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Functions as power series

Learning goals

  • Represents functions using known power-series expansions.
  • Uses algebraic manipulation, substitution, differentiation, or integration of known series to obtain new series.
  • Identifies coefficients and center of the resulting power series.
  • Keeps track of the interval or radius of convergence.

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Functions as power series 1
Start with the geometric-series identity \( \frac{1}{1-x}=\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}x^n\) for \(|x|<1\). Write the first five terms of the series.

Hints

- Begin with the term for \(n=0\). - Increase the exponent by \(1\) for each successive term.

Solution

1. Substitute \(n=0,1,2,3,4\) into the term \(x^n\). 2. The first five terms are \(1+x+x^2+x^3+x^4\).

Answer

\(1+x+x^2+x^3+x^4\).
Functions as power series 2
Rewrite \(\frac{1}{4-x}\) so that the geometric-series form \(\frac{1}{1-r}\) is visible. Do not expand the series.

Hints

- Factor the constant term from the denominator first. - Stop once the denominator has the form \(1-r\).

Solution

1. Factor \(4\) from the denominator: \(4-x=4\left(1-\frac{x}{4}\right)\). 2. Therefore, \(\frac{1}{4-x}=\frac14\cdot\frac{1}{1-\frac{x}{4}}\).

Answer

\(\frac{1}{4-x}=\frac14\cdot\frac{1}{1-\frac{x}{4}}\).
Functions as power series 3
Start with the geometric-series identity \(\frac{1}{1-x}=\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}x^n\) for \(|x|<1\). For each target function, choose the first operation on this identity that produces the target form. Choose from: differentiate, integrate from \(0\) to \(x\), or substitute \(-x\). Do not carry out the resulting series expansion. a) \(\frac{1}{(1-x)^2}\) b) \(-\ln(1-x)\) c) \(\frac{1}{1+x}\)

Hints

- Compare how each target differs structurally from \(\frac{1}{1-x}\). - Think about which operation changes the power of the denominator and which operation creates a logarithm. - A sign change in the denominator can come from changing the input rather than differentiating or integrating.

Solution

1. Differentiating \(\frac{1}{1-x}\) gives \(\frac{1}{(1-x)^2}\), so part a) uses differentiation. 2. Integrating \(\frac{1}{1-t}\) from \(0\) to \(x\) gives \(-\ln(1-x)\), so part b) uses integration from \(0\) to \(x\). 3. Replacing \(x\) by \(-x\) changes \(\frac{1}{1-x}\) into \(\frac{1}{1+x}\), so part c) uses substitution of \(-x\).

Answer

a) Differentiate. b) Integrate from \(0\) to \(x\). c) Substitute \(-x\).
Functions as power series 4
Multiply the short polynomials \((1+x)(1+2x+x^2)\). What is the coefficient of \(x^2\)? Explain which products contribute to it.

Hints

- Which pairs of terms have exponents adding to 2? - Add the contributions instead of multiplying corresponding coefficients only.

Solution

1. The degree-2 terms come from \(1\cdot x^2\) and \(x\cdot2x\). 2. Their coefficients add to \(1+2=3\). The whole product is \(1+3x+3x^2+x^3\).

Answer

The coefficient is \(3\), from \(1\cdot x^2\) and \(x\cdot2x\).
Functions as power series 5
Two power series begin \(A(x)=2+x+\cdots\) and \(B(x)=-1+4x+\cdots\). Without multiplying all terms, find the coefficient of \(x\) in \(A(x)B(x)\). Which pairs of coefficients contribute?

Hints

- Which exponent pairs add to 1? - Account for both ways to form a term of degree 1.

Solution

1. An \(x\) term in the product can come from a constant times a linear term, in either order. 2. The coefficient is \(2\cdot4+1\cdot(-1)=7\).

Answer

The coefficient is \(7\), from the constant-linear and linear-constant pairings.
Functions as power series 6
Use the geometric series to represent \( \frac{1}{1+x}\) as a power series centered at \(0\). a) Write the series in sigma notation. b) Write the first six terms. c) Find the coefficient of \(x^8\) and state the interval of convergence.

Hints

- Match the denominator to the form \(1-r\). - The sign pattern comes from powers of \(-x\). - Use the same absolute-value condition as the original geometric series.

Solution

1. Replace \(x\) by \(-x\) in \( \frac{1}{1-x}=\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}x^n\). 2. This gives \( \frac{1}{1+x}=\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}(-1)^nx^n\). 3. The first six terms are \(1-x+x^2-x^3+x^4-x^5\). 4. For \(x^8\), the coefficient is \((-1)^8=1\). 5. The substitution does not change the condition \(|x|<1\), and both endpoints diverge because the terms do not approach \(0\).

Answer

a) \( \frac{1}{1+x}=\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}(-1)^nx^n\). b) \(1-x+x^2-x^3+x^4-x^5\). c) Coefficient \(1\); interval \((-1, 1)\).
Functions as power series 7
Use the geometric series to represent \(\frac{x^2}{1-x}\) as a power series centered at \(0\). a) Write the series in sigma notation. b) Write the first five nonzero terms. c) State the interval of convergence.

Hints

- Multiply each term of the geometric series by the numerator. - Decide whether to use the original index or reindex to match the exponents. - In this particular case, how does multiplying by \(x^2\) affect the geometric ratio?

Solution

1. For \(|x|<1\), \(\frac{1}{1-x}=\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}x^n\). 2. Multiplying by \(x^2\) gives \(\frac{x^2}{1-x}=\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}x^{n+2}=\sum_{n=2}^{\infty}x^n\). 3. The first five nonzero terms are \(x^2+x^3+x^4+x^5+x^6\). 4. Multiplying by this power of \(x\) shifts the exponents and leaves the geometric ratio \(x\) unchanged. The series converges at \(x=0\), but diverges at \(x=1\) and \(x=-1\). Its interval is \((-1,1)\).

Answer

a) \(\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}x^{n+2}=\sum_{n=2}^{\infty}x^n\). b) \(x^2+x^3+x^4+x^5+x^6\). c) \((-1,1)\).
Functions as power series 8
Represent \( \frac{1}{3-x}\) as a power series centered at \(0\). a) Write the series in sigma notation. b) Write the first four nonzero terms. c) State the interval of convergence.

Hints

- Factor out the constant term in the denominator. - Match the remaining expression to \(1/(1-r)\). - Translate \(|r|<1\) back into a condition on \(x\).

Solution

1. Factor the denominator: \( \frac{1}{3-x}=\frac13\cdot\frac{1}{1-\frac{x}{3}}\). 2. Apply the geometric series with ratio \(\frac{x}{3}\): \( \frac{1}{3-x}=\frac13\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}\left(\frac{x}{3}\right)^n=\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}\frac{x^n}{3^{n+1}}\). 3. The first four terms are \( \frac13+\frac{x}{9}+\frac{x^2}{27}+\frac{x^3}{81}\). 4. Convergence requires \(\left|\frac{x}{3}\right|<1\), so the interval is \((-3, 3)\).

