Is the Maclaurin Expansion Valid for Infinite Points?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the validity of the Maclaurin expansion for functions evaluated at infinite points. Participants explore the conditions under which Maclaurin and Taylor series can approximate n times differentiable functions, particularly focusing on the implications of evaluating these series at points approaching infinity.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that any n times differentiable function can be approximated by Maclaurin/Taylor expansion, questioning the validity of this approximation when evaluated at infinite points.
  • There is mention of the interval of convergence for Maclaurin and Taylor series, with some participants noting that convergence can vary depending on the point of evaluation.
  • Concerns are raised about the behavior of the series as variables x, a, and n approach infinity, suggesting differing convergence characteristics between Maclaurin and Taylor series.
  • One participant emphasizes the importance of evaluating the series within its interval of convergence to determine validity.
  • A later reply introduces the concept of singularities in complex analysis as a factor influencing the radius of convergence for Taylor series.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the behavior of Maclaurin and Taylor series at infinite points, with no consensus reached regarding the implications of evaluating these series under such conditions.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the dependence on the definitions of convergence and the specific nature of the functions being discussed. The discussion does not resolve the mathematical steps involved in evaluating convergence at infinite points.

kidsasd987
Messages
142
Reaction score
4
my professor told me any n times differentiable function can be approximated by macularine/taylor expansion.is that true? As far as I know, if the function is approximated at point a, the approximation is valid if we pick a point near a.

however, if we assume that we picked a point of a+infinite=b, how do we know the approximation can we conclude the approximation is valid or not?

For example, if we approximate a function with macularine series, and picked the point b=infinite for x, shouldn't we check the ratio test first?

ex.lima,n→∞(n+1)(a)*(x-a)(n+1)/(n+1)!]/[ƒ(n)(a)*(x-a)(n)/(n)!]

simplyfying this equation gives

lima,n→∞n+1(a)*(xn+1+ ... +an+1)]/[ƒn(a)*(n+1)*(xn...+an]

if it converges for every continuous smooth n time differetiable function, can anyone provie me proof?[/SUB]
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
kidsasd987 said:
my professor told me any n times differentiable function can be approximated by macularine/taylor expansion.
That's Maclaurin...
kidsasd987 said:
is that true? As far as I know, if the function is approximated at point a, the approximation is valid if we pick a point near a.

however, if we assume that we picked a point of a+infinite=b
A Maclaurin series or a Taylor series has an interval of convergence, centered at a. Some series converge only at a, and others converge on an interval (a - r, a + r). Still others converge over the entire real number line.
kidsasd987 said:
, how do we know the approximation can we conclude the approximation is valid or not?
If we're evaluating the series at a point within its interval of convergence.
kidsasd987 said:
For example, if we approximate a function with macularine series, and picked the point b=infinite for x, shouldn't we check the ratio test first?

ex.lima,n→∞(n+1)(a)*(x-a)(n+1)/(n+1)!]/[ƒ(n)(a)*(x-a)(n)/(n)!]if it converges for every continuous smooth n time differetiable function, can anyone provie me proof?
 
Mark44 said:
That's Maclaurin...
A Maclaurin series or a Taylor series has an interval of convergence, centered at a. Some series converge only at a, and others converge on an interval (a - r, a + r). Still others converge over the entire real number line.
If we're evaluating the series at a point within its interval of convergence.
yeah.. that was weird cause I found macularine converges but taylor somewhat behaves differently as x,a,n three variables reach to infinity
 
kidsasd987 said:
yeah.. that was weird cause I found macularine converges but taylor somewhat behaves differently as x,a,n three variables reach to infinity
A Maclaurin series is a Taylor series. A Taylor series is an infinite polynomial in powers of x - a. A Maclaurin series is an infinite polynomial in powers of x - 0. There is no such thing as a "macularine" series.
kidsasd987 said:
taylor somewhat behaves differently as x,a,n three variables reach to infinity
I have no idea what you're trying to say here. In a Taylor series, a is fixed. If x is outside the interval of convergence then of course the series will fail to converge. The same is true for a Maclaurin series.
 
You may have to be patient. You will only be able to completely understand convergence of Taylor series when you start into complex analysis. That is because the radius of convergence of a Taylor series is only as far as the nearest singularity in the complex plane.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 24 ·
Replies
24
Views
4K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 24 ·
Replies
24
Views
7K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
3K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K