Taylor Polynomial approximation

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The discussion focuses on approximating the nonzero root of the equation x^2 = sin(x) using the cubic Taylor polynomial for sin(x). The cubic Taylor polynomial is expressed as sin(x) ≈ x - x^3/6, allowing the equation to be simplified to x^2 = x - x^3/6. By assuming the error term E(x) is negligible, the approximation leads to a solvable equation for x. The value r = √15 - 3 is identified as the approximation for the root. The problem is resolved successfully, confirming the approach.
zjhok2004
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Homework Statement


obtain the number r = √15 -3 as an approximation to the nonzero root of the equation x^2 = sinx by using the cubic Taylor polynomial approximation to sinx

Homework Equations


cubic taylor polynomial of sinx = x- x^3/3!

The Attempt at a Solution


Sinx = x-x^3/3! + E(x)
x^2 = x-x^3/6+ E(x)How do I able to obtain the r?
 
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In order to get exact equality you need
$$\sin(x) = x - x^3/6 + E(x)$$
where ##E(x)## is the error due to using only two terms. As an approximation, we assume this error to be zero, so we pretend that
$$\sin(x) = x - x^3/6$$
and solve the equation
$$x^2 = x - x^3/6$$
 
jbunniii said:
In order to get exact equality you need
$$\sin(x) = x - x^3/6 + E(x)$$
where ##E(x)## is the error due to using only two terms. As an approximation, we assume this error to be zero, so we pretend that
$$\sin(x) = x - x^3/6$$
and solve the equation
$$x^2 = x - x^3/6$$
But how do I able to obtain the number r?
 
zjhok2004 said:
But how do I able to obtain the number r?
As the problem statement says, ##r## is a nonzero root of the equation ##x^2 = \sin(x)##. You will find an approximation to this by solving the equation ##x^2 = x - x^3/6##.
 
jbunniii said:
As the problem statement says, ##r## is a nonzero root of the equation ##x^2 = \sin(x)##. You will find an approximation to this by solving the equation ##x^2 = x - x^3/6##.
Solved, thanks!
 
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Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

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