Answer

a) \( \frac{1}{3-x}=\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}\frac{x^n}{3^{n+1}}\). b) \( \frac13+\frac{x}{9}+\frac{x^2}{27}+\frac{x^3}{81}\). c) \((-3, 3)\).
Functions as power series 9
Use the geometric series to represent \( \frac{1}{1-x^2}\) as a power series centered at \(0\). a) Write the series in sigma notation. b) Write the first five nonzero terms. c) Find the coefficient of \(x^9\) and state the interval of convergence.

Hints

- Treat \(x^2\) as the geometric ratio. - Notice the parity of every exponent in the expansion. - Solve \(|x^2|<1\) and then test the two boundary values.

Solution

1. Substitute \(x^2\) for \(x\) in \( \frac{1}{1-x}=\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}x^n\). 2. This gives \( \frac{1}{1-x^2}=\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}x^{2n}\). 3. The first five nonzero terms are \(1+x^2+x^4+x^6+x^8\). 4. Only even powers occur, so the coefficient of \(x^9\) is \(0\). 5. Convergence requires \(|x^2|<1\), which is equivalent to \(|x|<1\). Both endpoints diverge.

Answer

a) \( \frac{1}{1-x^2}=\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}x^{2n}\). b) \(1+x^2+x^4+x^6+x^8\). c) Coefficient \(0\); interval \((-1, 1)\).
Functions as power series 10
Start with \( \frac{1}{1-x}=\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}x^n\) for \(|x|<1\). a) Differentiate both sides and then multiply by \(x\) to represent \(\frac{x}{(1-x)^2}\) as a power series. b) Write the first five nonzero terms. c) Find the coefficient of \(x^7\).

Hints

- Differentiate the exponent as well as the function on the left. - Multiplying by \(x\) restores the exponent to match the index. - Read the requested coefficient directly from the general term.

Solution

1. Differentiating gives \( \frac{1}{(1-x)^2}=\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}nx^{n-1}\). 2. Multiplying by \(x\) gives \( \frac{x}{(1-x)^2}=\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}nx^n\). 3. The first five nonzero terms are \(x+2x^2+3x^3+4x^4+5x^5\). 4. The coefficient of \(x^7\) is \(7\).

Answer

a) \( \frac{x}{(1-x)^2}=\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}nx^n\). b) \(x+2x^2+3x^3+4x^4+5x^5\). c) \(7\).
Functions as power series 11
Start with \( \frac{1}{1-x}=\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}x^n\) for \(|x|<1\). a) Integrate from \(0\) to \(x\) to represent \(-\ln(1-x)\) as a power series. b) Write the first four nonzero terms. c) Use those four terms to approximate \(\ln 2\).

Hints

- Use a new variable inside the definite integral. - Integrate each power by increasing its exponent and dividing by the new exponent. - Choose the value of \(x\) that makes \(1-x=\frac{1}{2}\).

Solution

1. Integrating the left side gives \( \int_0^x\frac{1}{1-t}\,dt=-\ln(1-x)\). 2. Integrating the series term by term gives \( -\ln(1-x)=\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}\frac{x^{n+1}}{n+1}=\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}\frac{x^n}{n}\). 3. The first four nonzero terms are \( x+\frac{x^2}{2}+\frac{x^3}{3}+\frac{x^4}{4}\). 4. Since \(\ln 2=-\ln\left(1-\frac{1}{2}\right)\), the four-term approximation is \( \frac12+\frac{(1/2)^2}{2}+\frac{(1/2)^3}{3}+\frac{(1/2)^4}{4}=\frac{131}{192}\approx0.682292\).

Answer

a) \( -\ln(1-x)=\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}\frac{x^n}{n}\). b) \( x+\frac{x^2}{2}+\frac{x^3}{3}+\frac{x^4}{4}\). c) \(\ln 2\approx\frac{131}{192}\approx0.682292\).
Functions as power series 12
Let \( A(x)=1+2x+3x^2+4x^3+\cdots\) and \( B(x)=1-x+x^2-x^3+\cdots\). You may use \( A(x)=\frac{1}{(1-x)^2}\) and \( B(x)=\frac{1}{1+x}\) for \(|x|<1\). a) Use the Cauchy product formula \( c_n=\sum_{k=0}^{n}a_kb_{n-k}\) to find the product coefficients through \(x^3\). b) Write a closed form for \(A(x)B(x)\). c) State the coefficient pattern as formulas for \(c_{2m}\) and \(c_{2m+1}\).

Hints

- For \(c_n\), include every pair of exponents whose sum is \(n\). - Multiply the two supplied function formulas to obtain the closed form. - Compare consecutive even and odd coefficients to identify the repeated-pair pattern.

Solution

1. The constant coefficient is \( c_0=1\cdot1=1\). 2. The coefficient of \(x\) is \( c_1=1(-1)+2(1)=1\). 3. The coefficient of \(x^2\) is \( c_2=1(1)+2(-1)+3(1)=2\). 4. The coefficient of \(x^3\) is \( c_3=1(-1)+2(1)+3(-1)+4(1)=2\). Thus the product begins \(1+x+2x^2+2x^3+\cdots\). 5. Multiplying the supplied closed forms gives \( A(x)B(x)=\frac{1}{(1-x)^2(1+x)}\). 6. The coefficients occur in equal pairs: \( 1,1,2,2,3,3,\ldots\). Therefore, for every integer \(m\geq0\), \( c_{2m}=c_{2m+1}=m+1\).

Answer

a) \( A(x)B(x)=1+x+2x^2+2x^3+\cdots\). b) \( A(x)B(x)=\frac{1}{(1-x)^2(1+x)}\). c) \( c_{2m}=c_{2m+1}=m+1\) for \(m\geq0\).
Functions as power series 13
Use the Maclaurin series for \(\arctan x\) to evaluate \( S=\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}\frac{(-1)^n}{(2n+1)3^n}\) exactly.

Hints

- Compare the factor \(3^n\) with the odd powers in the arctangent series. - Choose an input whose square is \(\frac13\). - Use the special-angle value of arctangent after matching the series.

Solution

1. The arctangent series is \( \arctan x=\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}\frac{(-1)^nx^{2n+1}}{2n+1}\). 2. Substitute \(x=\frac{1}{\sqrt3}\): \( \arctan\left(\frac{1}{\sqrt3}\right)=\frac{1}{\sqrt3}\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}\frac{(-1)^n}{(2n+1)3^n}=\frac{S}{\sqrt3}\). 3. Since \(\arctan\left(\frac{1}{\sqrt3}\right)=\frac{\pi}{6}\), \( \frac{S}{\sqrt3}=\frac{\pi}{6}\). 4. Therefore, \( S=\frac{\pi\sqrt3}{6}\).

