Estimates of the remainder in Taylor's theorem

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the application of Taylor's theorem and the general binomial series to estimate the square root of 1.2 up to two decimal points. Participants explore the derivation of the remainder term in the context of this estimation, addressing discrepancies between provided solutions and textbook formulas.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants inquire about the function being estimated, identifying it as ##\sqrt{1+x}##.
  • There is confusion regarding the formula for the remainder, with one participant noting that the book states ##|R_n(x)|\leq {\frac{M_{n+1}}{(n+1)!}} |x|^{n+1}##.
  • Participants discuss the inclusion of the factorial in the estimates of the remainder, with some asserting that it was omitted in certain solutions.
  • One participant calculates the maximum value of the second derivative and relates it to the remainder term, suggesting that the maximum occurs at ##x = 0##.
  • There is a mention of a potential typo in the textbook regarding the remainder term, with one participant expressing agreement with another's calculations.
  • Another participant suggests that it may be beneficial to consult the instructor for clarification on the discrepancies.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the correctness of the textbook's remainder formula and the calculations presented in the solutions. While some agree on the identification of the function and the approach to calculating the remainder, the overall discussion remains unresolved regarding the discrepancies in the estimates.

Contextual Notes

Participants note potential limitations in the provided solutions, including missing assumptions and differences in the application of the factorial in the remainder estimates. The discussion highlights the need for clarity in the definitions and calculations presented in the textbook.

bubblewrap
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Here is the exercise question;
Use the general binomial series to get ##\sqrt{1.2}## up to 2 decimal points
In the solution the ##R_1## was given as
##|R_1|\leq {\frac{1}{8}} {\frac{(0.2)^2}{2}}## But it doesn't say where this came from and comparing this with the estimate of remainder given in Taylor's theorem didn't help. Another thing that was frustrating was that the solutions for the end-of-chapter exercises was somewhat different what the book said for example they didn't include the n+1 factorial in the estimates of the remainder.
Please help this is driving me crazy.
 
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bubblewrap said:
Here is the exercise question;
Use the general binomial series to get ##\sqrt{1.2}## up to 2 decimal points
What is f here? IOW, what is the function whose binomial series you are estimating?
bubblewrap said:
In the solution the ##R_1## was given as
##|R_1|\leq {\frac{1}{8}} {\frac{(0.2)^2}{2}}## But it doesn't say where this came from and comparing this with the estimate of remainder given in Taylor's theorem didn't help.
What does your book give for the formula of the remainder?
bubblewrap said:
Another thing that was frustrating was that the solutions for the end-of-chapter exercises was somewhat different what the book said for example they didn't include the n+1 factorial in the estimates of the remainder.
Actually, I think they did. In what you showed above, what is n? What is n + 1?
bubblewrap said:
Please help this is driving me crazy.
Please show us what you've done so far.
 
The function is ##\sqrt{1+x}##, the question doesn't give you what the function is, it was a part of the process.
The book says ##|R_n(x)|\leq {\frac{M_{n+1}}{(n+1)!}} |x|^{n+1}##
The question I posted is not the one that didn't include the factorial, the one above has an additional ##{\frac{1}{2}}## and a couple others had this as well. I did the calculation for about 6 times, there still could have been a mistake but not likely.
 
bubblewrap said:
The function is ##\sqrt{1+x}##, the question doesn't give you what the function is, it was a part of the process.
The "process" is just recognizing what the underlying function is, which in this case is f(x) = (1 + x)1/2.
bubblewrap said:
The book says ##|R_n(x)|\leq {\frac{M_{n+1}}{(n+1)!}} |x|^{n+1}##
The question I posted is not the one that didn't include the factorial, the one above has an additional ##{\frac{1}{2}}## and a couple others had this as well. I did the calculation for about 6 times, there still could have been a mistake but not likely.
For R1 (where n = 1), the error is going to have a factor of 1/2! = 1/2. Is that what you're asking about?

Also, since this is a problem involving a binomial series expansion, it might be helpful to write the first few terms of the expansion of (1 + x)1/2.
 
No that's not what I'm asking about, if you do the calculation you'll see that it's different from the value here.
The max is 1/4 and you divide it by 2! and multiply the whole thing again by 0.2 squared.
 
OK, now I see what you are saying, and I agree with you. Here f(x) = (1 + x)1/2, so f'(x) = (1/2)(1 + x)-1/2, and f''(x) = (-1/4)(1 + x)-3/2. The maximum value of |f''(x)| occurs when x = 0, so |f''(x)| <= 1/4. This means that |R1| <= (1/4) * (1/2!) * (.2)2, same as what you're saying.

Unless I'm missing something here, it looks like there's a typo in your book.
 
Yeah looks like it. Thanks for the help :) really needed it
 
It wouldn't hurt to ask your instructor about it.
 

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