Series expansion of Sine Integral Si(x)

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the series expansion of the Sine Integral function, Si(x). Participants are exploring the mathematical representation of Si(x) as an integral and its series expansion, as well as the methods for deriving this expansion.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to derive the series expansion of Si(x) by integrating the series representation of sin(θ) divided by θ. There are questions about the use of Δθ and its role in the integration process.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on integrating the power series term by term, while others are questioning the necessity of segmenting the integral into sections. The discussion reflects a mix of interpretations and approaches to the problem.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of a series representation for sin(θ) and the integration limits from 0 to x. Participants are also discussing the implications of dividing by θ and the meaning of Δθ in the context of the problem.

yungman
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This is not really a homework, I am trying to expand Si(x) into a series.The series expansion of Si(x) is given in articles:
[tex]Si(x)=\int_0^x \frac{\sin\theta}{\theta}d\theta=\sum_0^{\infty}\frac {(-1)^k x^{2k+1}}{(2k+1)(2k+1)!}[/tex]

This is my work, I just cannot get the right answer:
[tex]Si(x)=\int_0^x \frac{\sin\theta}{\theta}d\theta=\sum_0^m \frac{sin \theta_i}{\theta_i}\Delta\theta_i[/tex]

[tex]\sin \theta=\sum_0^{\infty}\frac{(-1)^k \theta^{2k+1}}{(2k+1)!}\Rightarrow\;\frac{\sin\theta}{\theta}=\sum_0^{\infty}\frac{(-1)^k \theta^{2k}}{(2k+1)!}[/tex]

[tex]\Delta \theta_i = \frac x m\;\hbox{ and }\; \theta_i= i\Delta \theta_i =i\frac x m[/tex]

[tex]\Rightarrow\;Si(x)=\int_0^x \frac{\sin\theta}{\theta}d\theta=\sum_0^m \frac{sin \theta_i}{\theta_i}\Delta\theta_i\;=\;\sum_0^m\sum_0^{\infty}\frac{(-1)^k\left (i\frac x m\right )^{2k}}{(2k+1)!}\frac x m\;=\;\sum_0^m\sum_0^{\infty}\frac{(-1)^ki^{2k} x^{2k+1}}{m^{2k+1}(2k+1)!}[/tex]

I don't know how to get the answer, please help.
 
Last edited:
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yungman said:
This is not really a homework, I am trying to expand Si(x) into a series.The series expansion of Si(x) is given in articles:
[tex]Si(x)=\int_0^x \frac{\sin\theta}{\theta}d\theta=\sum_0^{\infty}\frac {(-1)^k x^{2k+1}}{(2k+1)(2k+1)!}[/tex]

This is my work, I just cannot get the right answer:
[tex]Si(x)=\int_0^x \frac{\sin\theta}{\theta}d\theta=\sum_0^m \frac{sin \theta_i}{\theta_i}\Delta\theta[/tex]

[tex]\sin \theta=\sum_0^{\infty}\frac{(-1)^k \theta^{2k+1}}{(2k+1)!}\Rightarrow\;\frac{\sin\theta}{\theta}=\sum_0^{\infty}\frac{(-1)^k \theta^{2k}}{(2k+1)!}[/tex]

[tex]\Delta \theta_i = \frac x m\;\hbox{ and }\; \theta_i= i\Delta \theta_i =i\frac x m[/tex]

[tex]\Rightarrow\;Si(x)=\int_0^x \frac{\sin\theta}{\theta}d\theta=\sum_0^m \frac{sin \theta_i}{\theta_i}\Delta\theta_i\;=\;\sum_0^m\sum_0^{\infty}\frac{(-1)^k\left (i\frac x m\right )^{2k}}{(2k+1)!}\frac x m\;=\;\sum_0^m\sum_0^{\infty}\frac{(-1)^ki^{2k} x^{2k+1}}{m^{2k+1}(2k+1)!}[/tex]

I don't know how to get the answer, please help.

I have no idea what all the delta thetas are all about. You don't need to derive the formula for integrating a power. You have a series for ##\sin(\theta)##, divide it by ##\theta## and integrate term by term.
 
Dick said:
I have no idea what all the delta thetas are all about. You don't need to derive the formula for integrating a power. You have a series for ##\sin(\theta)##, divide it by ##\theta## and integrate term by term.

I missed the subscript i, ##\Delta\theta_i## is just the series representation of ##d\theta##. Where I chop the 0<##\theta##<x into m sections.

I want to verify and derive the equation given from articles.
 
Last edited:
yungman said:
##\Delta\theta## is just the series representation of ##d\theta##. Where I chop the 0<##\theta##<x into m sections.

I want to verify and derive the equation given from articles.

You don't have to chop into sections. Just integrate the power series term by term!
 
Dick said:
You don't have to chop into sections. Just integrate the power series term by term!

I got it! It's just that easy! Thanks.
 

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