Answer

\( S=\frac{\pi\sqrt3}{6}\).
Functions as power series 14
Let \(f(x)=\cos(\sqrt{x})\) for \(x\geq0\). a) Use the cosine Maclaurin series to write the terms of the power-series expansion of \(f(x)\) through degree \(3\) in \(x\). Call this truncation \(P_3(x)\). b) Use \(P_3\) to approximate \(\cos(0.5)\).

Hints

- Substitute the inner expression into the standard cosine series before truncating. - Track what happens to the even powers of \(\sqrt{x}\). - For the numerical approximation, choose the value of \(x\) whose square root is \(0.5\).

Solution

1. The cosine series is \(\cos u=1-\frac{u^2}{2!}+\frac{u^4}{4!}-\frac{u^6}{6!}+\cdots\). 2. Substitute \(u=\sqrt{x}\). Each even power of \(\sqrt{x}\) becomes an integer power of \(x\): \(\cos(\sqrt{x})=1-\frac{x}{2!}+\frac{x^2}{4!}-\frac{x^3}{6!}+\cdots\). 3. Therefore, \(P_3(x)=1-\frac{x}{2}+\frac{x^2}{24}-\frac{x^3}{720}\). 4. To approximate \(\cos(0.5)\), use \(x=(0.5)^2=0.25\): \(P_3(0.25)=1-\frac{0.25}{2}+\frac{0.25^2}{24}-\frac{0.25^3}{720}=\frac{40439}{46080}\approx0.877582465\).

Answer

a) \(P_3(x)=1-\frac{x}{2}+\frac{x^2}{24}-\frac{x^3}{720}\). b) \(\cos(0.5)\approx0.877582465\).
Functions as power series 15
For \(|t|<1\), the geometric-series identity is \(\frac{1}{1-t}=\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}t^n\). Use this series to write the first three nonzero terms and a general-term formula for \(G(x)=\int_0^x\frac{1}{1-t}\,dt\), for \(|x|<1\). Why does the resulting series have no constant term?

Hints

- How does integrating \(t^n\) change its exponent and coefficient? - Keep the index \(n\) so the result describes every term, not just the first few. - What do all the integrated powers of \(x\) have in common at \(x=0\)?

Solution

1. Inside \(|x|<1\), integrate the geometric power series term by term from \(0\) to \(x\): \(G(x)=\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}\frac{x^{n+1}}{n+1}\). 2. Its first three nonzero terms are \(x+\frac{x^2}{2}+\frac{x^3}{3}\). 3. Since the integral starts and ends at zero when \(x=0\), \(G(0)=0\). Every integrated term has a positive power of \(x\), so the constant coefficient is zero.

Answer

\(G(x)=\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}\frac{x^{n+1}}{n+1}=x+\frac{x^2}{2}+\frac{x^3}{3}+\cdots\) for \(|x|<1\). There is no constant term because \(G(0)=0\).
Functions as power series 16
Two power series begin \(A(x)=1+2x+3x^2+4x^3+\cdots\) and \(B(x)=2-3x+4x^2-5x^3+\cdots\). Find the coefficients of \(1\), \(x\), \(x^2\), and \(x^3\) in \(A(x)B(x)\). For each coefficient, show every pair of terms whose product contributes to it.

Hints

- A pair of terms contributes to a given power when its exponents add to that power. - Start with the constant term; then consider every way to split a total degree of 1, 2, or 3 between the two factors. - Check signs before adding the contributions to each coefficient.

Solution

1. For the constant term, the only pair is \(1\cdot2\), so \(c_0=2\). 2. The pairs for \(x\) are \(1\cdot(-3x)\) and \((2x)\cdot2\), giving \(c_1=-3+4=1\). 3. The pairs for \(x^2\) are \(1\cdot4x^2\), \((2x)(-3x)\), and \((3x^2)\cdot2\), giving \(c_2=4-6+6=4\). 4. The pairs for \(x^3\) are \(1\cdot(-5x^3)\), \((2x)(4x^2)\), \((3x^2)(-3x)\), and \((4x^3)\cdot2\), giving \(c_3=-5+8-9+8=2\).

Answer

Constant: \(1\cdot2=2\). \(x\): \(1(-3x)+(2x)2=x\), so \(c_1=1\). \(x^2\): \(1(4x^2)+(2x)(-3x)+(3x^2)2=4x^2\), so \(c_2=4\). \(x^3\): \(1(-5x^3)+(2x)(4x^2)+(3x^2)(-3x)+(4x^3)2=2x^3\), so \(c_3=2\). The product begins \(2+x+4x^2+2x^3+\cdots\).
Functions as power series 17
Two series begin \(A(x)=1+2x+\cdots\) and \(B(x)=1-3x+\cdots\). A student says the coefficient of \(x\) in their product is \(2\cdot(-3)=-6\), because they multiplied the two \(x\)-coefficients. Find the correct coefficient and explain the error.

Hints

- What power of \(x\) results from multiplying \(x\) by \(x\)? - Look for every pair of terms whose degrees add to 1.

Solution

1. Multiplying the two \(x\)-terms produces an \(x^2\)-term, not an \(x\)-term. 2. The product's linear term comes from \(1\cdot(-3x)\) and \((2x)\cdot1\), so its coefficient is \(-3+2=-1\).

Answer

The coefficient is \(-1\). The student's product contributes to the \(x^2\)-coefficient, not the \(x\)-coefficient.
Functions as power series 18
The geometric series \(\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}x^n\) converges for \(|x|<1\). Integrating term by term from \(0\) to \(x\) there gives \(\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}\frac{x^{n+1}}{n+1}\). Test the endpoints \(x=-1\) and \(x=1\) for both series. What changed after integrating?

Hints

- Substitute each endpoint into each series separately. - At one endpoint, compare the terms with a harmonic series; at the other, check alternating magnitudes. - Why must the two endpoints be tested again after integration?

Solution

1. At \(x=1\), the original geometric series becomes \(\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}1\), which diverges; the integrated series becomes the harmonic series \(\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}\frac{1}{n+1}\), which also diverges. 2. At \(x=-1\), the original geometric terms alternate between \(+1\) and \(-1\) and do not approach zero, so the series diverges. 3. At \(x=-1\), the integrated series is \(\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}\frac{(-1)^{n+1}}{n+1}\), which converges by the alternating-series test. 4. Integration leaves the radius \(1\) here but changes endpoint behavior: the new series includes \(-1\) and excludes \(1\).

