Finding the MacLaurin Series of a function

In summary, the Maclaurin series for f(x)=cos(x)+x is P(x)=Ʃ(x^(2n)(-1)^n)/n!, with a repeating pattern of 1, 0, -1, 0, 1, 0, -1, 0. The Maclaurin series of g(x)=cos(x^2)+x^2 and h(x)=x*sin(2x) are not provided.
  • #1
Badmouton
7
0
I have to find the Maclaurin series of:
(1) f(x)=cos(x)+x,
(2) g(x)= cos(x^2)+x^2
(3) h(x)=x*sin(2x).


I'm stuck at the first one, I kind of understand the concept of how P(0)=f(0)+f'(0)x+(f''(0)x^2)/2+. . .
What it gave me when I started calculating the value of the fn was this:
f(0)=cos(0)+0=1
f'(0)=-sin(0)=0
f''(0)=-cos(0)=0

And the pattern kept repeating as follows: 1,0,-1,0,1,0,-1,0.

So when I want to write the mclaurin series, should it come out as?
P(x)=Ʃ(x2n(-1)n)/n!

As for the other problems, I really don't know how to start
 
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  • #2
Badmouton said:
I have to find the Maclaurin series of:
(1) f(x)=cos(x)+x,
(2) g(x)= cos(x^2)+x^2
(3) h(x)=x*sin(2x).


I'm stuck at the first one, I kind of understand the concept of how P(0)=f(0)+f'(0)x+(f''(0)x^2)/2+. . .
What it gave me when I started calculating the value of the fn was this:
f(0)=cos(0)+0=1
f'(0)=-sin(0)=0
f''(0)=-cos(0)=-1

And the pattern kept repeating as follows: 1,0,-1,0,1,0,-1,0.

So when I want to write the mclaurin series, should it come out as?
P(x)=Ʃ(x2n(-1)n)/n!

As for the other problems, I really don't know how to start

You mean -cos(0) = -1.

Yes, you should get somewhat that pattern. Actually, you are close with the answers you have. It's not x^(2n)(-1)ⁿ/n! since x^(2n) doesn't occur in (cos(x) + x) altogether! You can only express cos(x) as the Maclaurin series.

See: http://www.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=cos(x)

You should get the answer.
 

Related to Finding the MacLaurin Series of a function

1. What is a MacLaurin series?

A MacLaurin series is a type of power series representation of a function, where the function is expressed as an infinite sum of terms involving the function's derivatives evaluated at a specific point (usually 0).

2. Why is the MacLaurin series important?

The MacLaurin series allows us to approximate a complicated function with a simpler function that can be easily evaluated. This is useful in many mathematical and scientific applications, such as in calculus and physics.

3. How do you find the MacLaurin series of a function?

To find the MacLaurin series of a function, you need to find the derivatives of the function at a specific point (usually 0) and then use the formula for the general term of a power series to express the function as an infinite sum.

4. What is the difference between a MacLaurin series and a Taylor series?

A MacLaurin series is a special case of a Taylor series, where the function is centered at 0. In other words, a MacLaurin series is a Taylor series with a = 0.

5. Can the MacLaurin series of any function be found?

Not all functions have a MacLaurin series. Some functions may have a MacLaurin series that is convergent only for a certain range of values, while others may not have a MacLaurin series at all. It depends on the properties of the function and the point at which the series is centered.

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