Finding the Coefficient in a Power Series Sum

In summary, the conversation discusses a question about power series and finding the value of $f^n(0)$ for a given function $f(z)$. The solution involves using the formula $f^n(z)=\alpha(\alpha-1)...(\alpha-n+1)(z+1)^{\alpha-n}$, but there is confusion about the coefficient $(\alpha-1)$ when $n=1$. The conversation also explores the relationship between $\mathrm{Ln}\,\left( z+1 \right)$ and $\left( z+1 \right)^\alpha$ for non-real numbers. Ultimately, it is determined that $\alpha\,\textrm{Ln}\,\left( z + 1 \right)
  • #1
aruwin
208
0
Hi.
I have another question about power series. I am having problem with the summarizing of the sum (writing in $\sum_{}^{}$ form).

Here is the question:
Let $\alpha$ be a real number that is not 0.
Let $f(z)=e^{{\alpha}Ln(z+1)}$
For integer n>0, find $f^n(0)$. My partial solution:
$f(z)=e^{{\alpha}Ln(z+1)}$$=(z+1)^{\alpha}$

$$f^1(z)=\alpha(z+1)^{\alpha-1}$$

$$f^2(z)=\alpha(\alpha-1)(z+1)^{\alpha-2}$$

$$f^3(z)=\alpha(\alpha-1)(\alpha-2)(z+1)^{\alpha-3}$$

In the answer, $f^n(z) = \alpha(\alpha-1)...(\alpha-n+1)(z+1)^{\alpha-n}$.

I am confused because when n=1,
$$f^1(z)=\alpha(z+1)^{\alpha-1}$$
but in the answer, there is the coefficient $(\alpha-1)$, this is where I am confused.
 
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  • #2
aruwin said:
Hi.
I have another question about power series. I am having problem with the summarizing of the sum (writing in $\sum_{}^{}$ form).

Here is the question:
Let $\alpha$ be a real number that is not 0.
Let $f(z)=e^{{\alpha}Ln(z+1)}$
For integer n>0, find $f^n(0)$. My partial solution:
$f(z)=e^{{\alpha}Ln(z+1)}$$=(z+1)^{\alpha}$

$$f^1(z)=\alpha(z+1)^{\alpha-1}$$

$$f^2(z)=\alpha(\alpha-1)(z+1)^{\alpha-2}$$

$$f^3(z)=\alpha(\alpha-1)(\alpha-2)(z+1)^{\alpha-3}$$

The answer for $f^n(z)$ is
$$\alpha(\alpha-1)...(\alpha-n+1)(z+1)^{\alpha-n}$$.

I am confused because if the above answer is $f^n(z)$,
then when n=1,
$$f^1(z)=\alpha(z+1)^{\alpha-1}$$
but in the answer, there is the coefficient $(\alpha-1)$, this is where I am confused.

If z is not a real number, $\displaystyle \begin{align*} \mathrm{e}^{\alpha \, \mathrm{Ln}\,\left( z + 1 \right) } \neq \left( z + 1 \right) ^{\alpha } \end{align*}$ as the logarithm laws in general do not carry from the real numbers to the complex numbers...
 
  • #3
Prove It said:
If z is not a real number, $\displaystyle \begin{align*} \mathrm{e}^{\alpha \, \mathrm{Ln}\,\left( z + 1 \right) } \neq \left( z + 1 \right) ^{\alpha } \end{align*}$ as the logarithm laws in general do not carry from the real numbers to the complex numbers...

but Lnz=ln|z| + iArgz
 
  • #4
aruwin said:
but Lnz=ln|z| + iArgz

And that should be enough to show that $\displaystyle \begin{align*} \alpha \, \textrm{Ln}\, \left( z + 1 \right) \neq \textrm{Ln}\,\left[ \left( z + 1 \right) ^{\alpha } \right] \end{align*}$, rather...

