Series expansion for (e^x-1)/x

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the series expansion for the expression \((e^x - 1)/x\). Participants are exploring the nature of series expansions, particularly in the context of functions and their manipulations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss whether to subtract 1 from each term of the series or from the overall series. There is confusion regarding the manipulation of series, particularly in relation to dividing by \(x\) and subtracting terms.
  • Some participants question the validity of using known series for \(f(x)\) to derive the series for \(f(x)/x\) and whether subtracting 1 from each term is appropriate.
  • There is an exploration of the series for \(1/x\) and its implications for the overall problem, with references to Taylor and Laurent series.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing insights and clarifications to each other. Some have expressed understanding of the concepts, while others continue to seek clarity on specific points, particularly regarding series manipulation and convergence.

Contextual Notes

Participants are grappling with foundational concepts in series expansions and the implications of manipulating series terms. There is a noted divergence in understanding how to approach the problem, particularly with respect to the series for \(1/x\) and the behavior of series at \(x = 0\).

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Homework Statement


Give the first three terms and the general term for ((e^x)-1)/x

Homework Equations


None

The Attempt at a Solution

[/B]
I wasn't sure if I would be able to take the e^x series and subtract 1 from each term and divide each term by x. I was also thinking of splitting it into e^x/x -1/x and adding both series, but I'm not sure how to calculate series for either of those. My textbook says the answer is 1+ x/2! + x^2/3! +...+ x^n/(n+1)! which I do not see how they got that answer. I'm pretty lost on this one, I'm new to series and trying to get a grasp on it so some help would be appreciated.

Some overall questions: what is series for 1/x? I would think you could say 1/(1-(1-x)) to use the series for 1/(1-x) but I don't see how you could get the answer in the book if this was true.

If I have a series for a function like f(x)/x can I just take a known series for f(x) and divide each term by x to get series for f(x)/x? I feel like you can but I'm new to this and not sure. Also same goes for f(x) -1, would you subtract 1 from each term?

Thanks
 
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Austin said:

Homework Statement


Give the first three terms and the general term for ((e^x)-1)/x

Homework Equations


None

The Attempt at a Solution

[/B]
I wasn't sure if I would be able to take the e^x series and subtract 1 from each term and divide each term by x.
No, you don't subtract 1 from each term - just subtract 1 from the overall series. After doing that, then divide by x.
Austin said:
I was also thinking of splitting it into e^x/x -1/x and adding both series, but I'm not sure how to calculate series for either of those. My textbook says the answer is 1+ x/2! + x^2/3! +...+ x^n/(n+1)! which I do not see how they got that answer. I'm pretty lost on this one, I'm new to series and trying to get a grasp on it so some help would be appreciated.

Some overall questions: what is series for 1/x? I would think you could say 1/(1-(1-x)) to use the series for 1/(1-x) but I don't see how you could get the answer in the book if this was true.

If I have a series for a function like f(x)/x can I just take a known series for f(x) and divide each term by x to get series for f(x)/x? I feel like you can but I'm new to this and not sure. Also same goes for f(x) -1, would you subtract 1 from each term?

Thanks
 
Right, but subtracting from each term of a series is the same as subtracting from the overall series right?
 
Wait I think I see what you are saying but I don't understand why that is
 
Ok I actually understand what you are saying and I understand how to do the problem now. I was getting confused but I actually should have known how to do it I was just a little overwhelmed from getting used to this new stuff.

But I was wondering, wouldn't you get the same answer in theory by splitting it into (e^x)/x - (1/x) and subtracting each of those power series from each other? Because when I try to do that it looks nothing like the other way which you explained?

Additionally, this is a side question, how would you write series for 1/x? Would it be like how I asked earlier by writing 1/(1-(1-x)) and using the general form of 1/(1-x)?

Thanks
 
Austin said:
But I was wondering, wouldn't you get the same answer in theory by splitting it into (e^x)/x - (1/x) and subtracting each of those power series from each other? Because when I try to do that it looks nothing like the other way which you explained?

Yes, you should get the same. But to make any sense of it you need to do it correctly. Just as the -1 cancels the first term of the series of e^x, -1/x will cancel the first term of e^x/x.

Austin said:
Additionally, this is a side question, how would you write series for 1/x? Would it be like how I asked earlier by writing 1/(1-(1-x)) and using the general form of 1/(1-x)?
If expanding around x = 0, you cannot write a Taylor expansion since it diverges there. However, you can do a Laurent series and 1/x happens to be its own Laurent series. It just so happens that the first term (the one proportional to 1/x) of the Laurent series of both e^x/x and 1/x are the same, leading to f(x) = (e^x-1)/x having a well defined Taylor series if defining f(0) = lim{x->0} f(x).
 
Austin said:
Right, but subtracting from each term of a series is the same as subtracting from the overall series right?
No it isn't. For example, if you have 3 + 8 + 2 and want to subtract 1 you don't subtract 1 from each term. That would be 3 - 1 + 8 - 1 + 2 - 1, which is 10. The correct value is 3 + 8 + 2 - 1 = 13 - 1 = 12.
 
Austin said:
Right, but subtracting from each term of a series is the same as subtracting from the overall series right?

No, absolutely not! If you subtract 1 from each term of a convergent series you get a new series that is divergent to ##-\infty##.
 
Ray Vickson said:
No, absolutely not! If you subtract 1 from each term of a convergent series you get a new series that is divergent to ##-\infty##.
Yes thank you I already said I made a mistake and understand that part
 

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