Chapter 10: Problem 50
Use a geometric series to represent each of the given functions as a power series about \(x=0,\) and find their intervals of convergence. $$ \text { a. }f(x)=\frac{5}{3-x} \quad \text { b. } g(x)=\frac{3}{x-2} $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
a. \((-3, 3)\) with series \( \frac{5}{3} \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} \left(\frac{x}{3}\right)^n \); b. \((-2, 2)\) with series \(-\frac{3}{2} \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} \left(\frac{x}{2}\right)^n\).
Step by step solution
01
Identify the Function Format
The function in part (a) is given as \( f(x) = \frac{5}{3-x} \). We want to express it as a geometric series, which generally has the form \( \frac{1}{1-u} \), where \( |u| < 1 \). We need to rewrite our function to match this form.
02
Rewrite the Function for Series Expansion (a)
Rewrite \( \frac{5}{3-x} \) as a series by factoring the 5: \( 5 \cdot \frac{1}{3-x} \). Now further manipulate so that the denominator matches \( 1-u \), yielding \( 5 \cdot \frac{1}{3(1 - \frac{x}{3})} \). Thus, \( u = \frac{x}{3} \).
03
Express Function as a Geometric Series (a)
Using the geometric series expansion \( \frac{1}{1-u} = \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} u^n \), substitute \( u = \frac{x}{3} \). Then \( \frac{1}{3-x} = \frac{1}{3} \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} \left( \frac{x}{3} \right)^n \). So, \( f(x) = 5 \cdot \frac{1}{3} \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} \left( \frac{x}{3} \right)^n = \frac{5}{3} \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} \left( \frac{x}{3} \right)^n \).
04
Find Interval of Convergence for Part (a)
Since \( u = \frac{x}{3} \) must satisfy \( \left| \frac{x}{3} \right| < 1 \), solving gives \( |x| < 3 \). Thus, the interval of convergence for \( f(x) \) is \( (-3, 3) \).
05
Identify the Function Format for Part (b)
The function \( g(x) = \frac{3}{x-2} \) does not directly fit the needed geometric series form \( \frac{1}{1-u} \). We need to rearrange so that a similar pattern emerges.
06
Rewrite the Function for Series Expansion (b)
Consider \( g(x) = \frac{3}{x-2} = -\frac{3}{2-x} \). Factoring and rewriting gives \( -3 \cdot \frac{1}{2-x} = -3 \cdot \frac{1}{2(1-\frac{x}{2})}\). Thus, \( u = \frac{x}{2} \).
07
Express Function as a Geometric Series (b)
Substitute into the geometric series \( \frac{1}{1-u} = \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} u^n \) with \( u = \frac{x}{2} \). This yields \( \frac{1}{2-x} = \frac{1}{2} \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} \left( \frac{x}{2} \right)^n \). Therefore, \( g(x) = -3 \cdot \frac{1}{2} \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} \left( \frac{x}{2} \right)^n = -\frac{3}{2} \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} \left( \frac{x}{2} \right)^n \).
08
Find Interval of Convergence for Part (b)
The condition \( |u| < 1 \) where \( u = \frac{x}{2} \) gives \( |x| < 2 \). Therefore, the interval of convergence for \( g(x) \) is \( (-2, 2) \).
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.
Power Series
A power series is an infinite sum of terms in the form of \(a_n (x - c)^n\), where \(a_n\) are coefficients, \(x\) is a variable, and \(c\) is the center of the series expansion. In simple terms, it allows us to express complex functions as a combination of simpler polynomial terms. Power series representations are particularly useful for approximations and solving problems that involve calculus.
- Centered at a Point: The power series is typically centered at a specific point, often denoted as \(c\). In the given exercise, the power series is about \(x = 0\), which means the series is expanded around zero.
- Infinite Series: Unlike finite polynomials, power series can continue indefinitely. Higher powers of \(x-c\) provide more detailed behavior near the center of the series.
- Convergence Radius: Not all power series converge everywhere; they often have a radius of convergence, which determines where the series representation is valid.
Interval of Convergence
The interval of convergence refers to the set of \(x\)-values where a power series converges to a definite value. A power series converges if the sum of its terms approaches a finitelimit as the number of terms grows. Determining this range is essential as it defines where the series reliably represents the function.
- Absolute Value Conditions: For a power series \(\sum_{n=0}^{\infty} a_n (x-c)^n\), convergence depends on the inequality \(|x-c| < R\), where \(R\) represents the radius of convergence.
- Open Intervals: The result is often an interval of \((c-R, c+R)\), where the series converges in this range. For example, in the exercise provided, the interval of convergence for the function \(f(x)\) is \((-3, 3)\) for which the series will hold true.
- Boundary Points: Sometimes, the endpoints or boundaries \(c-R\) and \(c+R\) might also be included—this needs to be verified separately.
Geometric Series Expansion
A geometric series is a special kind of series in mathematics characterized by each term being a constant multiple of the previous term. The form is typically \(\frac{a}{1-r}\), which simplifies to a summation using the formula \(\sum_{n=0}^{\infty} ar^n\).For functions to be expanded as a geometric series, they first need to be structured to fit the \(\frac{1}{1-u}\) mold, where \(|u| < 1\).
- Matching Forms: In the solved exercise, functions \(f(x)\) and \(g(x)\) are rewritten to fit the required form by manipulation of constants and expressions. This allows the application of the formula \(\frac{1}{1-u} = \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} u^n\).
- Applications: Geometric series make the calculation of repeating decimal patterns and interest calculations more feasible. They are used extensively in calculus for function approximations near the expansion center.
- Convergence Check: A valid expansion must also see that \(|u| < 1\) ensures mathematical correctness over the computed interval.