1, The radius of convergence is still 1: the series converges for -1< x< 1 still.
 
Ah I see, I figured it might go something like that. But I also figured the limits were different because logs of negative numbers are not calculable, well not by calculator anyway.

Much appreciated. :smile:

The reason I thought they might be all minus is because the values of x between 0 and 1 in 1-x are all negative.
 
Last edited:
can you help me with a problem my dad set me?
he asked what to the power of 0 does not equal one? I am guessing its to do with expansions of logs. help would be greatly appreciated. thankyou
 
Just think of normal numbers. There is one number that when raised to the power 0 yields an indeterminate expression, any idea which one?
 
by normal do you mean real? and if you mean 0 then i thought that 0^0 still equals one
 

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