Find Degree 3 Taylor Polynomial Approximation of 5ln(sec(x))

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on finding the degree 3 Taylor polynomial approximation of the function f(x) = 5ln(sec(x)) around x = 0. The derivatives calculated include f'(x) = 5tan(x), f''(x) = 5sec^2(x), and f'''(x) = 10sec^2(x)tan(x). A common point of confusion was the evaluation of sec(0), which is defined as 1, not undefined. The clarification regarding sec and csc was crucial for progressing with the Taylor series approximation.

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  • Understanding of Taylor series and polynomial approximations
  • Knowledge of trigonometric functions, specifically secant and cosecant
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  • Familiarity with evaluating limits and handling undefined expressions
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Homework Statement



Find the degree 3 Taylor polynomial approximation to the function f(x)=5ln(sec(x)) about x=0.


Homework Equations



the taylor polynomial equation

The Attempt at a Solution



Here are my derivatives
f(x)=5ln(secx)
f'(x)=5tanx
f''(x)5sec^2(x)
f'''(x)=10sec^2(x)tanx

Please let me know if any of the above are wrong

When I try to plug in 0 for the x's above I end up with a whole lot of undefined answers because sec0=undefined. How can I get around this?

thanks
 
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Are you sure that sec 0 = \frac{1}{cos 0} is undefined?
 
Fightfish said:
Are you sure that sec 0 = \frac{1}{cos 0} is undefined?

oops, got sec and csc confused. Thanks
 

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