Answer

Original series: diverges at both endpoints. Integrated series: converges at \(-1\), diverges at \(1\). The integrated series has interval \([-1,1)\).
Functions as power series 19
A light detector receives a signal of strength \(1\), followed by weaker reflections. Each reflection is \(r\) times the strength of the previous contribution, where \(0\leq r<1\). The total relative signal is \(C(r)=1+r+r^2+\cdots\). Find the three-term estimates for \(r=0.2\) and \(r=0.4\). If the error must be at most \(0.02\), which estimate meets the target? Use the exact geometric-series remainder.

Hints

- Subtract the finite geometric sum from the full geometric sum. - Imagine stopping after three reflections. Which positive contributions would still be missing? - Compare both actual tail values with the stated limit.

Solution

1. The three-term estimate is \(P_2(r)=1+r+r^2\). This gives \(P_2(0.2)=1.24\) and \(P_2(0.4)=1.56\). 2. For \(0\leq r<1\), the unused geometric tail is \(C(r)-P_2(r)=\frac{r^3}{1-r}\). 3. At \(r=0.2\), this error is \(\frac{0.008}{0.8}=0.01\), which meets the \(0.02\) limit. 4. At \(r=0.4\), it is \(\frac{0.064}{0.6}=\frac{8}{75}>0.02\), so the requirement is not met.

Answer

The estimates are \(1.24\) at \(r=0.2\) and \(1.56\) at \(r=0.4\). Only \(r=0.2\) meets the requirement. The exact errors are \(0.01\) and \(\frac{8}{75}\), respectively.
Functions as power series 20
For \(|x|<1\), consider the power series \(f(x)=\ln(1+x)=x-\frac{1}{2}x^2+\frac{1}{3}x^3-\frac{1}{4}x^4+\cdots\). 1. Differentiate the power series term by term and write the first four nonzero terms of the derivative series. 2. Show that the derivative series is geometric and that its sum equals \(f'(x)=\frac{1}{1+x}\).

Hints

- Apply the power rule to each term. - Find the factor that produces each term from the preceding term. - Use the infinite geometric-series formula and the condition \(|x|<1\).

Solution

1. Differentiating term by term gives \(1-x+x^2-x^3+\cdots\). 2. This is a geometric series with first term \(a=1\) and common ratio \(r=-x\). 3. Since \(|x|<1\), the series converges and its sum is \(\frac{a}{1-r}=\frac{1}{1-(-x)}=\frac{1}{1+x}\). 4. This agrees with \(f'(x)=\frac{1}{1+x}\).

Answer

1. \(1-x+x^2-x^3+\cdots\) 2. It is geometric with \(a=1\) and \(r=-x\), so its sum is \(\frac{1}{1+x}\).
Functions as power series 21
Start with \( \frac{1}{1-x}=\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}x^n\) for \(|x|<1\). Differentiate twice and use the result to represent \( \frac{x^2}{(1-x)^3}\) as a power series. Then write the first four nonzero terms and find the coefficient of \(x^8\).

Hints

- Each differentiation lowers the power and introduces a factor from the exponent. - Multiply by a suitable power of \(x\) to restore the exponent to \(n\). - Substitute the requested exponent into the coefficient formula.

Solution

1. Differentiating twice gives \( \frac{2}{(1-x)^3}=\sum_{n=2}^{\infty}n(n-1)x^{n-2}\). 2. Multiplying by \(\frac{x^2}{2}\) gives \( \frac{x^2}{(1-x)^3}=\sum_{n=2}^{\infty}\frac{n(n-1)}{2}x^n\). 3. The first four nonzero terms are \(x^2+3x^3+6x^4+10x^5\). 4. For \(n=8\), the coefficient is \( \frac{8\cdot7}{2}=28\).

Answer

\( \frac{x^2}{(1-x)^3}=\sum_{n=2}^{\infty}\frac{n(n-1)}{2}x^n\). First terms: \(x^2+3x^3+6x^4+10x^5\). Coefficient of \(x^8\): \(28\).
Functions as power series 22
Use partial fractions and geometric series to represent \( \frac{1}{(1-x)(1-2x)}\) as a power series centered at \(0\). a) Write a formula for the coefficient of \(x^n\). b) Write the first four nonzero terms. c) State the interval of convergence.

Hints

- Decompose the rational function before expanding. - Keep the two geometric coefficient formulas separate until the same powers are aligned. - The final interval must satisfy both convergence conditions.

Solution

1. Partial fractions give \( \frac{1}{(1-x)(1-2x)}=-\frac{1}{1-x}+\frac{2}{1-2x}\). 2. Expanding each geometric series gives \( -\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}x^n+2\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}(2x)^n\). 3. Combining coefficients gives \( \sum_{n=0}^{\infty}(2^{n+1}-1)x^n\). 4. The first four terms are \(1+3x+7x^2+15x^3\). 5. Both geometric series must converge, so \(|x|<1\) and \(|2x|<1\). The stricter condition is \(|x|<\frac{1}{2}\).

Answer

a) Coefficient of \(x^n\): \(2^{n+1}-1\). b) \(1+3x+7x^2+15x^3\). c) \( \left(-\frac12, \frac12\right)\).
Functions as power series 23
Define \( F(x)=\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}\frac{x^n}{n+2}\). a) Multiply by \(x^2\) and use the series for \(-\ln(1-x)\) to find a formula for \(F(x)\) when \(x\neq0\). b) State the continuous value of \(F(0)\). c) Write the first four terms and state the interval of convergence.

Hints

- Multiplying by \(x^2\) aligns the exponent with the denominator index. - Remove the \(k=1\) term from the logarithm series. - Use the original series, not the quotient formula, to read the value at \(0\).

Solution

1. Multiplying by \(x^2\) gives \( x^2F(x)=\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}\frac{x^{n+2}}{n+2}=\sum_{k=2}^{\infty}\frac{x^k}{k}\). 2. Since \( -\ln(1-x)=\sum_{k=1}^{\infty}\frac{x^k}{k}\), \( x^2F(x)=-\ln(1-x)-x\). 3. Thus \( F(x)=\frac{-\ln(1-x)-x}{x^2}\) for \(x\neq0\). 4. The series itself gives \(F(0)=\frac{1}{2}\). 5. The first four terms are \( \frac12+\frac{x}{3}+\frac{x^2}{4}+\frac{x^3}{5}\). 6. At \(x=1\), the series diverges like the harmonic series. At \(x=-1\), it converges conditionally. The interval is \([-1, 1)\).

Answer

a) \( F(x)=\frac{-\ln(1-x)-x}{x^2}\) for \(x\neq0\). b) \(F(0)=\frac{1}{2}\). c) \( \frac12+\frac{x}{3}+\frac{x^2}{4}+\frac{x^3}{5}\), with interval \([-1, 1)\).
Functions as power series 24
Derive the Maclaurin series for \(\arctan x\) from the geometric series. a) First represent \(\frac{1}{1+x^2}\) as a power series. b) Integrate term by term from \(0\) to \(x\). c) State the interval of convergence of the resulting arctangent series.

