Power Series and Functions — Question 6

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Question 6

Use the differentiated geometric identity to find a power series for x/(1−x)2x/(1-x)^2. State the index, radius, and exact interval of convergence.

Original worksheet page 1: question and worked solution for 4-15-006
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Question 6 – Solution

Step 1: Differentiate the geometric series.

For |x|<1|x|<1, 1(1−x)2=∑n=1∞nxn−1.\frac1{(1-x)^2}=\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}n x^{n-1}.

Step 2: Multiply by xx.

x(1−x)2=∑n=1∞nxn.\boxed{\frac{x}{(1-x)^2}=\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}n x^n}. Multiplication by xx shifts every exponent upward by one but does not change the radius.

Step 3: Test the boundary.

The radius remains R=1R=1. At x=1x=1, the terms are nn; at x=−1x=-1, they are n(−1)nn(-1)^n. Neither term sequence approaches zero.

Conclusion.

The interval of convergence is (−1,1)\boxed{(-1,1)}.

Original worksheet page 2: question and worked solution for 4-15-006

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