Finding Derivatives Using Taylor/Maclaurin Polynomials

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on computing the 6th derivative of the function f(x) = arctan((x^2)/4) at x = 0 using the Maclaurin series. The Maclaurin series for arctan(x) is given by the formula ((-1)^n)*x^(2n+1)/(2n+1). Participants determined that substituting x^2/4 into the series leads to the general term of ((-1)^n)*x^(4n+2)/(4^(2n+1)(2n+1)). The correct approach to find the coefficient of x^6 involves solving for n in the equation 4n + 2 = 6, which yields n = 1, resulting in a coefficient of -1/192 for the 6th derivative.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Maclaurin series expansions
  • Familiarity with the arctan function and its properties
  • Knowledge of derivatives and their computation
  • Basic algebra for solving equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the Maclaurin series for various functions
  • Learn how to compute higher-order derivatives using series expansions
  • Explore the application of Taylor series in approximating functions
  • Investigate the convergence properties of power series
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Students in calculus, mathematicians focusing on series expansions, and anyone interested in advanced derivative calculations using Taylor and Maclaurin series.

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Homework Statement



Compute the 6th derivative of f(x) = arctan((x^2)/4) at x = 0. Hint: Use the Maclaurin series for f(x).

Homework Equations



The maclaurin series of arctanx which is ((-1)^n)*x^(2n+1)/2n+1

The Attempt at a Solution



I subbed in x^2/4 for x into the maclaurin series and got *summation* ((-1)^n)*x^(4n+2)/(4^2n+1)(2n+1). After that, I'm not sure what to do. I know that the 6th derivative in a general maclaurin series would be represented by *the 6th derivative of f at 0*/n! and x is to the power of 6. My prof said to find the value where the exponent of x in the series is 6.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
 
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Okay, so you know that the general term is ((-1)^n)*x^{4n+2}/(4^{2n+1})(2n+1).
And you know that the coefficient is the nth derivative over n!. Okay. For what n is
4n+2= 6? What is the coefficient of x^6?
 
Yes, I did as such and found n = 1 to get x^6. Thus, the coefficient of x would be -(1/192), no? Apparently, the answer was wrong.
 

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