Hints

- Make the geometric ratio equal to \(-x^2\). - Use the derivative of arctangent to choose the correct antiderivative. - Recheck the two boundary values after integrating.

Solution

1. Substitute \(-x^2\) into the geometric series: \( \frac{1}{1+x^2}=\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}(-1)^nx^{2n}\) for \(|x|<1\). 2. Since \(\arctan x=\int_0^x\frac{1}{1+t^2}\,dt\), term-by-term integration gives \( \arctan x=\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}\frac{(-1)^nx^{2n+1}}{2n+1}\). 3. At \(x=1\) and \(x=-1\), the resulting numerical series are alternating harmonic-type series, so both converge. The interval is \([-1, 1]\).

Answer

a) \( \frac{1}{1+x^2}=\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}(-1)^nx^{2n}\). b) \( \arctan x=\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}\frac{(-1)^nx^{2n+1}}{2n+1}\). c) \([-1, 1]\).
Functions as power series 25
Use the Cauchy product of \(e^x=\sum_{k=0}^{\infty}\frac{x^k}{k!}\) and \(\frac{1}{1-x}=\sum_{j=0}^{\infty}x^j\) to represent \(\frac{e^x}{1-x}\) as a power series. a) Find a formula for the coefficient of \(x^n\). b) Write the terms through \(x^3\). c) Find the coefficient of \(x^4\) and state the interval of convergence.

Hints

- For a fixed total exponent \(n\), pair exponent \(k\) from one series with exponent \(n-k\) from the other. - The second series contributes coefficient \(1\) to every pairing. - After finding the coefficient formula, examine what those coefficients approach as \(n\) grows. - For points at or beyond a proposed radius, check whether the individual series terms can approach \(0\).

Solution

1. For two power series \(\sum a_kx^k\) and \(\sum b_jx^j\), the coefficient of \(x^n\) in their Cauchy product is \(c_n=\sum_{k=0}^{n}a_kb_{n-k}\). Here, \(a_k=\frac{1}{k!}\) and \(b_{n-k}=1\), so \(c_n=\sum_{k=0}^{n}\frac{1}{k!}\). 2. Therefore, \(\frac{e^x}{1-x}=\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}\left(\sum_{k=0}^{n}\frac{1}{k!}\right)x^n\) for \(|x|<1\), where both original series converge. 3. The terms through \(x^3\) are \(1+2x+\frac52x^2+\frac83x^3\). 4. The coefficient of \(x^4\) is \(1+1+\frac12+\frac16+\frac{1}{24}=\frac{65}{24}\). 5. To show the interval is exactly \((-1, 1)\), note that \(c_n=\sum_{k=0}^{n}\frac{1}{k!}\to e\). Thus, if \(|x|\geq1\), the terms \(c_nx^n\) do not approach \(0\): for \(|x|=1\), their magnitudes approach \(e\), and for \(|x|>1\), their magnitudes grow. Hence the series diverges for \(|x|\geq1\), so its interval of convergence is \((-1, 1)\).

Answer

a) \(c_n=\sum_{k=0}^{n}\frac{1}{k!}\). b) \(1+2x+\frac52x^2+\frac83x^3\). c) Coefficient \(\frac{65}{24}\); interval \((-1, 1)\).
Functions as power series 26
Find the Taylor series centered at \(0\) for \( f(x)=\frac{1}{(2-x)(x+4)}\). a) Use partial fractions and geometric series. b) Write the first three terms. c) Determine the radius and interval of convergence.

Hints

- Decompose the rational function into two simpler fractions. - Factor each denominator to expose a geometric ratio. - The nearest restriction to the center determines the radius, but both boundary values still require checks.

Solution

1. Partial fractions give \( \frac{1}{(2-x)(x+4)}=\frac16\left(\frac{1}{2-x}+\frac{1}{x+4}\right)\). 2. Expand each factor: \( \frac{1}{2-x}=\frac12\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}\left(\frac{x}{2}\right)^n\) for \(|x|<2\), and \( \frac{1}{x+4}=\frac14\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}\left(-\frac{x}{4}\right)^n\) for \(|x|<4\). 3. Therefore, \( f(x)=\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}\left(\frac{1}{12\cdot2^n}+\frac{(-1)^n}{24\cdot4^n}\right)x^n\). 4. The first three terms are \( \frac18+\frac{x}{32}+\frac{3x^2}{128}\). 5. Both expansions are valid only where their intervals overlap, so \(|x|<2\). At \(x=2\), the function has a singularity; at \(x=-2\), the first geometric component has ratio \(-1\), so the terms do not approach \(0\). Thus \(R=2\) and the interval is \((-2, 2)\).

Answer

a) \( f(x)=\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}\left(\frac{1}{12\cdot2^n}+\frac{(-1)^n}{24\cdot4^n}\right)x^n\). b) \( \frac18+\frac{x}{32}+\frac{3x^2}{128}\). c) Radius \(R=2\); interval \((-2, 2)\).
Functions as power series 27
For \(|x|<1\), define \( H(x)=\frac12\ln\left(\frac{1+x}{1-x}\right)\). a) Use the series for \(\ln(1+x)\) and \(\ln(1-x)\) to represent \(H\) as a power series. b) Write the first four nonzero terms. c) Find the coefficient of \(x^7\).

Hints

- Split the logarithm of a quotient into a difference. - Compare what happens to odd and even powers when the two logarithm series are subtracted. - Match exponent \(7\) to the general odd exponent \(2n+1\).

Solution

1. Write \( H(x)=\frac12[\ln(1+x)-\ln(1-x)]\). 2. In the difference, the even-power terms cancel and the odd-power terms double. 3. Therefore, \( H(x)=\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}\frac{x^{2n+1}}{2n+1}=x+\frac{x^3}{3}+\frac{x^5}{5}+\frac{x^7}{7}+\cdots\). 4. The coefficient of \(x^7\) is \(\frac{1}{7}\).

Answer

a) \( H(x)=\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}\frac{x^{2n+1}}{2n+1}\). b) \( x+\frac{x^3}{3}+\frac{x^5}{5}+\frac{x^7}{7}\). c) \( \frac17\).
Functions as power series 28
Represent \( \frac{1}{1+x+x^2}\) as a power series centered at \(0\). a) Use the identity \((1-x)(1+x+x^2)=1-x^3\). b) Write the first eight terms, including any zero coefficients. c) State the interval of convergence. d) At \(x=1\), each displayed block \(x^{3k}-x^{3k+1}\) equals \(0\). Explain why this does not make the endpoint power series converge.

Hints

- Use the supplied factorization to create a geometric denominator. - Multiply the geometric series by both terms of \(1-x\). - Organize the result by consecutive powers before testing endpoints. - At an endpoint, ordinary convergence is determined by the original partial sums, not by an unproved regrouping.

