Can We Simplify the Taylor Series Expansion for e^(f(x,y))?

  • #1
thatboi
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I know that for 1 variable, one can write ##e^{f(x)} = \sum_{n = 0}^{\infty}\frac{(f(x))^n}{n!}##. In the case of 2-variables ##f(x,y)##, I assume we cannot write ##e^{f(x,y)} = \sum_{n = 0}^{\infty}\frac{(f(x,y))^n}{n!}## right (because of how the Taylor series is defined for multiple variables)? Is there still a compact way of writing this expansion?
 
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  • #2
For any variable ##z## it is the case that
$$e^z = \sum_{n=0}^\infty \frac{z^n}{n!}$$
Substituting any expression for ##z## it remains valid, as long as the expression delivers a real number.
Substituting ##f(x)## for ##z## gives your first formula.
Substituting ##f(x,y)## for ##z## gives your second formula.
Both are valid.
The definition of a Taylor series for two variables is not relevant. In neither case is the formula a Taylor series for the function of ##x## or ##x,y##.
 
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  • #3
thatboi said:
I know that for 1 variable, one can write ##e^{f(x)} = \sum_{n = 0}^{\infty}\frac{(f(x))^n}{n!}##. In the case of 2-variables ##f(x,y)##, I assume we cannot write ##e^{f(x,y)} = \sum_{n = 0}^{\infty}\frac{(f(x,y))^n}{n!}## right (because of how the Taylor series is defined for multiple variables)?
Those equations are perfectly valid. But, they may not represent the Taylor series for the given function. In general, it won't even be a power series in ##x##:
$$e^{f(x)} = \sum_{n=0}^\infty \frac{f(x)^n}{n!} = 1 + f(x) + \frac{f(x)^2}{2!} + \dots$$Which is fine, but it's not necessarily the Taylor series for ##e^{f(x)}##

In some cases, you do get the Taylor series. For example, if we let ##z = x^2##, then (as above) we get the power series:
$$e^{x^2} = \sum_{n=0}^\infty \frac{x^{2n}}{n!}$$Which is the Taylor series for ##e^{x^2}##.
 
  • #4
Suggestion is that if ## f(0,0) ## is not approximately zero, that you factor out ## e^{f(0,0)} ## from the expression for the Taylor type series of ## f(x,y) ##.

Edit: It leaves you with ## e^{f(0,0)}e^{\Delta}=e^{f(0,0)}(1+ \Delta+ \Delta^2/2+...)##, = maybe it will work...Edit 2=even ## \Delta ## is complicated to second order in ## \Delta x ## and ## \Delta y ##=I don't see an easy way to simplify it.

In any case, ignore=my calculus was rusty today...:confused:
 
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FAQ: Can We Simplify the Taylor Series Expansion for e^(f(x,y))?

What is the Taylor series expansion of e^(f(x,y))?

The Taylor series expansion of e^(f(x,y)) around a point (a,b) is given by the formula:

e^(f(x,y)) = e^(f(a,b)) + e^(f(a,b)) * (f(x,y) - f(a,b)) + (1/2!) * e^(f(a,b)) * (f(x,y) - f(a,b))^2 + ...

This series continues indefinitely, with higher-order terms involving derivatives of f evaluated at (a,b).

Can we simplify the Taylor series expansion for specific functions f(x,y)?

Yes, for specific functions f(x,y), the Taylor series can often be simplified. For example, if f(x,y) is a polynomial or a function that can be expressed in a simpler form, the Taylor series may truncate after a few terms. Additionally, if f(x,y) has certain symmetries or properties, such as being even or odd, this can also lead to simplifications in the series.

What are the convergence conditions for the Taylor series of e^(f(x,y))?

The convergence of the Taylor series for e^(f(x,y)) depends on the behavior of f(x,y) near the expansion point (a,b). If f(x,y) is analytic at (a,b), the series converges to e^(f(x,y)) in a neighborhood around that point. However, if f(x,y) has singularities or discontinuities nearby, the series may not converge or may converge only within a limited radius.

How do we determine the order of the Taylor series expansion?

The order of the Taylor series expansion is determined by how many derivatives of f(x,y) we compute at the point (a,b). Typically, we consider a finite number of terms to approximate e^(f(x,y)). The choice of order depends on the required accuracy for a given application; higher-order expansions yield better approximations, especially when f(x,y) varies significantly near the expansion point.

Are there alternative methods to approximate e^(f(x,y)) besides the Taylor series?

Yes, there are alternative methods to approximate e^(f(x,y)), such as Padé approximants, which can provide better convergence properties than Taylor series for certain functions. Other methods include numerical techniques like polynomial interpolation or using continued fractions. Each method has its own advantages depending on the specific characteristics of f(x,y) and the desired accuracy.

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