Calculating f(x) at x=0.01 using Transcedental Equation Cos(x)-e^(-x^2/2)

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The discussion focuses on calculating the function f(x) = Cos(x) - e^(-x^2/2) at x = 0.01. Participants explore the challenges of linearizing the function at x = 0 due to higher derivatives being zero. They suggest using the Maclaurin series expansion for both Cos(x) and e^(-x^2/2) to derive a more accurate approximation. The conversation highlights the importance of considering additional terms beyond the second derivative to achieve a valid result. Ultimately, the discussion emphasizes the transcendental nature of the equation and the need for careful series analysis.
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f(x)=Cos(x)-e^(-x^2/2)
Value of f(x) at x=0.01

I tried linearising at x=0 but higher derivatives are zero at x=0 .Please help me proceed
 
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mite said:
f(x)=Cos(x)-e^(-x^2/2)
Value of f(x) at x=0.01

I tried linearising at x=0 but higher derivatives are zero at x=0 .Please help me proceed

Lets for the moment forget the exponential term.

f'(x) = -sin(x)
f''(x) = -cos(x)
f'''(x) = sin(x)
f''''(x) = cos(x) and so on

f'(0) = 0 but f''(0) = -1 so you're argument doesn't stand.

As for e^(x^2/2) we get

g'(x) = x * e^(x^2/2)
g''(x) = e^(x^2/2) + x^2 * e^(x^2/2)
g'''(x) = x * e^(x^2/2) + 2x * e^(x^2/2) + x^3 * e(x^2/2)

Not of all of these terms will be zero.
 
It is e^(-(x^2)/2) .when both are considered second derivative is zero
 
mite said:
It is e^(-(x^2)/2) .when both are considered second derivative is zero

Use a few more terms in the Maclaurin series
 
i tried doing that one time when there is a sine function other terms have x terms so at x=0 it is zero another time when there is cos function there is one term such as exp(-(x^2/2)) which cancels it so at x=0 it is zero
 
Yes, up to second derivative the difference is 0. So go past the second derivative.

cos(x)= 1- \frac{x^2}{2!}+ \frac{x^4}{4!}- \frac{x^6}{6!}+ \cdot\cdot\cdot
= 1- \frac{x^2}{2}+ \frac{x^4}{24}- \frac{x^6}{720}+ \cdot\cdot\cdot

e^{-x^2/2}= 1- \frac{x^2}{2}+ \frac{x^4}{(4)(2!)}- \frac{x^6}{(8)(6!)}+ \cdot\cdot\cdot
= 1- \frac{x^2}{2}+ \frac{x^4}{8}- \frac{x^6}{5760}

Subtract to get
-\frac{x^4}{12}+ \frac{7x^6}{5760}+ \cdot\cdot\cdot
 
Yes I got it thank you
 
Might be worth noting that the second term is basically an error function, might not but it does tell you that this is transcendental and needs either a trick, or a series that only converges at infinity. Of course you already knew that but...

Might help in future. To solve by some sort of inspection by realising that this essentially is another function you can take the series from and use after the -?
 
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