What is the Quadratic Maclaurin Polynomial for f(x)=x*sin(x)?

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SUMMARY

The Quadratic Maclaurin Polynomial for the function f(x) = x*sin(x) is derived using the first two derivatives of the function. The first derivative is f'(x) = x*cos(x) + sin(x), and the second derivative is f''(x) = -x*sin(x) + cos(x) + sin(x). The resulting polynomial is P2(x) = (x^2)/2, confirming that the correct answer is indeed x^2/2. The discussion highlights the importance of accurately calculating derivatives in series expansions.

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  • Understanding of Maclaurin Series
  • Knowledge of derivatives and their computation
  • Familiarity with Taylor's Theorem
  • Basic trigonometric functions and their derivatives
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  • Study the derivation of Taylor Series for various functions
  • Learn about higher-order derivatives and their applications
  • Explore the relationship between Maclaurin and Taylor Series
  • Practice problems involving Maclaurin Series for trigonometric functions
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Students studying calculus, particularly those focusing on series expansions and derivatives, as well as educators looking for examples of Maclaurin Series applications.

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Homework Statement




I'm having a bit of trouble with this Maclaurin Series question. It should be simple enough but I can't get the answer which is given as x2. It's been a while since I've done series and my being rusty is a little annoying. Hopefully someone can help :) Consider:

f(x)=x*sin(x)

Question asks to find the Quadratic Maclaurin Polynomial for f(x).
So this is what I did. First I got the nth derivatives:

f1(x) = x*cos(x) + sin(x)
f2(x) = -x*sin(x) + cos(x) + sin(x)

P2(x): 0 + x*0 + (x^2)(0 + 1 + 0)*(1/2!)

= x2/2


I'm sure I'm doing something blatantly wrong here but I can't seem to work it out. Fresh eyes might be useful :)

Thanks a lot.
 
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Oh no.. it was the derivative.. lol I've been racking my brain for 20 minutes staring at Taylor's Theorem thinking I made the error there.. ugh well that's embarrassing.
 

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