Is there a differnt way to write this expression?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Firepanda
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Expression
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the expression f(z) = SUM [(-1)^n] with the sum running from n=0 to infinity. Participants are exploring ways to simplify or rewrite this expression, questioning its convergence and potential relationships to known functions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Some participants question the convergence of the series, noting that the nth term does not approach zero. Others discuss the relationship between the series and the function e^(z^2), considering how to incorporate the alternating sign. There are attempts to express the series in terms of a geometric series and discussions about the form of the series.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants sharing insights and attempting to clarify the nature of the series. Some have identified potential forms for the series and are exploring whether they can progress further or need to reconsider their approaches.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of confusion regarding the manipulation of series terms and the implications of introducing geometric series concepts. Participants are also reflecting on their previous attempts and the need to avoid similar mistakes in their reasoning.

Firepanda
Messages
425
Reaction score
0
f(z) = SUM [(-1)n

Where SUM = sum from n=0 to infinity

Looks to me like there isn't but there must be a simpler way to write that.

Thanks
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
It's divergent, isn't? The nth term doesn't approach 0.
 
Dick said:
It's divergent, isn't? The nth term doesn't approach 0.

The question is to write this power series as a function

2hn01gp.jpg
 
Last edited:
z^(2n)/n! isn't equal to e^(z^2). The SUM of the series z^(2n)/n! is e^(z^2). That would be fine if the (-1)^n weren't there. Can't you think of a function that's a lot like e^(z^2) that will give you the alternating sign in the series?
 
I just keep getting into the routine of trying to simply it like before. Do you mean replace e^(z^2) or multiply in some function f(z)/f(z)?
 
Firepanda said:
I just keep getting into the routine of trying to simply it like before. Do you mean replace e^(z^2) or multiply in some function f(z)/f(z)?

(-1)^n*z^(2n). Can you think of a way to write that as r^n for some number r? What would r be?
 
ahh yes
 
Last edited:
For the 2nd part I have it down to

z-2 SUM (-1)n.(z2/4)n+1

Is there anyway I can progress from here or should I go back and try a different way?
 
Firepanda said:
For the 2nd part I have it down to

z-2 SUM (-1)n.(z2/4)n+1

Is there anyway I can progress from here or should I go back and try a different way?

It's a geometric series.
 
  • #10
Dick said:
It's a geometric series.

(z2/4)n+1 starting at n=0

= 1/(1-z2/4) - 1

=> Series = z-2 SUM (-1)n/(1-z2/4) + (-1)n+1
 
  • #11
Firepanda said:
(z2/4)n+1 starting at n=0

= 1/(1-z2/4) - 1

=> Series = z-2 SUM (-1)n/(1-z2/4) + (-1)n+1

You just did the same wrong thing you did in the first problem. You replaced a term is the series with the sum of a series. And you missed the cue to do the same thing you did with the (-1)^n in the first problem. You series has the form a*r^n. r just might have a (-1) in it.
 
  • #12
ah yes, i have my r now thanks, was simple after that!

Thanks a lot
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
5K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
12
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
1K