Chapter 9: Problem 22
Find the Maclaurin series for the functions. $$\frac{x^{2}}{x+1}$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The Maclaurin series for \( \frac{x^2}{x+1} \) is \( \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} (-1)^n x^{n+2} \).
Step by step solution
01
Understanding the Maclaurin Series
The Maclaurin series is a Taylor series expansion of a function about 0. It is given by: \( f(x) = f(0) + f'(0)x + \frac{f''(0)}{2!}x^2 + \frac{f'''(0)}{3!}x^3 + \dots \). We need to find the derivatives of \( \frac{x^2}{x+1} \) and evaluate them at \( x = 0 \).
02
Simplify the Function
To expand \( \frac{x^2}{x+1} \), rewrite it as a geometric series. First, note that \( \frac{1}{x+1} = 1 - x + x^2 - x^3 + \dots \) (valid for \( |x| < 1 \)). Then, multiply this series by \( x^2 \): \( x^2(1 - x + x^2 - x^3 + \dots) = x^2 - x^3 + x^4 - x^5 + \dots \).
03
Write the Series Expansion
The simplified series becomes \( x^2 - x^3 + x^4 - x^5 + \dots \). Each subsequent term increases by a power of \( -x \) from the previous term. Therefore, the Maclaurin series for \( \frac{x^2}{x+1} \) is: \( \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} (-1)^n x^{n+2} \).
04
Validate by Initial Terms
To verify, substitute \( n = 0, 1, 2 \) into the series: \( n = 0 \), term is \( x^2 \); \( n = 1 \), term is \( -x^3 \); \( n = 2 \), term is \( x^4 \), and so on. This matches our series expansion \( x^2 - x^3 + x^4 - x^5 + \dots \).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Taylor series
The Taylor series is a powerful mathematical tool used to approximate functions. It expresses a function as an infinite sum of terms, calculated from the values of its derivatives at a specific point. The formula for a Taylor series centered around a point \( a \) is:
- \( f(x) = f(a) + f'(a)(x-a) + \frac{f''(a)}{2!}(x-a)^2 + \frac{f'''(a)}{3!}(x-a)^3 + \dots \).
- \( f(x) = f(0) + f'(0)x + \frac{f''(0)}{2!}x^2 + \frac{f'''(0)}{3!}x^3 + \dots \).
Series Expansion
Series expansion involves representing a function as an infinite sum of simpler terms. It allows complex functions to be expressed in a form that can be easily managed and understood. In the context of a Taylor or Maclaurin series:
- The function \( \frac{x^2}{x+1} \) is broken down into a series for \( |x| < 1 \).
- We first express \( \frac{1}{x+1} \) as a geometric series.
- Then, multiply by \( x^2 \) to reformat and generate terms like \( x^2 - x^3 + x^4 - x^5 + \dots \).
Geometric series
A geometric series is a series of terms each of which is the product of the previous term and a fixed, non-zero number called the common ratio. For instance, \( 1 + r + r^2 + r^3 + \cdots \) is a simple geometric series. In our exercise:
- We use the expansion \( \frac{1}{x+1} = 1 - x + x^2 - x^3 + \dots \) valid for \( |x| < 1 \).
- This series is crucial because by multiplying each term by \( x^2 \), we construct an appropriate series for \( \frac{x^2}{x+1} \).
Derivatives
Derivatives measure how a function changes as its input changes, providing a way to analyze and approximate functions using series like Taylor and Maclaurin. The derivatives of \( \frac{x^2}{x+1} \) are found by applying standard differentiation rules:
- The first derivative provides information on the slope of the curve.
- Higher-order derivatives reveal more complex behaviors like curvature.
Polynomial approximation
Polynomial approximation involves approximating a complicated function with a polynomial, which is much easier to evaluate and understand. The purpose of using a Maclaurin series is to create such an approximation:
- For \( \frac{x^2}{x+1} \), the expansion becomes \( x^2 - x^3 + x^4 - x^5 + \dots \), a polynomial-like series.
- This approach simplifies calculations and helps us see patterns within the function.