The Maclaurin Polynomial

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Example 6. (a) Find the Maclaurin polynomial of degree n = 2 for [Graphics:mp6.txtgr1.gif].

First, find the derivatives of f(x).

[Graphics:mp6.txtgr3.gif][Graphics:mp6.txtgr2.gif]

Second, evaluate the derivatives of f(x) at x = 0, and obtain a sequence of constants [Graphics:mp6.txtgr4.gif].

[Graphics:mp6.txtgr3.gif][Graphics:mp6.txtgr5.gif]

Third, substitute the constants [Graphics:mp6.txtgr6.gif] in Maclaurin's formula.

[Graphics:mp6.txtgr3.gif][Graphics:mp6.txtgr7.gif]

[Graphics:mp6.txtgr3.gif][Graphics:mp6.txtgr8.gif]

[Graphics:mp6.txtgr3.gif][Graphics:mp6.txtgr9.gif]
 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(c) John H. Mathews, 1998