Solution

1. The identity gives \( \frac{1}{1+x+x^2}=\frac{1-x}{1-x^3}\). 2. For \(|x|<1\), \( \frac{1}{1-x^3}=\sum_{k=0}^{\infty}x^{3k}\). Multiplying by \(1-x\) gives \( \frac{1}{1+x+x^2}=\sum_{k=0}^{\infty}(x^{3k}-x^{3k+1})\). 3. The first eight terms by consecutive powers are \( 1-x+0x^2+x^3-x^4+0x^5+x^6-x^7\). 4. The geometric derivation requires \(|x|<1\). At \(x=1\), the ordinary power-series terms have repeating coefficients \(1,-1,0\), so the terms do not approach \(0\). At \(x=-1\), the terms also fail to approach \(0\). Thus both endpoints diverge, and the interval is \((-1, 1)\). 5. Substituting \(x=1\) into the grouped formula changes the sequence of partial sums by pairing terms at a point where the original series diverges. The identity and grouping were justified only for \(|x|<1\), so the zero block values do not assign an ordinary endpoint sum.

Answer

a) \( \frac{1}{1+x+x^2}=\sum_{k=0}^{\infty}(x^{3k}-x^{3k+1})\) for \(|x|<1\). b) \( 1-x+0x^2+x^3-x^4+0x^5+x^6-x^7\). c) \((-1, 1)\). d) The grouped identity is valid only inside \(|x|<1\). At \(x=1\), the original consecutive terms do not approach \(0\), so the power series diverges.
Functions as power series 29
Start with the binomial series \( \frac{1}{\sqrt{1-x^2}}=1+\frac{x^2}{2}+\frac{3x^4}{8}+\frac{5x^6}{16}+\cdots\). a) Integrate term by term to find the first four nonzero terms of the Maclaurin series for \(\arcsin x\). b) Find the coefficient of \(x^7\). c) State the interval on which the power-series derivation is valid before endpoint checks.

Hints

- Use the derivative of inverse sine to identify the needed antiderivative. - Increase each even exponent by \(1\) and divide by the new exponent. - Preserve the original convergence condition during term-by-term integration.

Solution

1. Since \( \arcsin x=\int_0^x\frac{1}{\sqrt{1-t^2}}\,dt\), integrate each displayed term. 2. This gives \( \arcsin x=x+\frac{x^3}{6}+\frac{3x^5}{40}+\frac{5x^7}{112}+\cdots\). 3. The coefficient of \(x^7\) is \(\frac{5}{112}\). 4. The binomial series is valid for \(|x^2|<1\), so the open interval is \((-1, 1)\).

Answer

a) \( x+\frac{x^3}{6}+\frac{3x^5}{40}+\frac{5x^7}{112}\). b) \( \frac{5}{112}\). c) \((-1, 1)\) before endpoint checks.
Functions as power series 30
Represent \( f(x)=\frac{1}{4-x}\) as a power series centered at \(x=1\). a) Write the series in sigma notation. b) Write the first four nonzero terms. c) Find the coefficient of \((x-1)^5\) and state the interval of convergence.

Hints

- Rewrite every occurrence of \(x\) using the displacement \(x-1\). - Factor the denominator so the remaining expression has the form \(1-r\). - The geometric series converges when the absolute value of its ratio is less than \(1\).

Solution

1. Write the denominator in terms of the displacement from the center: \( 4-x=3-(x-1)=3\left(1-\frac{x-1}{3}\right)\). 2. Apply the geometric-series identity: \( \frac{1}{4-x}=\frac13\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}\left(\frac{x-1}{3}\right)^n=\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}\frac{(x-1)^n}{3^{n+1}}\). 3. The first four nonzero terms are \( \frac13+\frac{x-1}{9}+\frac{(x-1)^2}{27}+\frac{(x-1)^3}{81}\). 4. The coefficient of \((x-1)^5\) is \(\frac{1}{3^6}=\frac{1}{729}\). 5. Convergence requires \(|x-1|<3\), so the interval is \((-2, 4)\). At both endpoints the geometric ratio is \(-1\) or \(1\), so the series diverges.

Answer

a) \( \sum_{n=0}^{\infty}\frac{(x-1)^n}{3^{n+1}}\). b) \( \frac13+\frac{x-1}{9}+\frac{(x-1)^2}{27}+\frac{(x-1)^3}{81}\). c) Coefficient \( \frac{1}{729}\); interval \((-2, 4)\).
Functions as power series 31
Define \( F(x)=\int_0^x\frac{\sin t}{t}\,dt\), where the integrand is given its continuous value at \(t=0\). a) Represent \(F(x)\) as a power series. b) Write the first four nonzero terms. c) Find \(F^{(7)}(0)\).

Hints

- Begin with the sine series and divide every term by the variable. - Integrating from \(0\) makes the constant of integration automatic. - Use the coefficient of \(x^7\) to recover the seventh derivative at the center.

Solution

1. Divide the sine series by \(t\): \( \frac{\sin t}{t}=\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}\frac{(-1)^nt^{2n}}{(2n+1)!}\). 2. Integrate term by term from \(0\) to \(x\): \( F(x)=\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}\frac{(-1)^nx^{2n+1}}{(2n+1)(2n+1)!}\). 3. The first four nonzero terms are \( x-\frac{x^3}{18}+\frac{x^5}{600}-\frac{x^7}{35280}\). 4. The coefficient of \(x^7\) is \(-\frac{1}{35280}\), so \( F^{(7)}(0)=7!\left(-\frac{1}{35280}\right)=-\frac17\).

Answer

a) \( F(x)=\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}\frac{(-1)^nx^{2n+1}}{(2n+1)(2n+1)!}\). b) \( x-\frac{x^3}{18}+\frac{x^5}{600}-\frac{x^7}{35280}\). c) \( F^{(7)}(0)=-\frac17\).
Functions as power series 32
Use a power series to approximate \( I=\int_0^{\frac12}\frac{1}{1+x^4}\,dx\). a) Represent the integrand as a power series. b) Integrate term by term and use the first three nonzero terms to approximate \(I\).

Hints

- View the denominator as \(1-(-x^4)\). - Integrate each power before substituting the upper limit. - Keep the first three values of \(n\): \(0\), \(1\), and \(2\).

Solution

1. Substitute \(-x^4\) into the geometric series: \( \frac{1}{1+x^4}=\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}(-1)^nx^{4n}\) for \(|x|<1\). 2. Integrating term by term from \(0\) to \(\frac12\) gives \( I=\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}\frac{(-1)^n\left(\frac12\right)^{4n+1}}{4n+1}\). 3. Using the first three nonzero terms, \( I\approx\frac12-\frac{\left(\frac12\right)^5}{5}+\frac{\left(\frac12\right)^9}{9}\). 4. Therefore, \( I\approx\frac12-\frac{1}{160}+\frac{1}{4608}=\frac{11381}{23040}\approx0.493967014\).

