How Do You Calculate the Maclaurin Series for f(x) = 5(x^2)sin(5x)?

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the Maclaurin series for the function f(x) = 5(x^2)sin(5x). Participants are exploring the coefficients of the series and the correct application of the Taylor series for sine.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the substitution of values into the Taylor series for sine and the implications for determining specific coefficients in the Maclaurin series. There is confusion regarding the indexing of coefficients and the relationship between n and the powers of x.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided clarifications regarding the correct indexing for the coefficients, noting that the original poster was misidentifying the values of n. The discussion has led to a better understanding of how to find the coefficients correctly.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of a lack of support from the original poster's teacher, which may have contributed to the confusion regarding the series expansion. The original poster is working within the constraints of a homework assignment that requires specific coefficients.

lovelyasha
Messages
2
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Find the Maclaurin series of the function f(x) = 5(x^2)sin(5x)

Homework Equations



[tex]\sum[/tex](Cn*x^n)

The Attempt at a Solution


I'm supposed to enter in c3-c7
I already know that c4 and c6 are 0 because the derivative is something*sin(0)=0

but for the odd numbered c's I am having problems...
i know that the taylor series for sinx = [tex]\sum[/tex]((-1^n)*x^(2n+1))/(2n+1)!
so i just substituted in 5x and multiplied by 5x^2 and got
5 [tex]\sum[/tex] ((-1^n)*(5^(2n+1)*x^(2n+3))/(2n+1)!

so for c3 i got 5(-1^3)(5^7)/(7)! = -5^8/7!
but I am not getting the answer right for this. Can someone please explain what I am doing wrong.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
c3 corresponds to n=0 in your series, not n=3 (because you have x^(2n+3), not x^n).
 
Putting n=3 in your formula does not give you c3. It gives you c9. If you want to find ck then the power of x in the formula should be k. The power of x in the formula is 2n+3. So if you want to find c3 set 2n+3=3. You want n=0.
 
Wow, thank you guys! That actually makes sense. I asked my teacher and he wasn't much help, but I guess he didn't know that I was plugging in the wrong n's. I have the right answers now. Thanks again :)
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 27 ·
Replies
27
Views
4K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
Replies
14
Views
2K