Representing a function as a power series

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around evaluating an indefinite integral represented as a power series, specifically focusing on the integral of the expression \(\int\frac{x-\arctan(x)}{x^3}\) and determining its radius of convergence.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the idea of expanding \(\arctan(x)\) as a power series before integration, with some questioning the initial steps and others suggesting different approaches to obtain the series representation.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with participants providing insights into the series expansion of \(\arctan(x)\) and discussing potential errors in the formulation. There is a mix of approaches being considered, but no consensus has been reached yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the complexities of power series expansions and integration, with some noting the importance of correctly applying series terms and factors in the context of the problem.

grothem
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Homework Statement


Evaluate the indefinite integral as a power series and find the radius of convergence

[tex]\int\frac{x-arctan(x)}{x^3}[/tex]


I have no idea where to start here. Should I just integrate it first?
 
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Sure, you could do that. But, I think what they want to do is expand arctan(x) as a power series around 0 and then integrate.
 
ok. So arctan(x) = [tex]\int\frac{1}{1+x^2}[/tex]
= [tex]\int\sum (x^(2*n))[/tex]
= [tex]\sum\frac{x^(2(n+1)}{2(n+1)}[/tex]

is this what you mean?
 
That's one way to get a series for arctan, yes. But you forgot a (-1)^n factor. The expansion of 1/(1-x) has all plus signs. 1/(1+x) doesn't.
 

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