Chapter 11: Problem 13
Find the Maclaurin series for \(f(x)\) using the definition of a Maclaurin series. [Assume that \(f\) has a power series expansion. Do not show that \(\left.R_{n}(x) \rightarrow 0 .\right]\) Also find the associated radius of convergence. $$ f(x)=\cos x $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The Maclaurin series for \( \cos x \) is \( \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} \frac{(-1)^n x^{2n}}{(2n)!} \) with radius of convergence \( \infty \).
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Maclaurin Series
The Maclaurin series for a function \( f(x) \) is a power series expansion of \( f(x) \) around \( x = 0 \). It is given by the formula: \[ f(x) = \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} \frac{f^{(n)}(0)}{n!} x^n \]Here, \( f^{(n)}(0) \) represents the \( n \)-th derivative of the function evaluated at \( x = 0 \).
02
Calculate Derivatives of \( f(x) = \cos x \)
Calculate the first few derivatives of \( f(x) = \cos x \) and evaluate them at \( x = 0 \):- \( f(x) = \cos x \), \( f(0) = 1 \)- \( f'(x) = -\sin x \), \( f'(0) = 0 \)- \( f''(x) = -\cos x \), \( f''(0) = -1 \)- \( f'''(x) = \sin x \), \( f'''(0) = 0 \)- \( f^{(4)}(x) = \cos x \), \( f^{(4)}(0) = 1 \)Observe the pattern: derivatives at \( x = 0 \) repeat every four terms.
03
Write the Maclaurin Series
Substitute the evaluated derivatives into the Maclaurin series formula:\[ f(x) = 1 - \frac{x^2}{2!} + \frac{x^4}{4!} - \frac{x^6}{6!} + \cdots = \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} \frac{(-1)^n x^{2n}}{(2n)!} \]This series represents \( \cos x \) around \( x = 0 \).
04
Determine the Radius of Convergence
The Maclaurin series for \( \cos x \) is similar to the exponential series based on even powers. The general form of the term is given by \( \frac{(-1)^n x^{2n}}{(2n)!} \). The series converges for all \( x \), meaning the radius of convergence is unlimited. Therefore, the radius of convergence is \( \infty \).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Radius of Convergence
The radius of convergence tells us within which interval a power series like the Maclaurin series effectively represents a function. For a general power series \( \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} a_n x^n \), this radius can be determined using the ratio test. However, in certain cases like the Maclaurin series of \( \cos x \) and other entire functions, the series converges for all real numbers. Here's why:
- In the case of \( \cos x \), each term in the series diminishes rapidly since both the factorial in the denominator and the alternating sign lead the terms to have smaller magnitudes.
- Thus, the radius of convergence \( R \) is infinite, meaning the series converges for every real number \( x \).
Power Series Expansion
A power series expansion is a representation of a function as an infinite sum of terms based on powers of its variable, typically around a central point \( a \). The Maclaurin series is a specific case of a power series expansion where the expansion is centered at \( x = 0 \). The general formula is:\[f(x) = \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} \frac{f^{(n)}(0)}{n!} x^n\]Here's why this is useful:
- It allows complex functions to be expressed as sums of polynomial terms, which can be easier to work with.
- The power series can provide approximate solutions by truncating the series to only a few terms, which is especially useful in numerical analysis.
Derivatives of Trigonometric Functions
Finding derivatives is crucial when constructing a Maclaurin series because derivatives appear directly in the formula. For trigonometric functions like \( \cos x \), their derivatives symbolize a repetitive cycle:
- The first derivative of \( \cos x \) is \( -\sin x \).
- Continuing, the second derivative, \( -\cos x \), and the third, \( \sin x \), reveal a pattern.
- Every four derivatives, the cycle repeats, returning back to \( \cos x \).
Convergence of Series
The convergence of a series like the Maclaurin series determines the values of \( x \) where the series correctly represents the given function. It's important to establish whether a series converges, meaning its terms approach a fixed value as more terms are added.
- The convergence behavior depends on the specific function and its expansion.
- For \( \cos x \), known to have an infinite radius of convergence, the series converges over all real numbers.
- The alternating signs and factorial growth ensure that each subsequent term becomes significantly smaller, tightening the series around the true function value.