Power Series Representation for x/(15x^2+1): Is My Solution Correct?

In summary: Otherwise, you have a correct power series representation and interval of convergence for the given function.
  • #1
stunner5000pt
1,461
2

Homework Statement


write a power series representation of the following:
[tex] \frac{x}{15x^2 +1} [/tex]


Homework Equations


the formula
[tex] \frac{1}{1-x} = 1 + x + x^2 + ... = \sum_{n=0}^{∞} x^n [/tex]


The Attempt at a Solution


we can rewrite the summnd like
[tex] \frac{x}{15} \left( \frac{1}{1+\frac{x^2}{15}} \right)[/tex]
we can write the denominator from the above term as:

[tex] 1 - \left( - \left( \frac{x}{\sqrt{15}} \right)^2 \right) [/tex]

so using the above term we can write the series like:
[tex] \frac{x}{15} \sum_{n=0}^∞ (-1)^n \frac{x^{2n}}{15^{n/2}}[/tex] /known data[/b]

and this simplifies to:

[tex] \sum_{n=0}^{∞} (-1)^n \frac{x^{2n+1}}{15^{n/2 + 1}} [/tex]

is that correct? This is the basis for the second part which asks for the interval of convergence
I can't write absolute value, but here goes:
[tex] \frac{x^2}{\sqrt{15}} < 1[/tex]

[tex] x < \sqrt{\sqrt{15}} [/tex]

This means that the interval is

[tex] \left( -15^{1/4} , 15^{1/4} \right) [/tex]
Unfortunately I m getting the answer wrong as per the computer... can you please take a look and see if this is correct or not?

Thank you for your help. It is greatly appreciated!
 
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  • #2
stunner5000pt said:

Homework Statement


write a power series representation of the following:
[tex] \frac{x}{15x^2 +1} [/tex]


Homework Equations


the formula
[tex] \frac{1}{1-x} = 1 + x + x^2 + ... = \sum_{n=0}^{∞} x^n [/tex]


The Attempt at a Solution


we can rewrite the summnd like
[tex] \frac{x}{15} \left( \frac{1}{1+\frac{x^2}{15}} \right)[/tex]
This isn't correct. Try multiplying out the denominator to see this.
we can write the denominator from the above term as:

[tex] 1 - \left( - \left( \frac{x}{\sqrt{15}} \right)^2 \right) [/tex]

so using the above term we can write the series like:
[tex] \frac{x}{15} \sum_{n=0}^∞ (-1)^n \frac{x^{2n}}{15^{n/2}}[/tex] /known data[/b]

and this simplifies to:

[tex] \sum_{n=0}^{∞} (-1)^n \frac{x^{2n+1}}{15^{n/2 + 1}} [/tex]

is that correct? This is the basis for the second part which asks for the interval of convergence
I can't write absolute value, but here goes:
[tex] \frac{x^2}{\sqrt{15}} < 1[/tex]

[tex] x < \sqrt{\sqrt{15}} [/tex]

This means that the interval is

[tex] \left( -15^{1/4} , 15^{1/4} \right) [/tex]
Unfortunately I m getting the answer wrong as per the computer... can you please take a look and see if this is correct or not?

Thank you for your help. It is greatly appreciated!
 
  • #3
vela said:
This isn't correct. Try multiplying out the denominator to see this.

You're right... my bad

the term should go

[tex] x \frac{1}{1-(-15x^2)} [/tex]
which is
[tex] x \sum (-15x^2)^n [/tex]
[tex] \sum (-1)^n 15^n x^{2n+1} [/tex]

is that correct?
And it follows that:
[tex] \left| -15x^2 \right| < 1 [/tex]
and solving this we get
[tex] \left| x^2 \right| < \frac{1}{\sqrt{15}} [/tex]

Is this correct?
 
  • #4
Hey can you let me know if this is corrct what I did?

Thank you for your help
 
  • #5
Looks good except for the typo in your last line. It should be |x| not |x2|.
 

Related to Power Series Representation for x/(15x^2+1): Is My Solution Correct?

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 used to approximate functions that cannot be easily calculated or to represent functions in a more convenient form.

How is a power series representation written?

A power series representation is written in the form of n=0^∞ an(x-c)n, where an are the coefficients, x is the variable, and c is the center of the series. The series can also be written as n=0^∞ anxn if the center is at c = 0.

What is the purpose of using a power series representation?

The purpose of using a power series representation is to approximate a function that cannot be easily calculated or to represent a function in a more convenient form. It is also helpful in understanding the behavior of a function near a specific point.

What are the common applications of power series representations?

Power series representations are commonly used in calculus, physics, engineering, and other fields of science. They are used to approximate functions in numerical analysis, to solve differential equations, and to represent physical phenomena such as sound waves and electrical circuits.

Are there any limitations to using power series representations?

Yes, there are limitations to using power series representations. They can only approximate functions within a certain range of their center, and they may not converge for all values of x. Additionally, they may not accurately represent functions with discontinuities or singularities.

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