A limit by Taylor series Use Taylor series to evaluate lim ₓ→₀ ((sin x)/x)¹/ˣ²
Table of contents
- 0. Functions7h 54m
- Introduction to Functions16m
- Piecewise Functions10m
- Properties of Functions9m
- Common Functions1h 8m
- Transformations5m
- Combining Functions27m
- Exponent rules32m
- Exponential Functions28m
- Logarithmic Functions24m
- Properties of Logarithms36m
- Exponential & Logarithmic Equations35m
- Introduction to Trigonometric Functions38m
- Graphs of Trigonometric Functions44m
- Trigonometric Identities47m
- Inverse Trigonometric Functions48m
- 1. Limits and Continuity2h 2m
- 2. Intro to Derivatives1h 33m
- 3. Techniques of Differentiation3h 18m
- 4. Applications of Derivatives2h 38m
- 5. Graphical Applications of Derivatives6h 2m
- 6. Derivatives of Inverse, Exponential, & Logarithmic Functions2h 37m
- 7. Antiderivatives & Indefinite Integrals1h 26m
- 8. Definite Integrals4h 44m
- 9. Graphical Applications of Integrals2h 27m
- 10. Physics Applications of Integrals 3h 16m
- 11. Integrals of Inverse, Exponential, & Logarithmic Functions2h 34m
- 12. Techniques of Integration7h 41m
- 13. Intro to Differential Equations2h 55m
- 14. Sequences & Series5h 36m
- 15. Power Series2h 19m
- 16. Parametric Equations & Polar Coordinates7h 58m
15. Power Series
Taylor Series & Taylor Polynomials
Problem 11.1.88
Textbook Question
{Use of Tech} A different kind of approximation When approximating a function f using a Taylor polynomial, we use information about f and its derivative at one point. An alternative approach (called interpolation) uses information about f at several different points. Suppose we wish to approximate f(x)=sin x on the interval [0, π].
a. Write the (quadratic) Taylor polynomial p₂ for f centered at π/2.
b. Now consider a quadratic interpolating polynomial q(x) = ax² + bx + c. The coefficients a, b, and c are chosen such that the following conditions are satisfied:
q(0) = f(0), q(π/2) = f(π/2), and q(π) = f(π)
Show that q(x) = −(4/π²)x² + (4/π)x.
c. Graph f, p₂, and q on [0, π].
d. Find the error in approximating f(x) = sin x at the points π/4, π/2, 3π/4, and π using p₂ and q.
e. Which function, p₂ or q, is a better approximation to f on [0, π]? Explain.
Verified step by step guidance1
a. To write the quadratic Taylor polynomial \(p_2\) for \(f(x) = \sin x\) centered at \(x = \frac{\pi}{2}\), start by computing the function value and the first two derivatives at \(x = \frac{\pi}{2}\). Recall the Taylor polynomial formula up to degree 2:
\[p_2(x) = f\left(\frac{\pi}{2}\right) + f'\left(\frac{\pi}{2}\right)(x - \frac{\pi}{2}) + \frac{f''\left(\frac{\pi}{2}\right)}{2}(x - \frac{\pi}{2})^2\]
Calculate \(f\left(\frac{\pi}{2}\right)\), \(f'\left(\frac{\pi}{2}\right)\), and \(f''\left(\frac{\pi}{2}\right)\) explicitly.
b. For the quadratic interpolating polynomial \(q(x) = ax^2 + bx + c\), use the given conditions:
\[q(0) = f(0), \quad q\left(\frac{\pi}{2}\right) = f\left(\frac{\pi}{2}\right), \quad q(\pi) = f(\pi)\]
Substitute these points into \(q(x)\) to form a system of three equations:
\[c = f(0)\]
\[a\left(\frac{\pi}{2}\right)^2 + b\left(\frac{\pi}{2}\right) + c = f\left(\frac{\pi}{2}\right)\]
\[a\pi^2 + b\pi + c = f(\pi)\]
Solve this system for \(a\), \(b\), and \(c\) to find the explicit form of \(q(x)\).
c. To graph \(f(x) = \sin x\), \(p_2(x)\), and \(q(x)\) on the interval \([0, \pi]\), plot each function using the expressions found in parts (a) and (b). This visual comparison helps to see how well each polynomial approximates \(\sin x\) over the interval.
d. To find the error at points \(x = \frac{\pi}{4}, \frac{\pi}{2}, \frac{3\pi}{4}, \pi\), compute the absolute difference between \(f(x)\) and each approximation:
\[\text{Error for } p_2 = |f(x) - p_2(x)|\]
\[\text{Error for } q = |f(x) - q(x)|\]
Calculate these values for each specified \(x\) to quantify the accuracy of each polynomial at those points.
e. To determine which polynomial, \(p_2\) or \(q\), is a better approximation on \([0, \pi]\), compare the errors computed in part (d) across the points. Consider the nature of each approximation: \(p_2\) uses local derivative information at \(\frac{\pi}{2}\), while \(q\) uses interpolation at three points. Discuss which method yields smaller errors overall and why, based on the error behavior and the construction of the polynomials.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Taylor Polynomial Approximation
A Taylor polynomial approximates a function near a single point using the function's derivatives at that point. For a quadratic Taylor polynomial, the function, its first derivative, and second derivative at the center point determine the polynomial. This method captures local behavior but may not approximate well far from the center.
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Taylor Polynomials
Polynomial Interpolation
Polynomial interpolation constructs a polynomial that exactly matches the function's values at several distinct points. For quadratic interpolation, three points determine the coefficients of a second-degree polynomial. This approach uses global information and can provide a better fit over an interval than a Taylor polynomial centered at one point.
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Taylor Polynomials
Error Analysis in Approximation
Error analysis compares the difference between the original function and its approximation at specific points. Evaluating errors at multiple points helps assess which approximation is more accurate over an interval. Understanding error behavior guides the choice between Taylor and interpolating polynomials.
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Determining Error and Relative Error
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