Power Series Representation for Arctan(x)

In summary, the conversation discusses finding the values of en, an, and pn in the equation F(x)=∫(0 to x) tan^(-1)t dt. f(x)= infinite series ∑n=1 (-1)^(en)(an)x^(pn). The conversation leads to the conclusion that en = n-1, an = 1/(2n(2n-1)), and pn = 2n. However, the person questioning the solution believes that an and pn may be incorrect.
  • #1
muddyjch
16
0

Homework Statement


F(x)=∫(0 to x) tan^(-1)t dt. f(x)= infinite series ∑n=1 (-1)^(en)(an)x^(pn)?
en=?
an=?
pn=?
I know en = n-1


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


Start with the geometric series
1/(1 - t) = ∑(n=0 to ∞) t^n.

Let t = -x^2:
1/(1 + x^2) = ∑(n=0 to ∞) (-1)^n * x^(2n).

Integrate both sides from 0 to x:
arctan x = ∑(n=0 to ∞) (-1)^n * x^(2n+1)/(2n+1).

Now that we have a series for arctan x...
f(x) = ∫(0 to x) arctan t dt
= ∫(0 to x) [∑(n=0 to ∞) (-1)^n * t^(2n+1)/(2n+1)] dt
= ∑(n=0 to ∞) (-1)^n * [∫(0 to x) t^(2n+1)/(2n+1) dt]
= ∑(n=0 to ∞) (-1)^n * x^(2n+2)/[(2n+1)(2n+2)].

Shifting indices up one unit, we have
f(x) = ∑(n=1 to ∞) {(-1)^(n-1)/[(2n-1)(2n)]} x^(2n).


This gives me
en = n-1
an=1/(2n(2n-1))
pn = 2n

however an and pn are wrong. where am i going wrong?
 
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  • #2
Your work looks okay to me, and your answer matches what Mathematica spits out. Why do you think it's wrong?
 

1. What is a power series representation?

A power series representation is a mathematical expression that represents a function as an infinite sum of terms. It is typically in the form of a polynomial, where each term has increasing powers of a variable, such as x.

2. How is a power series used in mathematics?

A power series is used in mathematics to approximate or represent a function that may be difficult to solve or evaluate exactly. It is also used to study the behavior of functions and their properties, such as convergence and divergence.

3. What is the general form of a power series?

The general form of a power series is ∑(n=0 to ∞) an(x-c)^n, where an represents the coefficient of the n-th term, x is the variable, and c is the center of the series.

4. How do you determine the convergence of a power series?

The convergence of a power series can be determined by using tests such as the ratio test, root test, or the comparison test. These tests evaluate the behavior of the terms in the series to determine if the series converges or diverges.

5. Can a power series represent any function?

No, not all functions can be represented by a power series. The function must have certain properties, such as being infinitely differentiable, in order for a power series to accurately represent it. Additionally, the series may only converge for certain values of x, known as the interval of convergence.

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