Chapter 8: Problem 1
Use Taylor's theorem to show that $$ \exp (1)=e=\sum_{n=0}^{\infty} \frac{1}{n !} $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The expansion \( e = \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} \frac{1}{n!} \) is derived from the Taylor series for \( e^x \) at \( x = 1 \).
Step by step solution
01
Understand Taylor's Theorem
Taylor's theorem can be used to approximate functions by polynomials. For a function \( f(x) \) at \( x = a \), Taylor's series is given by \( f(x) = f(a) + f'(a)(x-a) + \frac{f''(a)}{2!}(x-a)^2+ \frac{f'''(a)}{3!}(x-a)^3 + \cdots \).
02
Consider the function \( f(x) = e^x \)
The function we are considering is \( f(x) = e^x \). We want to evaluate this function at \( x = 1 \), so \( a = 0 \). This will give us the series to approximate \( e = e^1 \).
03
Calculate Derivatives at \( x = 0 \)
The derivative of \( f(x) = e^x \) is \( f'(x) = e^x \). Since \( e^x \) differentiates to \( e^x \) each time, all higher derivatives of \( f(x) \) evaluated at \( x = 0 \) are 1, i.e., \( f^{(n)}(0) = 1 \) for all \( n \).
04
Write down the Taylor Series at \( x = 0 \)
The Taylor series for \( f(x) = e^x \) at \( x = 0 \) is \( f(x) = 1 + \frac{x}{1!} + \frac{x^2}{2!} + \frac{x^3}{3!} + \cdots \). By substituting \( x = 1 \), we get the series \( e = 1 + \frac{1}{1!} + \frac{1}{2!} + \frac{1}{3!} + \cdots \).
05
Conclude the Series Sum
From the Taylor series expansion at \( x = 1 \), we have shown that \( e \) can be expressed as \( e = \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} \frac{1}{n!} \). This series is exactly the form given in the problem, confirming that it converges to \( e \).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Exponential Function
An exponential function is a mathematical function of the form \( f(x) = a^x \), where \( a \) is a positive constant. When the base, \( a \), is Euler's number \( e \), the function becomes \( f(x) = e^x \). This function is unique because it equals its own derivative, making it fundamental in the study of calculus and exponential growth.
The number \( e \) is a mathematical constant approximately equal to 2.71828. It appears in various areas like calculus, probability theory, and complex numbers.
The number \( e \) is a mathematical constant approximately equal to 2.71828. It appears in various areas like calculus, probability theory, and complex numbers.
- In calculus, \( e^x \) is significant due to its simple differentiation and integration properties.
- It represents the idea of growth at a constant percentage rate, often seen in real-world phenomena like population growth and radioactive decay.
Series Expansion
Series expansion is a method of expressing a function as an infinite sum of terms. It allows us to approximate complex functions using simpler polynomial expressions. One of the most common types is a Taylor series, where a function is represented as an infinite sum of its derivatives evaluated at a single point.
This expansion helps convert complicated functions into polynomials, which are easier to compute and understand. The general form of a Taylor series is:
This expansion helps convert complicated functions into polynomials, which are easier to compute and understand. The general form of a Taylor series is:
- \( f(x) = f(a) + f'(a)(x-a) + \frac{f''(a)}{2!}(x-a)^2 + \cdots \)
- Series expansions are used in several fields, including physics and engineering, for approximating functions that are otherwise hard to deal with.
- They also play a crucial role in numerical analysis, enabling computers to perform precise calculations.
Maclaurin Series
A Maclaurin series is a special case of the Taylor series where the expansion is centered around \( x = 0 \). It simplifies the process of expanding functions using derivatives evaluated at zero. This series provides a straightforward way to express common functions as infinite sums.
The general form is:
Thus, its Maclaurin series is:
The general form is:
- \( f(x) = f(0) + f'(0)x + \frac{f''(0)}{2!}x^2 + \cdots \)
Thus, its Maclaurin series is:
- \( e^x = 1 + \frac{x}{1!} + \frac{x^2}{2!} + \frac{x^3}{3!} + \cdots \)