Chapter 9: Problem 46
The Taylor polynomial of order 2 generated by a twice-differentiable function \(f(x)\) at \(x=a\) is called the quadratic approximation of \(f\) at \(x=a .\) Find the (a) linearization (Taylor polynomial of order 1 ) and (b) quadratic approximation of \(f\) at \(x=0.\) $$f(x)=\tan x$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
Both the linearization and quadratic approximation at \( x=0 \) are \( P(x) = x \).
Step by step solution
01
Understanding the Taylor Polynomial
The Taylor polynomial of a function \( f(x) \) around \( x = a \) is given by \( P_n(x) = f(a) + f'(a)(x-a) + \frac{f''(a)}{2!}(x-a)^2 + \cdots + \frac{f^{(n)}(a)}{n!}(x-a)^n \). For our problem, we need the Taylor polynomials of order 1 (linearization) and order 2 (quadratic approximation) of \( f(x) = \tan x \) around \( x = 0 \).
02
Calculating Derivatives
First, compute \( f'(x) \) and \( f''(x) \) for \( f(x) = \tan x \). We know \( f'(x) = \sec^2 x \). For \( f''(x) \), we can differentiate \( f'(x) = \sec^2 x \) again: \( f''(x) = 2 \sec^2 x \cdot \tan x = 2 \sec^2(x)\tan x \).
03
Evaluating Derivatives at \( x = 0 \)
Evaluate \( f(x), f'(x), \) and \( f''(x) \) at \( x = 0 \). We have: \( f(0) = \tan(0) = 0 \), \( f'(0) = \sec^2(0) = 1 \), and \( f''(0) = 2 \sec^2(0)\tan(0) = 0 \cdot 2 = 0 \).
04
Constructing the Linearization
The linearization (order 1 Taylor polynomial) is given by \( P_1(x) = f(a) + f'(a)(x-a) \). Thus, for \( x = 0 \), the linearization \( P_1(x) = 0 + 1 \cdot x = x \).
05
Constructing the Quadratic Approximation
The quadratic approximation (order 2 Taylor polynomial) is given by \( P_2(x) = f(a) + f'(a)(x-a) + \frac{f''(a)}{2!}(x-a)^2 \). Thus, for \( x = 0 \), it simplifies to \( P_2(x) = 0 + x + \frac{0}{2}(x)^2 = x \).
06
Conclusion
We found the Taylor polynomial of order 1 (linearization) and order 2 (quadratic approximation) for \( f(x) = \tan x \) at \( x = 0 \). Both results give \( P(x) = x \) since the second derivative at \( x = 0 \) contributed nothing to the quadratic term.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Linearization
Linearization is a method used to approximate a function by using a linear polynomial, usually around a specific point. When you linearize a function, you essentially create the best possible straight-line (linear) approximation for that function near the given point.
- It involves taking the first derivative of the function.
- This linear approximation is known as the Taylor polynomial of order 1 (also called the first-order Taylor expansion).
- Mathematically, it is represented as: \( P_1(x) = f(a) + f'(a)(x-a) \).
Quadratic Approximation
When you want a more accurate approximation than a straight line, quadratic approximation can be useful. It is the next step in Taylor series and uses a polynomial of degree two.
- This involves the second derivative of the function.
- The quadratic approximation functions as the Taylor polynomial of order 2.
- It’s mathematically expressed as: \( P_2(x) = f(a) + f'(a)(x-a) + \frac{f''(a)}{2!}(x-a)^2 \).
Differentiation
Differentiation is a powerful tool in calculus used to determine the rate at which a function is changing at any given point. By computing derivatives, we gain insights into the behavior of the function.
- First derivative \( f'(x) \) provides the slope or rate of change of the function.
- Second derivative \( f''(x) \) indicates the concavity or the acceleration of the function.
- Higher-order derivatives can give further insights.
Function Evaluation
Function evaluation means to substitute a specific value into a function and compute the output. This is essential for constructing approximations like Taylor polynomials.
- This helps in finding the exact value of the function at a specific point \( a \).
- It involves calculating the function and its derivatives at that point.