Expanding Power Series: (1- $\frac{2n}{(n+1)^2})^2$

In summary, to expand the power series for (1- $\frac{2n}{(n+1)^2})^2$, we can use the binomial theorem and simplify the terms, resulting in an infinite series which can be truncated for a desired level of precision. The purpose of expanding a power series is to approximate complicated functions with simpler ones, making it a useful tool in mathematics and physics. It can also help in solving differential equations by approximating the solution to a desired degree of accuracy through the method of power series solution. However, the expansion of a power series only gives an approximate solution and cannot be used to find the exact solution. It has various real-life applications in fields such as engineering, physics, and economics,
  • #1
stunner5000pt
1,461
2
can someone tell mehow to expand [tex] (1 - \frac{2n}{(n+1)^2})^2 [/tex] into power series

or at least direct me to the formula!
 
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  • #2
actaully i wnated to investigate [tex] \lim_{n \rightarrow \infty} (1- \frac{1}{2} (\frac{n-1}{n+1})^2 [/tex] but i used L'Hopital's rule and found that it would be 1/2.

Thanks anyway!
 
  • #3


To expand (1 - $\frac{2n}{(n+1)^2})^2$ into a power series, we can use the binomial theorem. The formula for the binomial theorem states that for any real number x and any positive integer n, $(1+x)^n = \sum_{k=0}^{n} \binom{n}{k} x^k$. In order to use this formula for our expression, we can rewrite (1 - $\frac{2n}{(n+1)^2})^2$ as (1 - $\frac{2n}{(n+1)^2}) \cdot$ (1 - $\frac{2n}{(n+1)^2})$. Then, we can apply the binomial theorem to each factor separately.

For the first factor, we have x = -$\frac{2n}{(n+1)^2}$ and n = 2. Plugging these values into the formula, we get $(1 - \frac{2n}{(n+1)^2}) = \sum_{k=0}^{2} \binom{2}{k} (-\frac{2n}{(n+1)^2})^k$. Simplifying, we get $1 - \frac{4n}{(n+1)^2} + \frac{4n^2}{(n+1)^4}$.

For the second factor, we have x = -$\frac{2n}{(n+1)^2}$ and n = 2 again. Plugging these values into the formula, we get $(1 - \frac{2n}{(n+1)^2}) = \sum_{k=0}^{2} \binom{2}{k} (-\frac{2n}{(n+1)^2})^k$. Simplifying, we get $1 - \frac{4n}{(n+1)^2} + \frac{4n^2}{(n+1)^4}$.

To get the final expression, we can multiply these two series together using the rules of power series multiplication. This will give us a series with terms of the form $c_kx^k$, where $c_k$ is a constant and x is our variable. Simplifying, we get:

$(1 - \frac{2n}{(n+1)^2})^
 

FAQ: Expanding Power Series: (1- $\frac{2n}{(n+1)^2})^2$

How do you expand the power series for (1- $\frac{2n}{(n+1)^2})^2$?

To expand the power series for (1- $\frac{2n}{(n+1)^2})^2$, we first need to rewrite the expression as a power series. This can be achieved by using the binomial theorem and simplifying the terms. The resulting power series will have infinite terms, so we usually truncate it to a certain degree of precision.

What is the purpose of expanding a power series?

The expansion of a power series allows us to approximate complicated functions by simpler ones. This is a useful tool in mathematics and physics since it allows us to solve problems that would otherwise be too complex to handle analytically.

How does the expansion of a power series help in solving differential equations?

Many differential equations cannot be solved analytically. In such cases, we can use the expansion of a power series to approximate the solution to a desired degree of accuracy. This is known as the method of power series solution.

Is it possible to find the exact solution using the expansion of a power series?

No, the expansion of a power series only gives us an approximate solution. However, as we include more terms in the series, the accuracy of the solution improves. In some cases, we can achieve an arbitrarily close approximation to the exact solution by including an infinite number of terms in the series.

Can the expansion of a power series be used in real-life applications?

Yes, the expansion of a power series has numerous applications in various fields such as engineering, physics, and economics. It is used to solve problems involving complex functions, to approximate solutions to differential equations, and to model real-life phenomena such as population growth and chemical reactions.

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