Taylor theorem and related

jkeller

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Dec 3, 2012
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I am working on Taylor theorem problems, and this problem was included. How can I find a formula for f(n)(x) if f(x) = ln(x-1)? I appreciate any help that I can get.
 
I would compute the first few derivatives:

\(\displaystyle f^{(1)}=\dfrac{1}{x-1}\)

\(\displaystyle f^{(2)}=-\dfrac{1}{(x-1)^2}\)

\(\displaystyle f^{(3)}=\dfrac{2}{(x-1)^3}\)

\(\displaystyle f^{(4)}=-\dfrac{6}{(x-1)^4}\)

Next, I would use induction, and state the hypothesis \(\displaystyle P_k\):

\(\displaystyle f^{(k)}=\dfrac{(-1)^{k-1}(k-1)!}{(x-1)^k}\)

Next, differentiate both sides to see if you can obtain \(\displaystyle P_{k+1}\). ;)
 
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