Help with Taylor, ln(1-X), |x|<1

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Buzz BloomIn summary, the conversation discusses the development of ln(1-x) and its relationship to the infinite geometric series. The correct notation for the integrals is emphasized and the value of ln(x-1) for |x|<1 is addressed.
  • #1
kevin3295
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Homework Statement


ln(1-X), |x|<1

Homework Equations


Could someone verify if it was developed correctly?

The Attempt at a Solution


[tex]
ln(1-x) = \sum_{n=0}^\infty \left (a_nx^n\right )
[/tex]
[tex]
1+a+a^2+a^3+a^4+a^5+a^6... = 1/(1-a)
[/tex]
[tex]
a=x
[/tex]
[tex]
1+x+x^2+x^3+x^4+x^5+x^6... = 1/(1-x)
[/tex]
[tex]
∫1+x+x^2+x^3+x^4+x^5+x^6...dx = ∫1/(1-x) dx
[/tex]
[tex]
x+(x^2)/2+(x^3)/3+(x^4)/4+(x^5)/5+(x^6)/6... = - ln(x-1)
[/tex]
[tex]
ln(1-x) = - \sum_{n=1}^\infty \left (x^n / n \right )
[/tex]

Thanks for your time
 
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  • #2
kevin3295 said:
x+(x2)/2+(x3)/3+(x4)/4+(x5)/5+(x6)/6...=ln(x−1)
Hi Keven:

Two issues. One is about your notation of the integrals. There should be a dx.
More important, you have a problem at the quoted step. Think again about
∫1/(1-x)dx = ln(x-1).​
What is the value of ln(x-1) when |x|<1?

Hope this helps.

Regards,
Buzz
 
  • #3
@Buzz Bloom I made the corrections, thank you
 
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  • #4
Hi kevin:

Thank you for your thanks.

You still have a problem with -ln(x-1). Think about the value for |x|<1.

Regards,
Buzz
 

FAQ: Help with Taylor, ln(1-X), |x|<1

1. What is the Taylor series for ln(1-x)?

The Taylor series for ln(1-x) is ∑n=1 (-1)n+1 xn / n. This series converges for |x| < 1.

2. How do I find the first few terms of the Taylor series for ln(1-x)?

To find the first few terms of the Taylor series for ln(1-x), we can simply substitute n=1, 2, 3, etc. into the series formula. For example, the first three terms would be ln(1-x) = -x - x2/2 - x3/3.

3. What is the interval of convergence for the Taylor series of ln(1-x)?

The interval of convergence for the Taylor series of ln(1-x) is -1 < x ≤ 1. This means that the series will converge for any value of x between -1 and 1, and will diverge for any value outside of this interval.

4. Can the Taylor series for ln(1-x) be used to approximate ln(2)?

Yes, the Taylor series for ln(1-x) can be used to approximate ln(2). Since ln(2) is equal to 0.693..., we can plug in x=0.5 into the series formula to get an approximation of 0.5 - 0.52/2 - 0.53/3 = 0.667, which is a relatively close approximation.

5. How do I know if the Taylor series for ln(1-x) is a good approximation?

The Taylor series for ln(1-x) will be a good approximation if the value of x is relatively close to 0. If x is too far away from 0, the series will diverge and will not be a good approximation. Additionally, using more terms in the series will result in a more accurate approximation.

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