Converting Power Series to Integrals: How to Handle Constants of Integration?

In summary, we solved the integral \int \frac{x-arctanx}{x^3}dx by first finding the derivative of x-arctanx and using the geometric series to integrate. We also determined that the constant of integration, C, was equal to 0. However, in the final step, we made a mistake by changing the powers of x from odd to even, leading to an incorrect solution.
  • #1
nameVoid
241
0
[tex]
\int \frac{x-arctanx}{x^3}dx
[/tex]
[tex]
\frac{d}{dx}( x-arctanx ) = 1-\frac{1}{1+x^2}=\frac{x^2}{x^2+1}
[/tex]
[tex]
= x^2 \sum_{n=0}^{\infty}(-1)^nx^{2n} = \sum_{n=0}^{\infty}(-1)^nx^{2n+2}
[/tex]
[tex]
\int \sum_{n=0}^{\infty}(-1)^nx^{2n+2} dx = \sum_{n=0}^{\infty}(-1)^n\frac{x^{2n+3}}{2n+3}+C
[/tex]
[tex]
C=0?
[/tex]
[tex]
\int \frac{\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}(-1)^n\frac{x^{2n+3}}{2n+3}}{x^3} dx
[/tex]
[tex]
\int \sum_{n=0}^{\infty}(-1)^n\frac{x^{2n}}{2n+3}}dx
[/tex]
[tex]
\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}(-1)^n\frac{x^{2n+1}}{(2n+3)(2n+1)}}
[/tex]
[tex]
\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}(-1)^n\frac{x^{2n}}{(2n+2)(2n)}}+C
[/tex]
here i took d/dx converted to geomtric then integrated divided by x^3 then integrated again not sure how to deal with the ontants of integration in this case took c=0 on the first integral
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
nameVoid said:
[tex]
\int \frac{x-arctanx}{x^3}dx
[/tex]
[tex]
\frac{d}{dx}( x-arctanx ) = 1-\frac{1}{1+x^2}=\frac{x^2}{x^2+1}
[/tex]
[tex]
= x^2 \sum_{n=0}^{\infty}(-1)^nx^{2n} = \sum_{n=0}^{\infty}(-1)^nx^{2n+2}
[/tex]
[tex]
\int \sum_{n=0}^{\infty}(-1)^nx^{2n+2} dx = \sum_{n=0}^{\infty}(-1)^n\frac{x^{2n+3}}{2n+3}+C
[/tex]
[tex]
C=0?
[/tex]
If you set x=0, you can show that C is, in fact, 0 as you assumed.
[tex]
\int \frac{\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}(-1)^n\frac{x^{2n+3}}{2n+3}}{x^3} dx
[/tex]
[tex]
\int \sum_{n=0}^{\infty}(-1)^n\frac{x^{2n}}{2n+3}}dx
[/tex]
[tex]
\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}(-1)^n\frac{x^{2n+1}}{(2n+3)(2n+1)}}
[/tex]
[tex]
\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}(-1)^n\frac{x^{2n}}{(2n+2)(2n)}}+C
[/tex]
here i took d/dx converted to geomtric then integrated divided by x^3 then integrated again not sure how to deal with the ontants of integration in this case took c=0 on the first integral
You're fine up until the last step. Note that in the next-to-the-last line, you have odd powers of x, and in the final line you have only even powers of x. The two expressions aren't equal to each other.
 
  • #3
right..
 

FAQ: Converting Power Series to Integrals: How to Handle Constants of Integration?

What is a power series representation?

A power series representation is a mathematical expression that represents a function as an infinite sum of powers of a variable. It is typically written in the form of a polynomial with an infinite number of terms.

How is a power series representation used in mathematics?

Power series representations are used in various areas of mathematics, including calculus, differential equations, and complex analysis. They provide a way to approximate a function and make calculations easier.

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

A power series is a more general form of a Taylor series, which is a specific type of power series centered at a particular value of the variable. Taylor series are used to approximate a function around a specific point, while power series can be used to approximate a function over a larger range.

How do you determine the convergence of a power series?

The convergence of a power series depends on the value of the variable x. For a given power series, there is a specific interval of values for x where the series converges. This can be determined using various tests, such as the ratio test or the root test.

Can any function be represented by a power series?

No, not all functions can be represented by a power series. The function must have a continuous derivative for the power series to converge. Additionally, the power series may only converge for a certain interval of values for x.

Back
Top