# Maclaurin Series

1. Feb 28, 2009

### wilcofan3

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

Find the Maclaurin Series for g(x)= (4)/(4+2x+x^2) and its interval of convergence.

2. Relevant equations

I know the Maclaurin Series usually involves taking derivatives but every other problem I've done so far has had a degree that I've solved to. So, other than the general equation for the Maclaurin Series, I'm not sure what other equation is relevant.

3. The attempt at a solution

At first I thought I might need to use partial fraction decomposition but then I realized the bottom did not factor easily. Do I just start taking derivatives of g(x)? And if so, where do I go from there? I would greatly appreciate a step-by-step breakdown, I think I will understand if someone breaks down the problem. Thanks!

2. Feb 28, 2009

### Staff: Mentor

Try dividing 4 by 4 + 2x + x^2, using ordinary polynomial long division. With a Maclaurin series, however you get the series doesn't much matter, since the series representation is unique.

Doing what I suggested above, I get the first three terms as 1 - 1/2 * x - 1/4 * x^2.

3. Feb 28, 2009

### HallsofIvy

Staff Emeritus
Another thing you can do is this: complete the square in the denominator to write the fraction as $4/((x+1)^2+ 3)$. Divide both numerator and denominator by 3 to get (4/3)/((1/3)(x+1)^2+ 1) or (4/3)/(1- (-1/3)(x+1)^2) and think of that as the sum of a power series with first term 4/3 and common ration $(-1/3)(x+1)^2$. That gives the general term as $(4/3)(-1/3)^n(x+1)^}{2n}$. Unfortunately, that is now a Taylor's series, about x=-1, rather than a MacLaurin series!