Chapter 7: Problem 68
(i) Expand each of the following functions as a Taylor series about the given point, and (ii) find the values of \(x\) for which the series converges: \(\frac{1}{x}, 1\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
The Taylor series is \(\sum_{n=0}^{\infty} (-1)^n (x-1)^n\) and converges for \(0 < x < 2\).
Step by step solution
01
Identify the Function
We are given the function \(\frac{1}{x}\) and asked to expand it as a Taylor series about the point \(x = 1\).
02
Write the Taylor Series Formula
The Taylor series of a function \(f(x)\) about a point \(a\) is given by:\[f(x) = \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} \frac{f^{(n)}(a)}{n!} (x-a)^n\]where \(f^{(n)}(a)\) is the \(n\)-th derivative of \(f(x)\) evaluated at \(x=a\).
03
Calculate Derivatives of the Function
Let's find the derivatives of \(\frac{1}{x}\) at \(x = 1\):- First derivative: \(f'(x) = -\frac{1}{x^2}\)- Second derivative: \(f''(x) = \frac{2}{x^3}\)- Third derivative: \(f'''(x) = -\frac{6}{x^4}\)Note the pattern: \(f^{(n)}(x) = (-1)^n \cdot \frac{n!}{x^{n+1}}\).
04
Evaluate Derivatives at the Point
Evaluate these derivatives at \(x=1\):- \(f(1) = 1\)- \(f'(1) = -1\)- \(f''(1) = 2\)- \(f'''(1) = -6\)Generally: \(f^{(n)}(1) = (-1)^n \cdot n!\).
05
Construct the Taylor Series
Substitute the values of \(f^{(n)}(1)\) into the Taylor series formula:\[\frac{1}{x} = 1 - (x-1) + \frac{(x-1)^2}{1} - \frac{(x-1)^3}{1} + \ldots = \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} (-1)^n (x-1)^n\]
06
Determine the Convergence Interval
Using the Ratio Test, we find the interval of convergence for the series \(\sum_{n=0}^{\infty} (-1)^n (x-1)^n\). Calculate the limit:\[L = \lim_{n\to\infty} \left|\frac{a_{n+1}}{a_n}\right| = \lim_{n\to\infty} \left|\frac{(x-1)^{n+1}}{(x-1)^n}\right| = |x-1|\]The series converges when \(|x-1| < 1\), giving us the interval of convergence: \(0 < x < 2\).
Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!
-
Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
-
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
-
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
-
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.
Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91Ó°ÊÓ!
Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Convergence Interval
The convergence interval is where a Taylor series is valid and accurately represents a function. It is crucial for determining whether the series sum matches the function within certain limits for the variable. In our example, the function is \(\frac{1}{x}\), expanded around the point \(x = 1\). The Ratio Test helps us find this interval. We calculated:
- \[ L = \lim_{n\to\infty} \left| \frac{a_{n+1}}{a_n} \right| = |x-1| \]
Derivatives
Derivatives are a fundamental part of constructing a Taylor series. They represent the rate of change of the function at points close to the specified expansion point. We evaluated the function \(\frac{1}{x}\) at \(x = 1\), finding patterns in its derivatives:
- First derivative: \(f'(x) = -\frac{1}{x^2}\)
- Second derivative: \(f''(x) = \frac{2}{x^3}\)
- Third derivative: \(f'''(x) = -\frac{6}{x^4}\)
Ratio Test
The Ratio Test is a popular method to ensure the convergence of a series within a specific interval. By comparing terms in a series, it helps determine if the series converges or diverges:
- Evaluate: \[ L = \lim_{n \to \infty} \left| \frac{a_{n+1}}{a_n} \right| \]
- If \(L < 1\), the series converges.
- If \(L > 1\), it diverges.
Function Expansion
Function expansion through a Taylor series enables us to express a function as an infinite sum of terms calculated from derivatives at a specified point. For \(\frac{1}{x}\) about \(x = 1\), the expansion is:
- \[ \frac{1}{x} = 1 - (x-1) + (x-1)^2 - (x-1)^3 + \ldots \]