Chapter 3: Problem 67
Find a formula for the \(n\) th derivative of \(f\), for \(n \geq 1 .\) $$ f(x)=1 /(1-x) $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The \( n \)th derivative of \( f(x) = \frac{1}{1-x} \) is \( n!(1-x)^{-n-1} \).
Step by step solution
01
Recognize the Function Type
The function given is \( f(x) = \frac{1}{1-x} \), which is a geometric series. In this form, it resembles the sum of an infinite series \( \sum_{k=0}^{\infty} x^k \) with a common ratio of \( x \) when expanded.
02
Recall the Series Expansion
The function \( f(x) = \frac{1}{1-x} \) can be expanded into the series \( 1 + x + x^2 + x^3 + \cdots \). This expansion corresponds to the series \( \sum_{k=0}^{\infty} x^k \) for \( |x| < 1 \).
03
Derivative of the Geometric Series Term
Consider a single term in the series, \( x^k \). The derivative of \( x^k \) with respect to \( x \) is \( kx^{k-1} \). Differentiating multiple times, the \(n\)th derivative is \( \frac{d^n}{dx^n} x^k = k(k-1)\cdots(k-n+1)x^{k-n} \).
04
Apply to All Terms
The \(n\)th derivative of the sum \( \sum_{k=0}^{\infty} x^k \) becomes \( \sum_{k=n}^{\infty} k(k-1)\cdots(k-n+1) x^{k-n} \) with the \(n\) leading terms disappearing due to differentiation.
05
Simplify the Expression
Recognize that this expression is equivalent to \( n! \sum_{k=n}^{\infty} \frac{x^{k-n}}{(k-n)!} \). Changing the index of summation \((j = k-n)\), this series simplifies further to \( n!(1+x+x^2+\cdots) = n!(1-x)^{-n-1}\).
06
Conclusion on the Derivative Formula
Thus, the \( n \)th derivative of \( f(x) = \frac{1}{1-x} \) is given by \( \frac{d^n}{dx^n} f(x) = n!(1-x)^{-n-1} \). This handles all derivatives using the factorial function and the power series property.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Geometric Series
A geometric series is a sum of terms where each term is found by multiplying the previous term by a fixed, non-zero number called the common ratio. In the function \( f(x) = \frac{1}{1-x} \), this is identified as a geometric series with a common ratio of \( x \). This specific form, \( \sum_{k=0}^{\infty} x^k \), represents the sum of an infinite series. This means:
- The first term is 1 (when \( k = 0 \))
- Each subsequent term is multiplied by \( x \)
- The series continues infinitely as long as \( |x| < 1 \)
Power Series Expansion
Power series expansion is a way to express a function as an infinite sum of terms in the form \( a_n (x - c)^n \), where \( a_n \) denotes the coefficients. For the function \( f(x) = \frac{1}{1-x} \), the power series expansion is \( 1 + x + x^2 + x^3 + \cdots \). Some key points include:
- The expansion converges for \( |x| < 1 \)
- Every function expanded in this way has a so-called 'radius of convergence’
- In this problem, the center is \( c = 0 \), making it a simple Taylor series
Calculus Differentiation
Calculus differentiation involves finding the rate at which a function changes at any point. For the given function \( f(x) = \frac{1}{1-x} \), differentiation is applied repeatedly to find the nth derivative. This process leverages the power series expansion, as each term \( x^k \) has its derivative \( kx^{k-1} \) when differentiated once. Some differentiation rules to remember:
- The derivative of \( x^k \) is \( kx^{k-1} \)
- The nth derivative of \( x^k \) involves multiplying by additional constants as seen in factorial expressions
- When differentiated extensively, constant terms vanish, affecting the sum of series