Taylor Series Expansion of $e^{-(q+s)^2}$

In summary: I thought a taylor term was of the form $\frac{x^n}{n!}f^{n}(h)$...Yes, that is correct. The above summary should read:In summary, to show that the infinite series from n=0 of $$\frac{s^n}{n!}\frac{d^n}{dq^n}(e^{-q^2})$$converges to $e^{-(q+s)^2}$, we can use Taylor series and match each term of the series to a corresponding term in the Taylor expansion of $e^{-x^2}$. By setting $h=s$ and $x=q$, we can show that the series sums to $e^{-(q+s)^2}$.
  • #1
Fermat1
187
0
Use taylor series to show that the infinite series from n=0 of

$$\frac{s^n}{n!}\frac{d^n}{dq^n}(e^{-q^2})=e^{-(q+s)^2}$$
 
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  • #2
Fermat said:
Use taylor series to show that the infinite series from n=0 of

$$\frac{s^n}{n!}\frac{d^n}{dq^n}(e^{-q^2})=e^{-(q+s)^2}$$

Try to expand \(\displaystyle f(x+h)=e^{-(x+h)^2}\)?
 
  • #3
I like Serena said:
Try to expand \(\displaystyle f(x+h)=e^{-(x+h)^2}\)?

I would prefer to get from LHS to RHS
 
  • #4
Fermat said:
I would prefer to get from LHS to RHS

Try to rewrite LHS as \(\displaystyle \frac{h^n}{n!}f^{(n)}(x)\)?
 
  • #5
I like Serena said:
Try to rewrite LHS as \(\displaystyle \frac{h^n}{n!}f^{(n)}(x)\)?

If I differentiate $e^{-q^2}$ n times then I get $(-2q)^{n}e^{-q^2}$ ?

Then, $\frac{(-2sq)^n}{n!}=e^{-2sq}$ Still missin a factor of $e^{-s^2}$
 
  • #6
Fermat said:
If I differentiate $e^{-q^2}$ n times then I get $(-2q)^{n}e^{-q^2}$ ?

No... but you would have \(\displaystyle \frac{d^n}{dq^n}(e^{-q^2})\), which I believe is what you are looking for...
You do not actually have to differentiate.
You only need to recognize and match an nth derivative.
 
  • #7
I like Serena said:
No... but you would have \(\displaystyle \frac{d^n}{dq^n}(e^{-q^2})\), which I believe is what you are looking for...
You do not actually have to differentiate.
You only need to recognize and match an nth derivative.

No, \(\displaystyle \frac{d^n}{dq^n}(e^{-q^2})\) is part of the LHS which is where I am starting at and then trying to get $e^{-(q+s)^2}$
 
  • #8
Fermat said:
If I differentiate $e^{-q^2}$ n times then I get $(-2q)^{n}e^{-q^2}$ ?

Then, $\frac{(-2sq)^n}{n!}=e^{-2sq}$ Still missin a factor of $e^{-s^2}$

I find the same thing. I get:

\(\displaystyle \sum_{n=0}^{\infty}\left[\frac{s^n}{n!}\cdot\frac{d^n}{dq^n}\left(e^{-q^2} \right) \right]=e^{-q^2-2qs}\)
 
  • #9
MarkFL said:
I find the same thing. I get:

\(\displaystyle \sum_{n=0}^{\infty}\left[\frac{s^n}{n!}\cdot\frac{d^n}{dq^n}\left(e^{-q^2} \right) \right]=e^{-q^2-2qs}\)

Can Opalg (or someone of similar calibre confirm this)? No disrespect Mark but Ihave it on good authority that the result is correct.
 
  • #10
Fermat said:
Can Opalg (or someone of similar calibre confirm this)? No disrespect Mark but Ihave it on good authority that the result is correct.

No disrespect taken. :D

In fact, we have both made an error in not applying the product rule for the $n$th derivative on the left side.
 
