How Do You Simplify and Analyze Taylor Polynomials for Higher Degree Functions?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around analyzing a polynomial function, specifically focusing on the simplification and evaluation of Taylor polynomials and their remainders. The original poster presents a polynomial function and poses questions regarding the maximum values of its derivatives within a specified interval.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the simplification of the polynomial by removing higher degree terms and question the implications of this on the Taylor polynomial. There is confusion regarding the process of finding maximum values of derivatives, particularly whether to evaluate at critical points or endpoints within the given interval.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, questioning the steps needed to find maximum values and clarifying the relationship between the derivatives of the function. Some guidance has been offered regarding the evaluation of endpoints and critical points, though there remains some uncertainty about the correct derivatives to analyze.

Contextual Notes

There is a focus on the interval |x| < 0.1, and participants are navigating the implications of this constraint on their evaluations and conclusions. The discussion reflects a mix of understanding and confusion regarding the differentiation process and the identification of critical points.

stunner5000pt
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Homework Statement
[tex] f(x) = 4 + 5x - 6x^2 + 11x^3 - 19x^4 + x^5 [/tex]
a. Find Taylor polynomial at x = 0, order 2
b. find the remainder
[tex] R_{2} (x) = f(x) - T_{2} (x) [/tex]
c. Find the maximum values of [tex] f^{(3)} (x) [/tex] on the interval |x| < 0.1
Relevant Equations
Taylor polynomial formula
f(x) = 4 + 5x - 6x^2 + 11x^3 - 19x^4 + x^5

question a almost seems too easy as I end up 'removing' the x^4 and x^5 terms
a.
T_{2} (x) = 4 + 5x - 6x^2

b.
= R_{2} (x) = 11x^3 - 19x^4 + x^5

c.
i don't understand what i need to do here. To find the maximum value of a function, we differentiate and make that derivative = 0
so if we are to find the maximum of f'''(x) , does that mean that we simply make the answer from a = 0?

4 + 5x - 6x^2 = 0
This solves to
x= -1/2 and x = 4/3

But since neither of these values is in the given interval of |x| < 0.1, do we just evaluate T(2) (x) at x = -0.1 and x = 0.1 and determine the larger of the two?
 
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stunner5000pt said:
Homework Statement:: f(x) = 4 + 5x - 6x^2 + 11x^3 - 19x^4 + x^5
a. Find Taylor polynomial at x = 0, order 2
b. find the remainder
R_{2} (x) = f(x) - T_{2} (x)
c. Find the maximum values of f^{(3)} (x) on the interval |x| < 0.1
Relevant Equations:: Taylor polynomial formula

f(x) = 4 + 5x - 6x^2 + 11x^3 - 19x^4 + x^5

question a almost seems too easy as I end up 'removing' the x^4 and x^5 terms
a.
T_{2} (x) = 4 + 5x - 6x^2

b.
= R_{2} (x) = 11x^3 - 19x^4 + x^5
Yes, I think it is that easy.
stunner5000pt said:
c.
i don't understand what i need to do here. To find the maximum value of a function, we differentiate and make that derivative = 0
so if we are to find the maximum of f'''(x) , does that mean that we simply make the answer from a = 0?

4 + 5x - 6x^2 = 0
That's not ##f^{(3)}(x)##.
stunner5000pt said:
This solves to
x= -1/2 and x = 4/3

But since neither of these values is in the given interval of |x| < 0.1, do we just evaluate T(2) (x) at x = -0.1 and x = 0.1 and determine the larger of the two?
If there are is no local maximum within an interval, then the maximum value must be at an endpoint.
 
The answer to your question is yes. To find a maximum, you check the critical points and the endpoints.
 
PeroK said:
Yes, I think it is that easy.

That's not ##f^{(3)}(x)##.

If there are is no local maximum within an interval, then the maximum value must be at an endpoint.
Right, i see the issue. THe maximum of f'''(x) would be solved by solving f''(x) = 0, is that correct?
 
stunner5000pt said:
Right, i see the issue. THe maximum of f'''(x) would be solved by solving f''(x) = 0, is that correct?
No ##f^{(4)}(x) = 0##.
 
stunner5000pt said:
Right, i see the issue. THe maximum of f'''(x) would be solved by solving f''(x) = 0, is that correct?

No, you need to take one extra derivative, so you need to fourth derivative.

It might help to first compute ##f^{(3)}## and then start from scratch on that. It's a function, and you need to maximize it
 
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