Question about a tricky/difficult Taylor expansion of natural logarithm

In summary, the Taylor expansion of natural logarithm is a mathematical series that represents the function ln(x) as an infinite sum of terms involving powers of x. It is considered tricky or difficult due to its infinite number of terms and the required knowledge of calculus and series convergence. The purpose of using this expansion is to approximate the value of ln(x) for values of x close to 1, which can be useful in complex equations or programming. To calculate the expansion, the formula ln(x) = (x-1) - (x-1)^2/2 + (x-1)^3/3 - (x-1)^4/4 + ... is used, with the number of terms determining the accuracy of the approximation.
  • #1
AxiomOfChoice
533
1
Can someone please tell me how to expand

[tex]
\ln(x + \sqrt{1+x^2})
[/tex]

for small [itex]x[/itex]? I'd like to retain terms at least up to order [itex]x^5[/itex]. Thanks!
 
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  • #2
Let f(x) = ln( x + sqrt(1 + x^2) ).

Find f(0).
Find f '(0)
Find f ''(0)
Find f '''(0)
Find f ''''(0)
Find f '''''(0)

Then write f(x) = [f(0)x^0]/0! + [f '(0)x^1]/1! + [f ''(0)x^2]/2! + [f '''(0)x^3]/3! + [f ''''(0)x^4]/4! + [f '''''(0)x^5]/5!.

Does that sound right?
 

1. What is the Taylor expansion of natural logarithm?

The Taylor expansion of natural logarithm is a mathematical series that represents the function ln(x) as an infinite sum of terms involving powers of x. It is given by ln(x) = (x-1) - (x-1)^2/2 + (x-1)^3/3 - (x-1)^4/4 + ...

2. Why is the Taylor expansion of natural logarithm considered tricky/difficult?

The Taylor expansion of natural logarithm can be considered tricky or difficult because it involves an infinite number of terms and can be challenging to calculate accurately. Additionally, it requires knowledge of calculus and series convergence, which can be challenging for some individuals.

3. What is the purpose of using the Taylor expansion of natural logarithm?

The Taylor expansion of natural logarithm is used to approximate the value of ln(x) for values of x that are close to 1. This can be useful in situations where it is difficult to calculate the natural logarithm directly, such as in complex mathematical equations or computer programming.

4. How do you calculate the Taylor expansion of natural logarithm?

The Taylor expansion of natural logarithm can be calculated using the formula ln(x) = (x-1) - (x-1)^2/2 + (x-1)^3/3 - (x-1)^4/4 + ... where x is the value at which the natural logarithm is being evaluated. The more terms that are included in the expansion, the more accurate the approximation will be.

5. Can the Taylor expansion of natural logarithm be used for values of x that are not close to 1?

Yes, the Taylor expansion of natural logarithm can be used for values of x that are not close to 1, but the accuracy of the approximation decreases as the distance from 1 increases. In these cases, it may be more efficient to use other methods for calculating the natural logarithm, such as a calculator or computer program.

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