Answer

a) \( \frac{1}{1+x^4}=\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}(-1)^nx^{4n}\), for \(|x|<1\). b) \( I\approx\frac{11381}{23040}\approx0.493967014\).
Functions as power series 33
Let \( F(x)=\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}\frac{x^n}{n(n+1)}\). a) Use \( \frac{1}{n(n+1)}=\frac1n-\frac{1}{n+1}\) to find a closed form for \(F(x)\). b) Write the first four nonzero terms and state the interval of convergence. c) Evaluate \(F\left(\frac12\right)\) exactly.

Hints

- Decompose the coefficient before working with the series. - Relate both resulting sums to the logarithm series, paying attention to the shifted denominator. - Test the two endpoints using the original positive coefficient formula.

Solution

1. Split the coefficient: \( F(x)=\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}\frac{x^n}{n}-\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}\frac{x^n}{n+1}\). 2. The first sum is \(-\ln(1-x)\). For the second sum, \( \sum_{n=1}^{\infty}\frac{x^n}{n+1}=\frac{-\ln(1-x)-x}{x}\) for \(x\neq0\). 3. Therefore, \( F(x)=1+\left(\frac1x-1\right)\ln(1-x)\) for \(x\neq0\). The original series gives the removable value \(F(0)=0\). 4. The first four nonzero terms are \( \frac{x}{2}+\frac{x^2}{6}+\frac{x^3}{12}+\frac{x^4}{20}\). 5. The radius is \(1\). At both \(x=1\) and \(x=-1\), the absolute-value series is \( \sum_{n=1}^{\infty}\frac{1}{n(n+1)}\), which converges. Thus the interval is \([-1, 1]\). 6. At \(x=\frac12\), \( F\left(\frac12\right)=1+\ln\left(\frac12\right)=1-\ln 2\).

Answer

a) \( F(x)=1+\left(\frac1x-1\right)\ln(1-x)\) for \(x\neq0\), with \(F(0)=0\). b) \( \frac{x}{2}+\frac{x^2}{6}+\frac{x^3}{12}+\frac{x^4}{20}+\cdots\); interval \([-1, 1]\). c) \( F\left(\frac12\right)=1-\ln 2\).
Functions as power series 34
For \(|x|<1\), let \( S_N(x)=1+x+x^2+\cdots+x^N\) be the degree-\(N\) partial sum of \( \frac{1}{1-x}=\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}x^n\). a) Derive an exact formula for the remainder \( R_N(x)=\frac{1}{1-x}-S_N(x)\). b) At \(x=0.4\), find the least value of \(N\) for which \(|R_N(0.4)|<0.001\). c) Give the corresponding approximation.

Hints

- Use the finite geometric-sum formula rather than estimating the tail term by term. - Substitute \(x=0.4\) only after deriving the general remainder. - Check one value of \(N\) that fails and the next value that succeeds.

Solution

1. The finite geometric-sum formula gives \( S_N(x)=\frac{1-x^{N+1}}{1-x}\). 2. Therefore, \( R_N(x)=\frac{1}{1-x}-\frac{1-x^{N+1}}{1-x}=\frac{x^{N+1}}{1-x}\). 3. At \(x=0.4\), \( |R_N(0.4)|=\frac{0.4^{N+1}}{0.6}\). 4. For \(N=7\), \( |R_7(0.4)|=\frac{0.4^8}{0.6}\approx0.00109227\), which is too large. 5. For \(N=8\), \( |R_8(0.4)|=\frac{0.4^9}{0.6}\approx0.000436907\), which is below \(0.001\). Thus the least value is \(N=8\). 6. The corresponding approximation is \( S_8(0.4)=\frac{1-0.4^9}{0.6}=1.66622976\).

Answer

a) \( R_N(x)=\frac{x^{N+1}}{1-x}\). b) Least value: \(N=8\). c) \( \frac{1}{1-0.4}\approx S_8(0.4)=1.66622976\), with exact error \( \frac{0.4^9}{0.6}\approx0.000436907\).
Functions as power series 35
For \(f(x)=\frac{1}{1+x^2}\), the graph compares \(f\) with three labeled Maclaurin partial sums \(P_2\), \(P_6\), and \(P_{10}\). Panel a) shows the comparison near \(x=0.5\), panel b) magnifies the closest curves there, and panel c) shows the comparison near \(x=1.2\). The formulas for the partial sums are not given in the text. a) Without calculating the partial sums, use panels a) and b) to rank \(P_2\), \(P_6\), and \(P_{10}\) from most accurate to least accurate at \(x=0.5\). State whether each partial sum lies above or below \(f(0.5)\). b) Without calculating the partial sums, use panel c) to rank the three approximations from most accurate to least accurate at \(x=1.2\). Does increasing the degree improve the approximation there? c) Derive the Maclaurin series for \(f\) from a geometric series, determine its convergence condition, and use that condition to explain the contrasting graph behavior at the two inputs.
Figure for problem 551392

Hints

- Use the vertical guide in each panel and compare vertical distances from the partial-sum curves to \(f\); do not begin by reconstructing their formulas. - The magnified panel is there to distinguish the two approximations that are nearly indistinguishable on the broader view near \(0.5\). - Rewrite the denominator so the ratio in a geometric series is visible. - Compare the two marked inputs with the convergence condition of that series.

Solution

1. Panels a) and b) show that at \(x=0.5\), \(P_{10}\) is closest to \(f\), then \(P_6\), then \(P_2\). All three partial sums lie below \(f(0.5)\). 2. Panel c) shows that at \(x=1.2\), \(P_2\) is closest to \(f\), then \(P_6\), then \(P_{10}\). All three lie below \(f(1.2)\), and increasing the degree makes the approximation worse at this input. 3. Since \(\frac{1}{1+x^2}=\frac{1}{1-(-x^2)}\), the geometric-series identity gives \(\frac{1}{1+x^2}=\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}(-1)^n x^{2n}\) when \(|-x^2|<1\), equivalently \(|x|<1\). 4. Thus \(x=0.5\) is inside the convergence interval, where successive partial sums approach \(f\), while \(x=1.2\) is outside it, where these partial sums need not approach the function even though \(f(1.2)\) itself is defined.

Answer

a) At \(x=0.5\): \(P_{10}\), then \(P_6\), then \(P_2\) from most to least accurate; all three lie below \(f(0.5)\). b) At \(x=1.2\): \(P_2\), then \(P_6\), then \(P_{10}\) from most to least accurate; increasing degree makes the approximation worse there. c) \(\frac{1}{1+x^2}=\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}(-1)^n x^{2n}\) for \(|x|<1\). The graph improves at \(0.5\) because that input is inside the interval of convergence and deteriorates at \(1.2\) because that input is outside it.
Functions as power series 36
Start with the geometric series \(\frac{1}{1-x}=\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}x^n\) for \(|x|<1\). Derive a power series for \(\frac{x}{(1+x)^2}\) in two different orders. a) First replace \(x\) by \(-x\), then differentiate and multiply as needed. b) First differentiate the original geometric series and multiply by \(x\), then replace \(x\) by \(-x\) and adjust the sign. c) Show that the two coefficient formulas agree, write the first five nonzero terms, and state the interval of convergence.

