How to solve where a maclaurin series intersects a graph

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving the intersection of a Maclaurin series with a graph, specifically the equation cos(2x) = 2x^3. The user expresses confusion regarding the use of Maclaurin polynomials, particularly when the polynomial is centered at zero and the graphs do not intersect at that point. The approximate solution to the equation is identified as 0.58236, highlighting the challenge of finding intersections analytically without converting to known functions like cosine or sine.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Maclaurin series and polynomials
  • Familiarity with trigonometric functions, specifically cosine
  • Basic knowledge of numerical methods for solving equations
  • Experience with graphing functions to visualize intersections
NEXT STEPS
  • Study numerical methods for root-finding, such as the Newton-Raphson method
  • Learn about Taylor series and their applications in approximating functions
  • Explore graphing techniques to analyze function intersections
  • Investigate the implications of polynomial approximation errors in calculus
USEFUL FOR

Students studying calculus, particularly those learning about Taylor and Maclaurin series, as well as educators looking for insights into teaching function intersections and approximation methods.

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I have just finished a unit on constructing taylor and maclaurin polynomials and series.
However I am really lost on how to find the answer to this problem that i found online for the test review and its going to be on my test, I know how to construct a maclaurin polynomial and have a vague sense of how to use it, but since the polynomial is centered at zero and the two graphs don't intersect at zero, isn't there some degree of error?

gahh, I don't understand and would really appreaciate a nudge in the right direction..
Here is the problem:
http://img534.imageshack.us/img534/7917/problemthree.png
 
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Because the series is infinite, you cannot treat it as a polynomial equation. However, the left side is just cos (2x), so you need to solve

cos(2x)=2x^3.

This cannot be solved (as far as I know) analytically, the approx. solution is 0.58236.
 
thanks much, that makes sense to me now.. Without converting it into cos(2x) though, is that a solvable problem? Like what if you couldn't put that into any abbreviated equation, like sin or cos or e^x or a geometric series?

is it actually possible to solve where a random maclaurin and a graph intersect.. ?
 
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