  • #11
Fermat said:
If I differentiate $e^{-q^2}$ n times then I get $(-2q)^{n}e^{-q^2}$ ?
If I differentiate $e^{-q^2}$ once then I get $-2qe^{-q^2}$. If I differentiate it a second time (using the product rule) then I get $(-2+4q^2)e^{-q^2}$. The third derivative then comes out as $8qe^{-q^2} -2q(-2+4q^2)e^{-q^2} = (12q - 8q^3)e^{-q^2}.$ It doesn't look like $(-2q)^{n}e^{-q^2}$ except when $n=1$.

I like Serena said:
You do not actually have to differentiate.
You only need to recognize and match an nth derivative.
Take this advice seriously! I think that ILS has the right approach.
 
  • #12
Its not a 'show that' question so I cannot start the RHS (the answer). That's why I need to start with the LHS. I didn't make that clear- sorry.
 
  • #13
I really don't know what you mean by 'match derivative'.
 
  • #14
Fermat said:
I really don't know what you mean by 'match derivative'.

You are supposed to sum a series of terms.
The trick to get it summed, is to match it with a Taylor series.
If you can find a function $f$, such that each of your terms matches the corresponding Taylor term, you can write the infine sequence as an expression with that $f$.

Each Taylor term is of the form \(\displaystyle \frac{h^n}{n!}f^{(n)}(x)\), which belongs to the expansion of \(\displaystyle f(x+h)\).
So you need to find an $f$, such that \(\displaystyle f^{(n)}(x)\) matches part of your term.
As it is, you happen to have an nth derivative (which would be the reason to try to match the series with a Taylor expansion in the first place).
So let's try to match that nth derivative with \(\displaystyle f^{(n)}(x)\).
Your nth derivative is \(\displaystyle \frac{d^n}{dq^n}(e^{-q^2})\).
So let's try \(\displaystyle f(x) = e^{-x^2}\).

Consequently, $s$ will have to match $h$.
And from there you have a complete match.
\begin{cases}
h &=& s \\
x &=& q \\
f(x) &=& e^{-x^2}
\end{cases}
It follows that the series sums to \(\displaystyle f(x+h) = e^{-(q+s)^2}\).
 
  • #15
I like Serena said:
You are supposed to sum a series of terms.
The trick to get it summed, is to match it with a Taylor series.
If you can find a function $f$, such that each of your terms matches the corresponding Taylor term, you can write the infine sequence as an expression with that $f$.

Each Taylor term is of the form \(\displaystyle \frac{h^n}{n!}f^{(n)}(x)\), which belongs to the expansion of \(\displaystyle f(x+h)\).
So you need to find an $f$, such that \(\displaystyle f^{(n)}(x)\) matches part of your term.
As it is, you happen to have an nth derivative (which would be the reason to try to match the series with a Taylor expansion in the first place).
So let's try to match that nth derivative with \(\displaystyle f^{(n)}(x)\).
Your nth derivative is \(\displaystyle \frac{d^n}{dq^n}(e^{-q^2})\).
So let's try \(\displaystyle f(x) = e^{-x^2}\).

Consequently, $s$ will have to match $h$.
And from there you have a complete match.
\begin{cases}
h &=& s \\
x &=& q \\
f(x) &=& e^{-x^2}
\end{cases}
It follows that the series sums to \(\displaystyle f(x+h) = e^{-(q+s)^2}\).

I thought a taylor term was of the form $\frac{x^n}{n!}f^{n}(h)$ ?
 
  • #16
Fermat said:
I thought a taylor term was of the form $\frac{x^n}{n!}f^{n}(h)$ ?

There are many ways to write a Taylor series, distinguished by the choice of symbols (although yours would be unusual).
What is the definition of the Taylor series you are referring to?
 
  • #17
I like Serena said:
There are many ways to write a Taylor series, distinguished by the choice of symbols (although yours would be unusual).
What is the definition of the Taylor series you are referring to?

It is the definition on wikipedia. This is not solved by a simple change of symbols because in my definition the derivative is w.r.t x and then evaluated at h.
 
  • #18
Fermat said:
It is the definition on wikipedia. This is not solved by a simple change of symbols because in my definition the derivative is w.r.t x and then evaluated at h.

As it happens, there is no definition on wikipedia combining $x$ and $h$ (although that is usual enough).
Perhaps you can write down the definition you're referring to?
 
