Porisma

Worked solution

Transform the interval along with the series argument

Determine the range of x for which the power series expansion of ln⁡(2+x2)\ln(2+x^2) in Example 1 is valid.

CJC · Lecture · Example 2

Apply the original interval to the new argument

The standard logarithm series represents ln⁡(1+u)\ln(1+u) for −1<u≤1-1<u\le1. With u=x2/2u=x^2/2, the required condition is −1<x2/2≤1-1<x^2/2\le1. The lower inequality holds automatically because x2/2≥0x^2/2\ge0.

How did this part go?

Solve the remaining quadratic inequality

x2/2≤1x^2/2\le1 gives x2≤2x^2\le2, or (x−2)(x+2)≤0(x-\sqrt2)(x+\sqrt2)\le0. The Teacher’s small upward-parabola sketch shows the nonpositive part between its two roots. Therefore −2≤x≤2-\sqrt2\le x\le\sqrt2.

How did this part go?

Retain both endpoints and distinguish the function domain

At either endpoint x=±2x=\pm\sqrt2, the substituted argument is 1, which is included in the original logarithm-series interval. Both endpoints therefore remain included. Independently, the function ln⁡(2+x2)\ln(2+x^2) exists for every real x, but its Maclaurin representation here is limited to this closed interval; that distinction does not restrict the underlying function.

How did this part go?

Compare your sketch

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Graph of x²−2, an upward parabola crossing the x-axis at −√2 and √2. The curve is nonpositive between these roots. A closed number-line interval includes both endpoints, giving −√2≤x≤√2.
Graph of x²−2, an upward parabola crossing the x-axis at −√2 and √2. The curve is nonpositive between these roots. A closed number-line interval includes both endpoints, giving −√2≤x≤√2.
Graph of x²−2, an upward parabola crossing the x-axis at −√2 and √2. The curve is nonpositive between these roots. A closed number-line interval includes both endpoints, giving −√2≤x≤√2.

Common mistakes

A function’s real domain can be larger than the interval where this Maclaurin series represents it.

Solution notes

Student/Teacher originals visually compared. Complete Teacher working retained; independent finite-truncation/domain qualifications distinguished. No marks or attribution printed.

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