Chapter 9: Problem 24
Use power series operations to find the Taylor series at \(x=0\) for the functions. $$\frac{2}{(1-x)^{3}}$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The Taylor series for \( \frac{2}{(1-x)^3} \) is \( \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} (n+2)(n+1)x^n \).
Step by step solution
01
Recognize the Template of a Known Power Series
Recall that the function \( \frac{1}{(1-x)} \) can be expressed as a geometric series: \( \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} x^n \), as long it converges i.e., \(|x| < 1\). Since our function is \( \frac{2}{(1-x)^3} \), this resembles a derivative or transformation of this base series.
02
Differentiate the Geometric Series
Differentiate the geometric series \( \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} x^n \) with respect to \(x\) to get \( \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} n x^{n-1} = \frac{1}{(1-x)^2}\). Differentiate again to obtain \( \sum_{n=2}^{\infty} n(n-1) x^{n-2} = \frac{2x}{(1-x)^3}\).
03
Scale and Adjust for the Given Function
Since we need \( \frac{2}{(1-x)^3} \), notice that \( \frac{2}{(1-x)^3} = 2 \cdot \frac{1}{(1-x)^3} \). Multiply the series found in Step 2 by 2 to get \( 2 \cdot \left(\sum_{n=2}^{\infty} n(n-1)x^{n-2}\right)\).
04
Reindex to Find the Final Taylor Series Form
To match the series to the form \( \sum_{n=0}^\infty a_n x^n \), replace \(n\) by \(n+2\) in the series from Step 3, resulting in \( \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} (n+2)(n+1)x^n \). This gives the Taylor series for \( \frac{2}{(1-x)^3} \).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Understanding Power Series
A power series is a sum of terms in the form of \( a_n x^n \). It represents functions as an infinite sum of powers of \( x \). Each term is a product of a coefficient \( a_n \) and a power \( x^n \). A power series is very useful in mathematics because it can represent functions that are difficult to write in other forms.
- A power series centered at \( x=0 \) is called a Maclaurin series.
- When centered at any other point, it is known as a Taylor series.
- It provides an approximation of a complex function with a polynomial.
Exploring Geometric Series
A geometric series is a special type of power series. It has a constant ratio between successive terms. The simplest form of a geometric series is \( \frac{1}{(1-x)} = \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} x^n \). This series converges for \( |x| < 1 \).
- It is the foundation for many calculus operations, like finding Taylor or Maclaurin series.
- This series is used to expand and express complex rational functions.
- Recognizing a geometric series can help simplify complex expressions.
The Role of Differentiation
Differentiation is a mathematical operation where we find the derivative of a function, which essentially gives us the rate of change. The power of differentiation is in its ability to transform series, such as turning \( \frac{1}{(1-x)} \) into \( \frac{1}{(1-x)^3} \).
- By differentiating the geometric series \( \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} x^n \), you obtain \( \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} n x^{n-1} \).
- Differentiating again obtains \( \sum_{n=2}^{\infty} n(n-1) x^{n-2} \), which corresponds to \( \frac{2x}{(1-x)^3} \).
- This shows how differentiation creates new series from existing ones.
Understanding Convergence
Convergence is a key concept when working with series. It describes whether a series approaches a certain value as the number of terms increases. In power series and geometric series, we need them to converge within a certain interval to be useful.
- The interval of convergence is the set of \( x \)-values for which the series sums to a finite value.
- For geometric series like \( \frac{1}{(1-x)} \), it converges if \( |x| < 1 \).
- Knowing the convergence helps prevent miscalculations and misrepresentations of functions.