  • #19
Fermat said:
It is the definition on wikipedia. This is not solved by a simple change of symbols because in my definition the derivative is w.r.t x and then evaluated at h.

You aren't given $f(x)$ in this problem. You have $s,q$ as your variables. I like Serena was just writing those in terms of the standard variables $x,h$ (or $x,a$ as I am used to) for Taylor Series to make the connection clear.

The main insight needed to solve this problem is definitely recognizing that this is a Taylor Series in disguise. Then you need to decide what the function, $f$, is and where the series is centered around. It all fits together nicely and ILS has nicely posted all the pieces already.
 
  • #20
I like Serena said:
As it happens, there is no definition on wikipedia combining $x$ and $h$ (although that is usual enough).
Perhaps you can write down the definition you're referring to?

$f(x)=f(h)+xf'(h)+\frac{x^2}{2}f''(h)+...$

Jameson, please don't try to shut down a mathematical discussion. Thanks
 
  • #21
Fermat said:
$f(x)=f(h)+xf'(h)+\frac{x^2}{2}f''(h)+...$

This is not a proper Taylor expansion.
Perhaps you can check the wiki page?
When we have a Taylor expansion that you are comfortable with (and that is correct), we can match the symbols.
 
  • #22
I like Serena said:
This is not a proper Taylor expansion.
Perhaps you can check the wiki page?
When we have a Taylor expansion that you are comfortable with (and that is correct), we can match the symbols.

Lets take $f(x)=e^x$. I will find macluarin series i.e. h=0

$f^{n}(0)=1$ for all n. So by my definition we have

$e^x=1+x+\frac{x^2}{2!}+\frac{x^3}{3!}$ which is correct.
 
  • #23
I have no idea what you mean. I was commenting on what ILS wrote. The choice of what letters you use in the Taylor Series formula isn't important as long it's clear what it means. You have a function of some variable, not necessary $x$, that is centered at some point.

Please make an effort be more respectful in your interaction with others at MHB. If you didn't find my post helpful then please let me know in a constructive way. You have a lot of people here working with you and trying to help, so let's try to be on the same team. If this isn't clear or you want to discuss it further we can talk privately.

I'll let ILS and others continue from here.
 
  • #24
Fermat said:
Lets take $f(x)=e^x$. I will find macluarin series i.e. h=0

$f^{n}(0)=1$ for all n. So by my definition we have

$e^x=1+x+\frac{x^2}{2!}+\frac{x^3}{3!}$ which is correct.

You are a bit hard headed aren't you?
I take it you did not check the wiki page?

The 2 most common forms of the Taylor expansion are:
\begin{array}{}
f(x)&=&f(a)+\frac{f'(a)}{1!}(x-a) + \frac{f''(a)}{2!}(x-a)^2 + ... \\
f(x+h)&=&f(x)+\frac{f'(x)}{1!}h + \frac{f''(x)}{2!}h^2 + ...
\end{array}
 
  • #25
Thank you for your patience. I still do not see the second form (which I have never seen)on the wikipedia page, but I will take your word for it.

Jameson, your post seemed a not too subtle way of saying 'you've got an answer, now please go away'.
 
  • #26
I just realized that ILS gave a solution using a definition of a Taylor Series I hadn't seen before. The logic and result are clearly correct but I thought about trying it from the definition I am used to.

This might be wrong so I am hoping someone can check it and comment if necessary. The end result is correct but there is one spot where I am unsure, so read with scrutiny and skepticism. :)
---------------------------------
We are given \(\displaystyle \frac{s^n}{n!}\frac{d^n}{dq^n}(e^{-q^2})\) and want to try to match it to this form: \(\displaystyle \sum_{n=0} ^ {\infty} \frac {f^{(n)}(a)}{n!} (x-a)^n\)

There is one term that they share which represents the nth derivative at $a$. These must match up so $f(a)=e^{-q^2}$. There are two things we need to know however, $f(x)$ and $a$. There are perhaps various combinations to try but the one that comes to mind first is $f(x)=e^{-x^2}$ and $a=q$.

