Chapter 6: Problem 67
The coefficient of \(x^{4}\) in the expansion of \(\left.\mid \sqrt{1+x^{2}}-x\right\\}^{-1}\) in ascending powers of \(x\), when \(|x|<1\), is a. 0 b. \(\frac{1}{2}\) c. \(-\frac{1}{2}\) d. \(-\frac{1}{8}\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
The coefficient of \(x^4\) is \(-\frac{1}{2}\).
Step by step solution
01
Simplify Given Expression
The expression given is \( \left( \sqrt{1+x^2} - x \right)^{-1} \). We need to express it in a form that allows easy expansion. Use the identity \( \sqrt{1+x^2} = \left( 1 + x^2 \right)^{1/2} \). Thus the expression becomes \( \left( (1 + x^2)^{1/2} - x \right)^{-1} \).
02
Use Binomial Expansion for \( (1+x^2)^{1/2} \)
Expand \( (1+x^2)^{1/2} \) using the binomial series: \
\( (1 + x^2)^{1/2} = 1 + \frac{1}{2}x^2 - \frac{1}{8}x^4 + \cdots \). \
This expansion is valid as long as \(|x| < 1\).
\( (1 + x^2)^{1/2} = 1 + \frac{1}{2}x^2 - \frac{1}{8}x^4 + \cdots \). \
This expansion is valid as long as \(|x| < 1\).
03
Find Reciprocal Series Expansion
Now we need to find the series expansion of the reciprocal. Let \( f(x) = \left( (1+x^2)^{1/2} - x \right) \). Then \( f(x) = 1 + \frac{1}{2}x^2 - \frac{1}{8}x^4 - x + \cdots \), which simplifies to \(1 - x + \frac{1}{2}x^2 - \frac{1}{8}x^4 + \cdots \).\
We are looking for \((1 - f(x))^{-1}\).
We are looking for \((1 - f(x))^{-1}\).
04
Use Geometric Series for Reciprocal
Using the formula for the expansion of a geometric series \( (1-y)^{-1} = 1 + y + y^2 + \cdots \), replace \(y\) with \(x - \frac{1}{2}x^2 + \frac{1}{8}x^4 - \cdots \). Start expanding \
1. \(1 + (x - \frac{1}{2}x^2 + \frac{1}{8}x^4)\).\
2. Focus on terms resulting in \(x^4\): \
- From \(y^4\), (only \((x)^4)\), which is \(x^4\), leading to coefficient of 1.\
- From other combinations \((y^2 \, \text{and} \, y^3)\), check powers resulting in \(x^4\).\
Add contributions: \(-\frac{1}{2} \cdot x^2 \cdot x^2 = -\frac{1}{2}x^4\), impacting total contribution as \(-\frac{1}{2}\).
1. \(1 + (x - \frac{1}{2}x^2 + \frac{1}{8}x^4)\).\
2. Focus on terms resulting in \(x^4\): \
- From \(y^4\), (only \((x)^4)\), which is \(x^4\), leading to coefficient of 1.\
- From other combinations \((y^2 \, \text{and} \, y^3)\), check powers resulting in \(x^4\).\
Add contributions: \(-\frac{1}{2} \cdot x^2 \cdot x^2 = -\frac{1}{2}x^4\), impacting total contribution as \(-\frac{1}{2}\).
05
Collect Terms for Coefficient of \(x^4\)
Sum all \(x^4\) contributions computed from earlier steps. Factor all \(1 + (x-\frac{1}{2}x^2 + \cdots) + (-\frac{1}{2}x^2)^2 \cdots\). The expression \(-\frac{1}{2}x^4\) stands alone, hence coefficient is \(-\frac{1}{2}\).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Binomial Series
The binomial series is a powerful mathematical tool used to expand expressions of the form \( (1 + x)^n \), where \( n \) can be any real number. It is particularly useful for approximating expressions when \( |x| < 1 \).
- The basic idea is to expand the expression into an infinite series.
- Each term in the series involves coefficients called binomial coefficients, commonly represented using combinations or the notation \( \binom{n}{k} \).
- For instance, the expansion of \( (1 + x)^n \) yields \( 1 + nx + \frac{n(n-1)}{2!}x^2 + \frac{n(n-1)(n-2)}{3!}x^3 + \cdots \).
Geometric Series
A geometric series is a series of terms that have a constant ratio between successive terms. Its standard form is \( 1 + r + r^2 + r^3 + \cdots \), valid when \( |r| < 1 \).
- It's commonly used to quickly sum infinite sequences that would otherwise be complex to compute one by one.
- The sum can be found using the formula \( \frac{1}{1-r} \) as it provides a concise way to find the total for the entire infinite sequence.
Reciprocal Function Expansion
Reciprocal function expansion involves expanding a given function where one term is expressed as the inverse or reciprocal of another. It's commonly used in contexts where you have an expression like \( (a - b)^{-1} \).
- This expansion forms the basis for deciphering how different terms in a function contribute to a power series.
- When combined with the binomial and geometric series, it allows for complex expressions to be rewritten as infinite series, unveiling insights such as the specific coefficients of terms like \( x^4 \).