The Maclaurin Polynomial

Return to Numerical Methods - Numerical Analysis

Example 4. (a) Find the Maclaurin polynomial of degree n = 3 for [Graphics:mp4.txtgr1.gif].

First, find the derivatives of f(x).

[Graphics:mp4.txtgr3.gif][Graphics:mp4.txtgr2.gif]

Second, evaluate the derivatives of f(x) at x = 0, and obtain a sequence of constants [Graphics:mp4.txtgr4.gif].

[Graphics:mp4.txtgr3.gif][Graphics:mp4.txtgr5.gif]

Third, substitute the constants [Graphics:mp4.txtgr6.gif] in Maclaurin's formula.

[Graphics:mp4.txtgr3.gif][Graphics:mp4.txtgr7.gif]

[Graphics:mp4.txtgr3.gif][Graphics:mp4.txtgr8.gif]

[Graphics:mp4.txtgr3.gif][Graphics:mp4.txtgr9.gif]
 

Example 4. (b) Find the Maclaurin polynomial of degree n = 6.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(c) John H. Mathews, 1998