Taylor Polynomial Error-Please help

In summary, the conversation discusses using Taylor's theorem to determine the degree of the Maclaurin polynomial required for the error in approximating the exponential function e^x to be less than .001. The approach involves finding the series for the function and then plugging in values to determine the number of terms needed. It is also possible to solve the inequality Rn < .001 by plugging in values of n until it is satisfied.
  • #1
bcjochim07
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Taylor Polynomial Error--Please help!

Use Taylor's theorem to determine the degree of the Maclaurin polynomial required for the error in the approximation of the function to be less than .001.

e^.3



So is the procedure to take the derivatives and plug in 0 (since c=0) and find an expression for the n+1 derivative?

f'(c) = 1 f''(c)=1 f'''(c) =1 ...

so the n+1 derivative is 1

So Rn= 1/(n+1)! * (.3) ^(n+1)

Then I set up an equality to find n so that Rn < .001

and n = 3 ?


I want to be sure I am taking the right approach on these problems, so is this the way to do it?
 
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  • #2
Personally I think the best way to do these is to first find the series for the function and then to plug in a few values. The summation for the exponential function is:
[tex] e^{x} = \sum^{\infty}_{n=0}\frac{x^{n}}{n!}[/tex]

if you compute a few setting x = .3, you will see how many terms you need

[tex] e^{.3} = \sum^{\infty}_{n=0}\frac{.3^{n}}{n!} = 1+ \frac{.3}{1!}+\frac{.3^{2}}{2!}+...[/tex]
 
Last edited:
  • #3
Solving the inequality Rn < .001 will give the answer. It is easy to solve this by just plugging in values of n until it is satisfied.
 

What is a Taylor Polynomial?

A Taylor Polynomial is a mathematical tool used to approximate a function at a specific point by using its derivatives. It is named after the mathematician Brook Taylor.

What is the error of a Taylor Polynomial?

The error of a Taylor Polynomial is the difference between the actual value of a function at a given point and the value calculated using the polynomial. It is also known as the remainder term.

How is the error of a Taylor Polynomial calculated?

The error of a Taylor Polynomial is calculated using the Taylor series expansion of the function at the given point. The error decreases as the degree of the polynomial increases.

What is the significance of the error in a Taylor Polynomial?

The error in a Taylor Polynomial is used to measure the accuracy of the approximation. A smaller error indicates a more accurate approximation.

How can the error in a Taylor Polynomial be minimized?

The error in a Taylor Polynomial can be minimized by increasing the degree of the polynomial, choosing a point closer to the center of the approximation, or by using special techniques such as the Lagrange remainder formula.

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