Geometric intepretation of Taylor series

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the geometric interpretation of moments in mathematics, specifically defined by the formula m(p) = ∫{x^p f(x) dx}. The user draws a parallel between moments and Fourier series, noting that while Fourier series involve inner products with orthogonal basis functions, moments involve inner products with polynomial basis functions that are not necessarily orthogonal. The inquiry seeks to understand the geometric meaning of this relationship and its connection to Taylor series, ultimately concluding that there is no direct relationship.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of integral calculus, specifically the concept of definite integrals.
  • Familiarity with the definition and properties of moments in mathematics.
  • Knowledge of Fourier series and their geometric interpretations.
  • Basic understanding of polynomial functions and their properties.
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore the geometric interpretation of moments in probability theory.
  • Study the properties of orthogonal polynomials and their applications.
  • Learn about the relationship between Taylor series and polynomial approximations.
  • Investigate the role of inner products in functional analysis.
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, students studying calculus and analysis, and anyone interested in the geometric interpretations of mathematical concepts such as moments and series.

mnb96
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Sorry, the title should be: geometric intepretation of moments

My question is:
does the formula of the moments have a geometrical interpreation?
It is defined as: [tex]m(p) = \int{x^{p}f(x)dx}[/tex]
If you can't see the formula it is here too: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moment_(mathematics) with c=0.

For example the Fourier series, are computed by inner products of the original function with all the basis functions (which are orthogonal): this means we are essentially finding the projections of the function onto the basis.

For the moments formula, we are computer inner products between the function and the "basis" polynomials 1, x, x^2, x^3, ... which are not always orthogonal.
What's the geometrical meaning of this? if any?
 
Last edited:
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What does this have to do with Taylor series?
 
Nothing indeed!
I was a bit distracted while I was writing the title, and then I was unable to correct it.
Apparently you were no less distracted than I was, since you didn't seem to notice what I wrote in boldface :)

Sorry, the title should have been: geometric intepretation of moments.
 

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