Chapter 9: Problem 17
Find the Maclaurin polynomial of order \(n\) for \(f(x)=1 /(1-x)\). Then use it with \(n=4\) to approximate each of the following. (a) \(f(0.1)\) (b) \(f(0.5)\) (c) \(f(0.9)\) (d) \(f(2)\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
(a) 1.1111, (b) 1.9375, (c) 4.0951, (d) Not applicable (series diverges for x ≥ 1)
Step by step solution
01
Understand the function and Maclaurin series
The Maclaurin series is a Taylor series expansion of a function about 0. For the function \( f(x) = \frac{1}{1-x} \), the Maclaurin series is given by \( 1 + x + x^2 + x^3 + \cdots \) which can be generalized to a polynomial of order \( n \) as \( T_n(x) = 1 + x + x^2 + \cdots + x^n \).
02
Find the 4th order Maclaurin polynomial
Using the general form from Step 1, the 4th order Maclaurin polynomial for \( f(x) = \frac{1}{1-x} \) is:\[ T_4(x) = 1 + x + x^2 + x^3 + x^4 \]
03
Approximate f(0.1) using T_4(x)
Substitute \( x = 0.1 \) into the polynomial:\[ T_4(0.1) = 1 + 0.1 + 0.1^2 + 0.1^3 + 0.1^4 \]Calculate each term:- \( 0.1^2 = 0.01 \)- \( 0.1^3 = 0.001 \)- \( 0.1^4 = 0.0001 \)Thus:\[ T_4(0.1) = 1 + 0.1 + 0.01 + 0.001 + 0.0001 = 1.1111 \]
04
Approximate f(0.5) using T_4(x)
Substitute \( x = 0.5 \) into the polynomial:\[ T_4(0.5) = 1 + 0.5 + 0.5^2 + 0.5^3 + 0.5^4 \]Calculate each term:- \( 0.5^2 = 0.25 \)- \( 0.5^3 = 0.125 \)- \( 0.5^4 = 0.0625 \)Thus:\[ T_4(0.5) = 1 + 0.5 + 0.25 + 0.125 + 0.0625 = 1.9375 \]
05
Approximate f(0.9) using T_4(x)
Substitute \( x = 0.9 \) into the polynomial:\[ T_4(0.9) = 1 + 0.9 + 0.9^2 + 0.9^3 + 0.9^4 \]Calculate each term:- \( 0.9^2 = 0.81 \)- \( 0.9^3 = 0.729 \)- \( 0.9^4 = 0.6561 \)Thus:\[ T_4(0.9) = 1 + 0.9 + 0.81 + 0.729 + 0.6561 = 4.0951 \]
06
Understand shortcoming for approximating f(2)
The series \( 1 + x + x^2 + x^3 + \cdots \) converges for \( |x| < 1 \). Therefore, using this series to approximate \( f(2) \) results in divergence, as \( 2 > 1 \). The approximation is incorrect, and the polynomial doesn't approximate \( f(2) \) effectively.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Polynomials
A polynomial is a mathematical expression made up of variables, coefficients, and exponents, combined using addition, subtraction, and multiplication. Polynomials are like algebraic recipes that can model a variety of behaviors. For instance:
- The function \(f(x) = 1 + x + x^2 + x^3\) is a polynomial.
- The expressions extend to any order (or degree), denoted by the highest power of \(x\).
Taylor Series
The Taylor series is a powerful tool in mathematics that represents functions as infinite sums of terms. Each term in the series adds more detail to the approximation of the function. The Maclaurin series is a special case of the Taylor series centered at zero. To illustrate:
- For \(f(x) = \frac{1}{1-x}\), the Maclaurin series expansion starts as \(1 + x + x^2 + \ldots\).
- This series can be manipulated to different orders depending on the desired accuracy, which, for our exercise, is \(n=4\) resulting in \(T_4(x) = 1 + x + x^2 + x^3 + x^4\).
Convergence
Convergence is a crucial concept when working with series, such as the Maclaurin or Taylor series. It refers to whether the sum of the series approaches a definite value as more terms are added. Consider these key points:
- For a series like \(1 + x + x^2 + \ldots\), convergence occurs when \(|x| < 1\).
- Within this range, adding terms helps the polynomial approach the function’s actual value.
- Outside of this range, such as \(f(2)\), the series diverges and fails to produce a valid approximation.