Chapter 11: Problem 26
In Exercises \(21-28\) , find the Taylor series generated by \(f\) at \(x=a\) $$ f(x)=x /(1-x), \quad a=0 $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The Taylor series for \(f(x) = \frac{x}{1-x}\) at \(x=0\) is \(x + x^2 + x^3 + \cdots = \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} x^n\).
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Function
The function given is \(f(x) = \frac{x}{1-x}\). We need to find its Taylor series expansion around \(x = 0\). A Taylor series is an infinite sum of terms calculated from the values of a function's derivatives at a single point.
02
Use Known Series Expansion
The function can be expressed as \(f(x) = x \cdot \frac{1}{1-x}\). We recognize \(\frac{1}{1-x}\) as the geometric series \(1 + x + x^2 + x^3 + \cdots\) for \(|x| < 1\). Thus, \(f(x)\) becomes \(x(1 + x + x^2 + x^3 + \cdots)\).
03
Multiply the Series by x
To obtain the Taylor series for \(f(x)\), multiply the geometric series by \(x\): \[ f(x) = x(1 + x + x^2 + x^3 + \cdots) = x + x^2 + x^3 + x^4 + \cdots \] This is the Taylor series of \(f(x)\) around \(x = 0\).
04
Write the General Term
Each term in the series is \(x^n\) for \(n \geq 1\). The general term of the Taylor series is \(x^n\) starting from \(n=1\). Thus, the series can be written as: \[ \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} x^n \]
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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 in which each term is a constant multiple of the previous term. This concept is crucial to understanding many other types of series, including Taylor series.
In the case of the function \(f(x) = \frac{x}{1-x}\), the expression \(\frac{1}{1-x}\) is recognized as a geometric series.
The geometric series is expressed as \(1 + x + x^2 + x^3 + \cdots\) for \(|x| < 1\).
In the case of the function \(f(x) = \frac{x}{1-x}\), the expression \(\frac{1}{1-x}\) is recognized as a geometric series.
The geometric series is expressed as \(1 + x + x^2 + x^3 + \cdots\) for \(|x| < 1\).
- It starts from 1 and progresses by multiplying each term by a constant factor \(x\).
- It converges when the absolute value of \(x\) is less than 1.
Series Expansion
Series expansion refers to expressing a function as the sum of a series of terms. This is widely used in calculus, particularly for functions that can be difficult to express otherwise.
In our example, we want to expand \(f(x) = \frac{x}{1-x}\) around \(x = 0\). By using the geometric series \(1 + x + x^2 + \cdots\), we convert \(f(x)\) into a more manageable form.
In our example, we want to expand \(f(x) = \frac{x}{1-x}\) around \(x = 0\). By using the geometric series \(1 + x + x^2 + \cdots\), we convert \(f(x)\) into a more manageable form.
- We first identify a known series form that can represent part of our function.
- Next, we substitute and adjust it to fit the function's specific needs, as done by multiplying the series by \(x\) in this example.
- This results in \(f(x) = x + x^2 + x^3 + \cdots\), an infinite series that represents the function near \(x = 0\).
Derivatives
Derivatives are a fundamental tool in calculus, representing the rate at which a function changes. Understanding derivatives is key to constructing Taylor series.
In a Taylor series, each term is derived from the derivatives of the function at a single point. For the function \(f(x) = \frac{x}{1-x}\), we begin by observing its structure and recognizing patterns of derivation.
In a Taylor series, each term is derived from the derivatives of the function at a single point. For the function \(f(x) = \frac{x}{1-x}\), we begin by observing its structure and recognizing patterns of derivation.
- The process involves calculating successive derivatives, which become the coefficients of the Taylor series terms.
- At \(x = 0\), each derivative informs the behavior of the function's expansion.
Infinite Series
An infinite series is a series that continues indefinitely, allowing the summation of an endless number of terms.
This concept enables functions to be expressed in a form that can be analyzed and utilized efficiently for various mathematical purposes.
In the Taylor series for \(f(x) = \frac{x}{1-x}\), the infinite series \(x + x^2 + x^3 + \cdots\) conveys the function's behavior across a range of \(x\) values close to zero.
This concept enables functions to be expressed in a form that can be analyzed and utilized efficiently for various mathematical purposes.
In the Taylor series for \(f(x) = \frac{x}{1-x}\), the infinite series \(x + x^2 + x^3 + \cdots\) conveys the function's behavior across a range of \(x\) values close to zero.
- It highlights how the function appears as a sum of infinitely many terms, which, creatively, can be truncated for approximation purposes.
- Infinite series are central in calculus for representing complex functions in an approachable manner.
When \(n\) approaches infinity, the power of the representation becomes evident, allowing enhanced understanding and application.