Calculate limit using taylor series

In summary, to calculate the limit of the given function, you can use the Taylor series for cos(x) and only consider the terms of the lowest non-trivial order since the limit is being taken as x approaches 0. This will make the process less tedious.
  • #1
Hernaner28
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Homework Statement



Calculate: $$ \displaystyle \underset{x\to 0}{\mathop{\lim }}\,\frac{1-\cos \left( 1-\cos x \right)}{{{x}^{4}}}$$

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution



Using Taylor series I have:

$$ \displaystyle f'\left( x \right)=\sin \left( 1-\cos x \right)\sin x$$

$$\displaystyle f'\left( 0 \right)=0$$

but as you can see, now it turns very tedious to continue differentiating. Do I have to keep differentiating until I get something? Or is there any quicker way to compute this?

Thanks
 
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  • #2
There is. All you need to use is the Taylor series for cos(x). Also remember that since you're taking limit of x->0, you only need to carry with you the terms of the lowest non-trivial order.
 

1. What is a Taylor series?

A Taylor series is a mathematical representation of a function as an infinite sum of terms that are calculated from the values of the function's derivatives at a single point. It is used to approximate the value of a function at a specific point by using the values of its derivatives at that point.

2. Why is the Taylor series important for calculating limits?

The Taylor series allows us to approximate the value of a function at a specific point, even if the function is not defined at that point. This is useful for calculating limits, as we can use the Taylor series to find the value of the function as it approaches the limit point.

3. How do you use the Taylor series to calculate a limit?

To calculate a limit using the Taylor series, we first find the Taylor series representation of the function. Then, we substitute the limit point into the series and simplify it. Finally, we take the limit of the simplified series, which will give us the value of the limit.

4. Can the Taylor series be used for any function?

The Taylor series can be used for most functions, as long as the function is infinitely differentiable at the point we are interested in. This means that the function must have derivatives of all orders at that point.

5. Are there any limitations to using the Taylor series to calculate limits?

One limitation of using the Taylor series to calculate limits is that it can only give an approximation of the limit, rather than the exact value. Additionally, the Taylor series may not converge or may converge to a different value than the actual limit if the function has a discontinuity or singularity at the limit point.

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