S4.12.9.13 find a power series representation

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Discussion Overview

The discussion focuses on finding a power series representation for the function \( f_{13}(x) = \frac{1}{(1+x)^2} \) and determining its radius of convergence. Participants explore various methods, including differentiation of known series and manipulation of power series.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests using the equation \( \frac{1}{1-x} = \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} x^n \) to find a series representation for \( f_{13}(x) \).
  • Another participant points out that \( \frac{1}{(x+1)^2} \) can be expressed as the negative derivative of \( \frac{1}{1+x} \).
  • There is a discussion about differentiating the series term by term and re-indexing the resulting series to obtain the power series representation.
  • A participant highlights the linearity of differentiation in the context of power series and provides a detailed derivation of the series representation.
  • One participant expresses gratitude for the assistance, indicating they are unable to attend class and find the discussion helpful.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the approach of using differentiation and power series to find the representation, but there are variations in the steps and methods proposed. The discussion does not reach a consensus on the final form of the series or the radius of convergence.

Contextual Notes

Some steps in the differentiation and re-indexing process remain unresolved, and there may be dependencies on the definitions of convergence and series manipulation that are not explicitly stated.

karush
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$\tiny{s4.12.9.13}$
$\textsf{find a power series reprsentation and determine the radius of covergence.}$
$$\displaystyle f_{13}(x)
=\frac{1}{(1+x)^2}=\frac{1}{1+2x+x^2}$$
$\textsf{using equation 1 }$
$$\frac{1}{1-x}
=1+x+x^2+x^3+ \cdots
=\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}x^n \, \,
\left| x \right|<1$$
$\textsf{with this could we replace x
with $(-2x-x^2)$ in equation $1$}$
☕
 
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I would begin by observing that:

$$\frac{1}{(x+1)^2}=-\frac{d}{dx}\left(\frac{1}{1+x}\right)$$

Can you proceed?
 
MarkFL said:
I would begin by observing that:

$$\frac{1}{(x+1)^2}=-\frac{d}{dx}\left(\frac{1}{1+x}\right)$$
do you mean with this
$$\frac{1}{x-(-x)}=$$
 
karush said:
do you mean with this
$$\frac{1}{x-(-x)}=$$

No, here's what I had in mind:

$$ \frac{1}{(x+1)^2}=-\frac{d}{dx}\left(\frac{1}{1+x}\right)$$

Okay, now, let's write:

$$\frac{1}{1+x}=\frac{1}{1-(-x)}=\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}(-x)^n=\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}(-1)^nx^n$$ where $$|-x|<1\implies |x|<1$$

So, now we have:

$$ \frac{1}{(x+1)^2}=-\frac{d}{dx}\left(\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}(-1)^nx^n\right)=\frac{d}{dx}\left(\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}(-1)^{n-1}x^n\right)$$

Okay, now differentiate the series term by term, then strip off the first zero term, and re-index...what do you get?
 
Given the linearity of differentiation, that is:

$$\frac{d}{dx}\left(\sum_{k=0}^{n}f_k(x)\right)=\sum_{k=0}^{n}\left(\frac{d}{dx}f_k(x)\right)$$

We may then write:

$$\frac{1}{(x+1)^2}=\frac{d}{dx}\left(\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}(-1)^{n-1}x^n\right)=\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}\left(\frac{d}{dx}\left((-1)^{n-1}x^n\right)\right)$$

Now, carry out the indicated differentiation using the power rule:

$$\frac{1}{(x+1)^2}=\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}\left(n(-1)^{n-1}x^{n-1}\right)$$

We then make the observation that this can be written as:

$$\frac{1}{(x+1)^2}=0+\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}\left(n(-1)^{n-1}x^{n-1}\right)$$

Now, re-index the summation:

$$\frac{1}{(x+1)^2}=\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}\left((n+1)(-1)^{n}x^{n}\right)$$

And we now have our power series representation. :D
 
thank you deeply for the help, I'm not able to attend class right now so this helps a lot...

Tayor series is next, of which is new☕
 

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