Integrating a Taylor Expansion with Limits: Finding the Exact Value

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around expanding the polynomial function f(x) = x^4 - 3x^3 + 9x^2 + 22x + 6 in powers of (x-2) and evaluating the definite integral of this function from 2 to 2.2. Participants are exploring the relationship between the Taylor expansion and the limits of integration.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the process of expanding the polynomial and question how the substitution x = u + 2 relates to the limits of integration. There is uncertainty about whether to integrate the original function or the expanded form and how to apply the integral to find the exact value.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on using the Taylor series expansion and the substitution method for integration. There are multiple interpretations being explored regarding the necessity and utility of the expansion in the context of the integral.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of confusion regarding the limits of integration after substitution and the relevance of the Taylor expansion to the problem at hand. Participants are also considering the implications of integrating the function with the new variable.

chemphys1
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Homework Statement



expand
f(x) = x^4 - 3x^3 + 9x^2 +22x +6 in powers of (x-2)

Hence evaluate integral,
(limits 2.2 - 2) f(x) dx

Homework Equations



Taylor expansion for the first part
integral f(x) dx with limits 2.2-2

The Attempt at a Solution



Expansion of the function I've done comes to
78 +46(x-2) +18(x-2)^2 +9/2(x-2)^3 +3/4(x-2)^4

But then I don't know how the x-2 relates to the limits 2.2 - 2,
do I integrate the original integral or the expanded one? And then how do I use the integral to get the exact value

any help appreciated
 
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chemphys1 said:

Homework Statement



expand
f(x) = x^4 - 3x^3 + 9x^2 +22x +6 in powers of (x-2)

Hence evaluate integral,
(limits 2.2 - 2) f(x) dx

Homework Equations



Taylor expansion for the first part

The function is a fourth-order polynomial. Expansion in powers of [itex]u = x - 2[/itex] is nothing more than substituting [itex]x = u + 2[/itex] and collecting powers of [itex]u[/itex].

integral f(x) dx with limits 2.2-2

The Attempt at a Solution



Expansion of the function I've done comes to
78 +46(x-2) +18(x-2)^2 +9/2(x-2)^3 +3/4(x-2)^4

But then I don't know how the x-2 relates to the limits 2.2 - 2,
do I integrate the original integral or the expanded one? And then how do I use the integral to get the exact value

any help appreciated

Start with [itex]\int_2^{2.2} f(x)\,dx[/itex] and consider the substitution [itex]x = u + 2[/itex].
 
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pasmith said:
The function is a fourth-order polynomial. Expansion in powers of [itex]u = x - 2[/itex] is nothing more than substituting [itex]x = u + 2[/itex] and collecting powers of [itex]u[/itex].
Yes, but finding the Taylor series expansion about x= 2, as chemphys1 does, is a good way of doing that.
Start with [itex]\int_2^{2.2} f(x)\,dx[/itex] and consider the substitution [itex]x = u + 2[/itex].
Exactly right!
 
Have I got this right,

I integrate f(x) but with x = u-2

i.e integral of (u-2)^4 - 3(u-2)^3 etc

with the new limits being 0.2 - 0?

Not really sure what the point of the expansion I did was?
 

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