Looking at $s^n$ it seems that this should match up with $(x-a)^n$ so we find that $x-a=s$ and since $a=q$ that is equivalent to $x-q=s$. Finally that gives us that $x=s+q$. If we plug that into $f(x)=e^{-x^2}$ then we have our result.
 
  • #27
Jameson said:
I just realized that ILS gave a solution using a definition of a Taylor Series I hadn't seen before. The logic and result are clearly correct but I thought about trying it from the definition I am used to.

This might be wrong so I am hoping someone can check it and comment if necessary. The end result is correct but there is one spot where I am unsure, so read with scrutiny and skepticism.
---------------------------------
We are given \(\displaystyle \frac{s^n}{n!}\frac{d^n}{dq^n}(e^{-q^2})\) and want to try to match it to this form: \(\displaystyle \sum_{n=0} ^ {\infty} \frac {f^{(n)}(a)}{n!} (x-a)^n\)

There is one term that they share which represents the nth derivative at $a$. These must match up so $f(a)=e^{-q^2}$. There are two things we need to know however, $f(x)$ and $a$. There are perhaps various combinations to try but the one that comes to mind first is $f(x)=e^{-x^2}$ and $a=q$.

Looking at $s^n$ it seems that this should match up with $(x-a)^n$ so we find that $x-a=s$ and since $a=q$ that is equivalent to $x-q=s$. Finally that gives us that $x=s+q$. If we plug that into $f(x)=e^{-x^2}$ then we have our result.

Looks good. :)
What are you unsure about?
 
  • #28
I like Serena said:
Looks good. :)
What are you unsure about?

I wasn't sure about $f(a)=e^{-q^2}$, although it is logical and fits. Pretty much anything that involves making conclusions about functions in this way makes me nervous. Not being able to rigorously prove a claim I'm using makes me feel like I don't have a right to use the claim, even if it's correct.

Anyway, glad to read that my solution works. I felt like my hints were not very effective and I don't really know where Fermat is feeling stuck so in this case a full solution seemed best.

@Fermat - what do you think about the way I did it? Does it make more sense when using the definition you are used to?
 

Related to Taylor Series Expansion of $e^{-(q+s)^2}$

1. What is the Taylor series expansion of $e^{-(q+s)^2}$?

The Taylor series expansion of $e^{-(q+s)^2}$ is an infinite sum of terms that approximates the function $e^{-(q+s)^2}$ at a given point. It is given by the formula:
$e^{-(q+s)^2} = \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} \frac{(-1)^n (q+s)^{2n}}{n!}$

2. Why is the Taylor series expansion of $e^{-(q+s)^2}$ useful?

The Taylor series expansion of $e^{-(q+s)^2}$ is useful because it allows us to approximate the value of $e^{-(q+s)^2}$ at any point by using a finite number of terms. This can be helpful in situations where it is difficult or impossible to evaluate the function directly, or when we need a more precise approximation than what a calculator can provide.

3. What is the interval of convergence for the Taylor series expansion of $e^{-(q+s)^2}$?

The interval of convergence for the Taylor series expansion of $e^{-(q+s)^2}$ is the set of all values of $(q+s)$ for which the series converges. In this case, the interval of convergence is $(-\infty, \infty)$, meaning that the series will converge for all real values of $(q+s)$.

4. How is the Taylor series expansion of $e^{-(q+s)^2}$ related to the Gaussian function?

The Taylor series expansion of $e^{-(q+s)^2}$ is closely related to the Gaussian function, also known as the bell curve. In fact, the Gaussian function can be defined as $e^{-(x^2)}$. Therefore, the Taylor series expansion of $e^{-(q+s)^2}$ can be thought of as a generalization of the Gaussian function to a function of two variables, $(q+s)$.

5. Can the Taylor series expansion of $e^{-(q+s)^2}$ be used to calculate the value of the function at any point?

Technically, yes. However, since the Taylor series expansion is an infinite sum, it would require an infinite number of terms to calculate the exact value at any point. In practice, we can use a finite number of terms to get a close approximation, but the more terms we use, the more accurate our approximation will be.

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