Finding the Power Series Representation for x/(1-x)^2

In summary, the power series representation for x/(1-x)^2 is x + 2x^2 + 3x^3 + 4x^4 + ... when centered on 0. This can be obtained by using the Taylor series expansion and taking the derivative of 1/(1-x) to get 1/(1-x)^2, then multiplying by x.
  • #1
chyeaman
2
0
hey, this is my first time posting, my question is find the power series representation for x/(1-x)^2
I know the representation for 1/1-x is x^n so does that mean x/(1-x)^2 is x^n^2? could use some clarification please
 
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  • #2
Just use the Taylor series to expand it about whatever point [itex]a[/itex];

[tex]\sum_{n=0}^{n=\infty}\frac{f^{(n)}(a)}{n!}(x-a)^n[/tex]

Looks like for [itex]\frac{x}{(1-x)^2}[/itex] this it will be something like

[tex]x+2x^2+3x^3+4x^4+\ldots+[/tex]

if you center it on 0.
 
  • #3
How about this: You know that
[tex]\frac{1}{1 - x} = \sum_{n = 0}^{\infty} x^n = 1 + x + x^2 + x^3 + x^4 + \dotsb.[/tex]
Take the derivative of both sides to obtain
[tex]\frac{1}{(1 - x)^2} = \sum_{n = 0}^{\infty} (n - 1) x^n = 1 + 2x + 3x^2 + 4x^3 + \dotsb,[/tex]
and multiply by x to get
[tex]\frac{x}{(1 - x)^2} = \sum_{n = 1}^{\infty} n x^n = x + 2x^2 + 3x^3 + 4x^4 + \dotsb.[/tex]
 
  • #4
Thank you so much for clarifying!
 

Related to Finding the Power Series Representation for x/(1-x)^2

1. What is a power series representation?

A power series representation is a mathematical expression that represents a function as an infinite sum of terms, each of which is a power of the independent variable multiplied by a coefficient. It is a useful tool in calculus for approximating and representing functions.

2. How is a power series different from a Taylor series?

A power series is a type of Taylor series, but it is centered at a specific point and may not be an accurate representation of the function outside of that point. A Taylor series, on the other hand, is centered at a specific point and provides an accurate representation of the function in a neighborhood around that point.

3. What are some common examples of power series representations?

Some common examples of power series representations include the geometric series, which represents a geometric pattern of numbers, and the Maclaurin series, which is a type of Taylor series centered at 0.

4. How do you determine the convergence of a power series?

The convergence of a power series can be determined by using the ratio test, which involves taking the limit of the absolute value of the ratio of consecutive terms in the series. If this limit is less than 1, the series converges; if it is greater than 1, the series diverges; and if it is equal to 1, the test is inconclusive.

5. What is the importance of power series representations in mathematics?

Power series representations are important in mathematics because they allow us to approximate and represent functions in a more manageable and understandable way. They also have many applications in areas such as physics, engineering, and economics.

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