Chapter 11: Problem 19
Find the Maclaurin series for the functions in Exercises \(9-20 .\) $$ x^{4}-2 x^{3}-5 x+4 $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The Maclaurin series is \(4 - 5x - 2x^3 + x^4\).
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Maclaurin Series
The Maclaurin series is a special case of the Taylor series, where the series is expanded at \(x = 0\). Hence, for a given function \(f(x)\), the Maclaurin series is given by:\[\sum_{n=0}^{\infty} \frac{f^{(n)}(0)}{n!} x^n\]where \(f^{(n)}(0)\) is the \(n\)-th derivative of the function evaluated at \(x = 0\). Our target is to express \(x^4 - 2x^3 - 5x + 4\) as a power series centered at \(x = 0\).
02
Compute the Function Value at Zero
The value of the function at \(x = 0\) is simply the constant term, since by substituting \(x=0\) in the polynomial:\[ (x^4 - 2x^3 - 5x + 4)\big|_{x=0} = 4 \]So, the first term in the Maclaurin series is \(4\).
03
First Derivative and its Value at Zero
Compute the first derivative of the function:\[ f'(x) = 4x^3 - 6x^2 - 5 \]Evaluate at \(x = 0\):\[ f'(0) = -5 \]Thus, the next term in the series is \(-5x\).
04
Second Derivative and its Value at Zero
Compute the second derivative:\[ f''(x) = 12x^2 - 12x \]Evaluate at \(x = 0\):\[ f''(0) = 0 \]This term does not contribute to the series since it is multiplied by \(x^2\).
05
Third Derivative and its Value at Zero
Compute the third derivative:\[ f'''(x) = 24x - 12 \]Evaluate at \(x = 0\):\[ f'''(0) = -12 \]Thus, the term contributed by this derivative is \(-\frac{12}{3!} x^3 = -2x^3 \).
06
Fourth Derivative and its Value at Zero
Compute the fourth derivative:\[ f^{(4)}(x) = 24 \]Evaluate at \(x = 0\):\[ f^{(4)}(0) = 24 \]Thus, the term contributed by this derivative is \(\frac{24}{4!} x^4 = x^4 \).
07
Remaining Derivatives
Compute the fifth derivative:\[ f^{(5)}(x) = 0 \]Since this is a fourth-degree polynomial, all higher derivatives beyond the fourth are zero, contributing nothing to the series.
08
Construct the Series
Combine all the terms to write the Maclaurin series as:\[ f(x) = 4 - 5x - 2x^3 + x^4 \]
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Polynomial Expansion
Polynomial expansion refers to expressing a polynomial in terms of its variables and coefficients that make infinite computation more manageable. In the case of the function given in the exercise, which is a polynomial of degree 4, we have specific powers of the variable, multiplied by coefficients:
- The term with highest power is the one with the degree of the polynomial: here, it's \(x^4\).
- It contains constant terms like \(-2x^3\) and \(-5x\), and a constant term like 4.
Power Series
A power series is a series of the form \(\sum_{n=0}^{\infty} c_n \, x^n\) where \(c_n\) are constants and \(x^n\) are powers of \(x\). It represents functions in the form of an infinite sum of terms based on powers of a variable. In a broader sense, the power series generalizes the concept of polynomial, where the series can potentially have infinitely many terms or coefficients that extend indefinitely.
Here are some key aspects:
Here are some key aspects:
- Each term in a power series has a general format combining coefficients \(c_n\) and powers \(x^n\).
- Power series are centered at a point; for a Maclaurin series, this point is zero, meaning \(x=0\).
- It is used to represent functions for interval convergence, offering approximation where simple polynomials cannot convey complex behaviors.
Derivatives
Derivatives represent the rate of change of a function with respect to one of its variables. Calculating derivatives is essential in the process of finding a Maclaurin series because they determine the coefficients in the series expansion. Here’s how derivatives come into play in polynomial functions like the one given:
- The zeroth derivative is simply the function itself and its value at 0 is the first term of the Maclaurin series.
- The first derivative gives the instantaneous slope of the curve at any point, and its evaluation at 0 gives us the coefficient for the \(x\) term.
- Further derivatives find finer slopes and curvatures, each evaluated at \(x = 0\), adding to the precision of the power series representation.
Taylor Series
The Taylor series provides a way to expand functions into an infinite sum of terms calculated from the values of the function’s derivatives at a single point. The Maclaurin series is a specific case of the Taylor series, expanded about zero. Here’s what makes the Taylor series special:
- For any function \(f(x)\), its Taylor series approximates \(f(x)\) by summing powers of \((x-a)\) with coefficients based on derivatives.
- A Maclaurin series is just "Taylor series at zero", which aids in simplifying calculations like the ones in the exercise.
- Taylor series are instrumental in not only approximating functions but simplifying complex calculations into endless series that are easier to manipulate.