Hints

- Track what replacing \(x\) by \(-x\) does to both the function and the powers in the series. - After differentiating a power series, check the exponent and index before multiplying by \(x\). - In the second route, compare the sign of the transformed function with the target function before matching coefficients. - The radius is unchanged by termwise differentiation, but endpoint behavior still has to be checked for the transformed series.

Solution

1. Replacing \(x\) by \(-x\) gives \(\frac{1}{1+x}=\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}(-1)^n x^n\). Differentiating, \(-\frac{1}{(1+x)^2}=\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}n(-1)^n x^{n-1}\). Multiplying by \(-x\) gives \(\frac{x}{(1+x)^2}=\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}n(-1)^{n+1}x^n\). 2. Differentiating the original geometric series first gives \(\frac{1}{(1-x)^2}=\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}n x^{n-1}\). Multiplying by \(x\), \(\frac{x}{(1-x)^2}=\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}n x^n\). Replacing \(x\) by \(-x\) gives \(-\frac{x}{(1+x)^2}=\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}n(-1)^n x^n\). Multiplying by \(-1\) again yields \(\frac{x}{(1+x)^2}=\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}n(-1)^{n+1}x^n\). 3. Both routes therefore give the same coefficient of \(x^n\), namely \(n(-1)^{n+1}\). The first five nonzero terms are \(x-2x^2+3x^3-4x^4+5x^5\). Differentiation and the substitution \(x\mapsto -x\) preserve the radius \(1\). At \(x=1\), the terms \(n(-1)^{n+1}\) do not approach \(0\), and at \(x=-1\), the terms equal \(-n\), which also do not approach \(0\). Thus both endpoints diverge and the interval of convergence is \((-1,1)\).

Answer

a) \(\frac{x}{(1+x)^2}=\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}n(-1)^{n+1}x^n\). b) The second route gives the same series. c) Coefficient of \(x^n\): \(n(-1)^{n+1}\); first terms \(x-2x^2+3x^3-4x^4+5x^5\); interval \((-1,1)\).
Functions as power series 37
A power series \(F(x)=\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}a_nx^n\) has nonnegative coefficients and satisfies \(F\left(\frac{1}{2}\right)=3\). a) Prove \(a_n\leq3\cdot2^n\) for all \(n\). b) Let \(P_N(x)=\sum_{n=0}^{N}a_nx^n\). Prove \(0\leq F\left(\frac{1}{4}\right)-P_N\left(\frac{1}{4}\right)\leq\frac{3}{2^{N+1}}\). c) Find the least \(N\) for which this bound guarantees an error below \(0.001\). d) Explain why nonnegative coefficients are important.

Hints

- What can you say about one term of a sum of nonnegative terms? - Express powers of one quarter using powers of one half. - Check which comparison would fail if coefficients had mixed signs.

Solution

1. Since \(\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}\frac{a_n}{2^n}=3\) and every summand is nonnegative, each \(\frac{a_n}{2^n}\leq3\), so \(a_n\leq3\cdot2^n\). 2. Write the tail as \(\sum_{n=N+1}^{\infty}\frac{a_n}{2^n}\left(\frac{1}{2}\right)^n\). Every power factor is at most \(2^{-(N+1)}\), hence the nonnegative tail is at most \(\frac{3}{2^{N+1}}\). 3. Requiring \(\frac{3}{2^{N+1}}<0.001\) gives \(2^{N+1}>3000\). Since \(2^{11}=2048\) and \(2^{12}=4096\), the least \(N\) is \(11\). 4. Without nonnegativity, positive and negative terms might cancel at \(x=\frac{1}{2}\), so the total would not bound each summand or the positive tail.

Answer

a) \(a_n\leq3\cdot2^n\). b) \(0\leq F\left(\frac{1}{4}\right)-P_N\left(\frac{1}{4}\right)\leq\frac{3}{2^{N+1}}\). c) \(N=11\). d) Nonnegativity prevents cancellation and supports the tail bound.
Functions as power series 38
Define \(F(x)=\int_0^x\frac{1}{1-t^2}\,dt\) for \(|x|<1\). a) Starting from a geometric series, derive a power series for \(F(x)\). b) Find the interval of convergence of the series for \(F\), including endpoint tests. c) Use the terms through \(x^5\) to approximate \(F(0.3)\). d) Without using the Lagrange remainder, find a simple geometric upper bound for the positive tail omitted in part c). Give the bound in exact form and also give a decimal upper bound smaller than \(3.44\times10^{-5}\).

Hints

- Rewrite the integrand so a geometric ratio involving \(t^2\) is visible. - Termwise integration changes both the powers and the coefficients; then test the two boundary inputs separately. - For the omitted positive tail, compare every denominator from the first omitted term onward with one fixed denominator. - After that comparison, the remaining powers have a common ratio that can be summed geometrically.

Solution

1. For \(|t|<1\), \(\frac{1}{1-t^2}=\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}t^{2n}\). Integrating term by term from \(0\) to \(x\) gives \(F(x)=\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}\frac{x^{2n+1}}{2n+1}\). 2. The series has radius \(1\). At \(x=1\), it becomes \(\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}\frac{1}{2n+1}\), which diverges. At \(x=-1\), it becomes \(-\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}\frac{1}{2n+1}\), which also diverges. Thus the interval of convergence is \((-1, 1)\). 3. Keeping terms through \(x^5\) gives \(F(0.3)\approx0.3+\frac{0.3^3}{3}+\frac{0.3^5}{5}=0.309486\). 4. The omitted tail is \(R=\sum_{n=3}^{\infty}\frac{0.3^{2n+1}}{2n+1}\). For \(n\geq3\), \(\frac{1}{2n+1}\leq\frac17\), so \(0<R\leq\frac17\sum_{n=3}^{\infty}0.3^{2n+1}\). The remaining powers form a geometric series with first term \(0.3^7\) and ratio \(0.3^2\). Therefore, \(0<R\leq\frac{0.3^7}{7(1-0.3^2)}\approx3.433281\times10^{-5}<3.434\times10^{-5}<3.44\times10^{-5}\).

Answer

a) \(F(x)=\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}\frac{x^{2n+1}}{2n+1}\). b) \((-1, 1)\). c) \(F(0.3)\approx0.309486\). d) \(0<R\leq\frac{0.3^7}{7(1-0.3^2)}<3.434\times10^{-5}\).

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