Understanding Power Series Derivatives: A Question

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the relationship between power series and their derivatives, specifically whether a known derivative relationship between individual terms of two power series can be generalized to the functions themselves. The scope includes theoretical exploration of power series and their derivatives.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions if knowing that the nth term of a function f(x) is the derivative of the (n+1)th term of another function g(x) allows for a generalization to the functions themselves.
  • Another participant clarifies that "big" functions refer to the sum of all terms in the series, and "equal labelled" means the nth terms of their respective series expansions.
  • A participant states that knowing the relationship a_n = (n+1)b_{n+1} for some n is insufficient to conclude that f(x) = (d/dx)g(x); the relationship must hold for all n ≥ 0.
  • There is acknowledgment of confusion regarding the terminology and the nature of the question being posed about the derivative relationship.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on whether a limited knowledge of derivative relationships between specific terms can be generalized to the entire functions. There is no consensus on the implications of the derivative relationship.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights limitations in understanding the implications of derivative relationships based on partial information about series terms, emphasizing the need for comprehensive knowledge across all terms.

fresnelspot
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Hi


My confusion is about this power series.

If derivative of a function (f(x)) is another function(g(x)) then, this holds for the series terms of the functions.
My question is If one knows this derivation relation Just two equal labelled series terms of two other functions. And one term is exactly the differential of the other Then can we generelize this relation for the "big " functions?
Thanx
 
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Your message is confusing. Among other things what are "big" functions? Also what do mean by "equally labelled series"?
 
:)

by "big " functions i mean the sum of all terms .
by "equal labelled" i mean they both will be the nth terms of the series expansions they belong.
 
Let me see if I understand this. You're saying that a function f(x) is a derivative of another function g(x) if the nth term of f(x) is a derivative of the (n+1)th term of the power series of g(x)? Or are you asking if the converse is true? Or something else entirely?
 
Defennder said:
Let me see if I understand this. You're saying that a function f(x) is a derivative of another function g(x) if the nth term of f(x) is a derivative of the (n+1)th term of the power series of g(x)? Or are you asking if the converse is true? Or something else entirely?

just to be clear with Defennder's question, if

[tex]f(x) = \sum_{n=0}^{+\infty} a_n x^n[/tex]

and

[tex]g(x) = \sum_{n=0}^{+\infty} b_n x^n[/tex]

and [itex]f(x) = (d/dx)g(x)[/itex]

then we know that

[tex]a_n = (n+1)b_{n+1} \ \ \ \forall n \ge 0[/tex]

knowing all of the an is sufficient to tell us what the bn are except for b0, which is information that is lost forever when g(x) is differentiated.

dunno if that is the question that was asked.
 
I am very sorry for my verbal skills .The problem is confusing for me so it becomes more difficult to explain it in words.
My problem is this :
The concept is clear when we see the relation between f and g and reflect this relation to the series terms.

What if we know there is a derivation relation between two terms ( we only know these terms . For example we have experient data of these two functions for a limited region . they are both kth series terms of their function ) . Can we generalize this derivation relation to the functions
 
fresnelspot said:
My problem is this :
The concept is clear when we see the relation between f and g and reflect this relation to the series terms.

What if we know there is a derivation [derivative?] relation between two terms ( we only know these terms . For example we have experient data of these two functions for a limited region . they are both kth series terms of their function ) . Can we generalize this derivation relation to the functions

no, only knowing that

[tex]a_n = (n+1)b_{n+1}[/tex]

for some particular n is not sufficient to say that [itex]f(x) = (d/dx)g(x)[/itex]. you must know that

[tex]a_n = (n+1)b_{n+1} \ \ \ \forall \ n \ge 0[/tex]

which means for all [itex]\ n \ge 0 \[/itex] to be able to conclude that [itex]f(x) = (d/dx)g(x)[/itex].
 
thanx
 

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