$\displaystyle \begin{align*} \alpha\,\textrm{Ln}\,\left( z + 1 \right) &= \alpha \left[ \ln{ \left| z +1 \right| } + \mathrm{i}\,\mathrm{Arg}\,\left( z + 1 \right) \right] \\ &= \alpha \ln{ \left| z + 1 \right| } + \mathrm{i}\,\alpha\,\textrm{Arg}\,\left( z + 1 \right) \\ &= \ln{ \left( \left| z + 1 \right| ^{\alpha} \right) } + \mathrm{i}\,\alpha\,\textrm{Arg}\,\left( z + 1 \right) \end{align*}$

which is of course, NOTHING like $\displaystyle \begin{align*} \textrm{Ln}\,{ \left[ \left( z + 1 \right) ^{\alpha} \right] } \end{align*}$...
 
  • #5
Prove It said:
And that should be enough to show that $\displaystyle \begin{align*} \alpha \, \textrm{Ln}\, \left( z + 1 \right) \neq \textrm{Ln}\,\left[ \left( z + 1 \right) ^{\alpha } \right] \end{align*}$, rather...

$\displaystyle \begin{align*} \alpha\,\textrm{Ln}\,\left( z + 1 \right) &= \alpha \left[ \ln{ \left| z +1 \right| } + \mathrm{i}\,\mathrm{Arg}\,\left( z + 1 \right) \right] \\ &= \alpha \ln{ \left| z + 1 \right| } + \mathrm{i}\,\alpha\,\textrm{Arg}\,\left( z + 1 \right) \\ &= \ln{ \left( \left| z + 1 \right| ^{\alpha} \right) } + \mathrm{i}\,\alpha\,\textrm{Arg}\,\left( z + 1 \right) \end{align*}$

which is of course, NOTHING like $\displaystyle \begin{align*} \textrm{Ln}\,{ \left[ \left( z + 1 \right) ^{\alpha} \right] } \end{align*}$...

Then how should I start?
 
  • #6
Prove It said:
And that should be enough to show that $\displaystyle \begin{align*} \alpha \, \textrm{Ln}\, \left( z + 1 \right) \neq \textrm{Ln}\,\left[ \left( z + 1 \right) ^{\alpha } \right] \end{align*}$, rather...

$\displaystyle \begin{align*} \alpha\,\textrm{Ln}\,\left( z + 1 \right) &= \alpha \left[ \ln{ \left| z +1 \right| } + \mathrm{i}\,\mathrm{Arg}\,\left( z + 1 \right) \right] \\ &= \alpha \ln{ \left| z + 1 \right| } + \mathrm{i}\,\alpha\,\textrm{Arg}\,\left( z + 1 \right) \\ &= \ln{ \left( \left| z + 1 \right| ^{\alpha} \right) } + \mathrm{i}\,\alpha\,\textrm{Arg}\,\left( z + 1 \right) \end{align*}$

which is of course, NOTHING like $\displaystyle \begin{align*} \textrm{Ln}\,{ \left[ \left( z + 1 \right) ^{\alpha} \right] } \end{align*}$...

I checked this on wolfram:
is e'^''('a ln'('x'+'yi')'')' '=' '('x'+'yi')''^'a - Wolfram|Alpha
 

FAQ: Finding the Coefficient in a Power Series Sum

What is a power series sum?

A power series sum is a mathematical expression that represents a function as an infinite sum of terms, each with a variable raised to a different power.

How is the coefficient in a power series sum found?

The coefficient in a power series sum can be found by using the formula an = f(n)(0)/n!, where an represents the coefficient of the term with the variable raised to the nth power, f(n)(0) represents the nth derivative of the function evaluated at x=0, and n! represents the factorial of n.

Why is finding the coefficient in a power series sum important?

Finding the coefficient in a power series sum is important because it allows us to approximate the value of a function at a particular point or interval with a high degree of accuracy. This is particularly useful in situations where it is difficult or impossible to find an exact solution.

What can the coefficient in a power series sum tell us about a function?

The coefficient in a power series sum can tell us about the behavior of a function at a particular point or interval. It can also provide information about the growth rate of the function and its derivatives at that point.

Are there any limitations to finding the coefficient in a power series sum?

Yes, there are limitations to finding the coefficient in a power series sum. This method is only applicable to functions that can be represented as an infinite sum of terms, and it may not always provide an accurate approximation for functions with complex behavior or singular points.

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