Maclaurin Series for an Integral

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the first three non-zero terms of the Maclaurin series for the integral of the function f(x) = ∫(sin(t)/t) dt evaluated from 0 to x. The original poster expresses uncertainty regarding the integrability of sin(t)/t, which leads to confusion in approaching the problem.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the representation of the sine function as a series and its implications for the integral. There is a discussion about the existence of the integral and whether it can be expressed in simpler terms. Some participants question the original poster's assumption about the integrability of sin(t)/t.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with participants providing insights into the nature of the integral and its representation. There is a recognition that the integral is well-defined, although the original poster remains concerned about the lack of a simpler representation. Guidance has been offered regarding the adequacy of the integral form for solving the problem.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the original poster's understanding of the integral's properties may be influenced by the absence of a simple function to represent it, as indicated by references to external sources like Wolfram Alpha.

Frillth
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For my homework in my class, I'm supposed to find the first 3 non-zero terms of the Maclaurin series of f(x) = Integral sin(t)/t dt evaluated from 0 to x. I'm fairly sure that sint/t dt has no integral, so I'm lost in my search for the solution. Can you guys point me in the right direction?
 
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[tex]\sin x = \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} \frac{(-1)^{n}}{2n+1!}x^{2n+1}[/tex][tex]\frac{\sin x}{x} = \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} \frac{(-1)^{n}}{2n+1!}x^{2n}[/tex]

[tex]\int_{0}^{x} \frac{\sin x}{x}\; dx = \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} \frac{(-1)^{n}}{2n+1!(2n+1)}x^{2n+1}[/tex]
 
Last edited:
I'm fairly sure that sint/t dt has no integral
Why do you think that? You're integrating a continuous, bounded function over a finite interval -- that's like the poster child for being integrable!

The integral most surely exists. The function

[tex]g(x) := \int_0^x \frac{\sin t}{t} \, dt[/tex]

is perfectly well-defined. It just might be that there isn't a "simpler" way to represent g(x). But it doesn't matter; this form is more than adequate for solving the problem at hand.
 
Last edited:
I'm sorry, I didn't make myself clear. What I meant when I said that sint/t dt has no derivative is that the indefinite integral sint/t has no simple function to represent it. I looked up the integral, and wolfram just calls it sine integral.
 
You do see that this form is adequate for the problem, though, right? If not... then where do you see an obstacle?
 

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