Taylor series representation for $$ \frac{x}{(1+4x)^2}$$

In summary, a Taylor series representation is a mathematical tool that approximates a function using a series of polynomial terms. It is useful because it allows us to work with and analyze functions more easily and can approximate a function at a specific point. The series is calculated using the derivatives of a function evaluated at a specific point, with the coefficients of the polynomial terms determined by these derivatives. A Taylor series is a generalization of a Maclaurin series, which is a special case where the point of evaluation is 0. Taylor series representations have various applications in fields such as physics, engineering, and economics, and can be used to model real-world phenomena and solve differential equations. Many mathematical functions can also be expressed as infinite Taylor series.
  • #1
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Homework Statement


Find a power series that represents $$ \frac{x}{(1+4x)^2}$$

Homework Equations


$$ \sum c_n (x-a)^n $$

The Attempt at a Solution


$$ \frac{x}{(1+4x)^2} = x* \frac{1}{(1+4x)^2} $$
since [tex] \frac{1}{1+4x}=\frac{d}{dx}\frac{1}{(1+4x)^2} [/tex]
$$ x*\frac{d}{dx}\frac{1}{(1+4x)^2} =x\frac{d}{dx}\sum_{n=0}^\infty(-4)^nx^n=x\sum_{n=0}^\infty(-4)^nnx^{n-1}=\sum_{n=0}^\infty(-4)^nnx^{n}$$

The solution suggests $$\sum_{n=0}^\infty(-4)^n(n+1)x^{n+1}$$

Am i doing something incorrect?
 
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  • #2
Reconsider your differentiation. Isn't ##\frac{d}{dx} x^{-2} = -2x^{-3}##?
 

Related to Taylor series representation for $$ \frac{x}{(1+4x)^2}$$

What is a Taylor series representation?

A Taylor series representation is a mathematical tool used to approximate a function using a series of polynomial terms. It is named after the mathematician Brook Taylor and is often used in calculus and other areas of mathematics.

Why is a Taylor series representation useful?

A Taylor series representation allows us to approximate a function with a polynomial, which can make it easier to work with and analyze. It also allows us to approximate a function at a specific point, even if we do not know the exact value of the function at that point.

How is a Taylor series representation calculated?

A Taylor series representation is calculated using the derivatives of a function evaluated at a specific point. The coefficients of the polynomial terms are determined by the values of these derivatives. The more derivatives we include, the more accurate our approximation of the function will be.

What is the difference between a Taylor series and a Maclaurin series?

A Taylor series is a generalization of a Maclaurin series. A Maclaurin series is a special case of a Taylor series where the point of evaluation is 0. In other words, a Maclaurin series is a Taylor series centered at the origin.

What are some applications of Taylor series representations?

Taylor series representations are used in a variety of fields, such as physics, engineering, and economics. They can be used to approximate the behavior of a system, to solve differential equations, and to model real-world phenomena. Additionally, many mathematical functions, such as trigonometric functions and logarithmic functions, can be expressed as infinite Taylor series.

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