Therefore, we have shown the limit of the "secant parabolas" to be

(6)        [Graphics:Images/TangentParabolaMod_gr_138.gif][Graphics:Images/TangentParabolaMod_gr_139.gif][Graphics:Images/TangentParabolaMod_gr_140.gif].  

Therefore, the "tangent parabola" in (5) is revealed to be the Taylor polynomial of degree [Graphics:Images/TangentParabolaMod_gr_141.gif].  

Exploration 2.

The previous limits can be used to find the limit of the secant polynomials.

[Graphics:../Images/TangentParabolaMod_gr_142.gif]



[Graphics:../Images/TangentParabolaMod_gr_143.gif]

This is the answer we seek,

        [Graphics:../Images/TangentParabolaMod_gr_144.gif][Graphics:../Images/TangentParabolaMod_gr_145.gif][Graphics:../Images/TangentParabolaMod_gr_146.gif],  
        
but Mathematica had its preferred way of writing the answer.  If you need to verify that it is correct, then Mathematica can do it.

[Graphics:../Images/TangentParabolaMod_gr_147.gif]

[Graphics:../Images/TangentParabolaMod_gr_148.gif]

Of course, we could take each limit individually, then there would be no confusion.

[Graphics:../Images/TangentParabolaMod_gr_149.gif]


[Graphics:../Images/TangentParabolaMod_gr_150.gif]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(c) John H. Mathews 2004