Taylor series of an integral function

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the Maclaurin series of the integral function \( f(x) = \int_{0}^{x} \frac{\sin t}{t} dt \). Participants are exploring methods to derive the series and questioning the validity of their approaches.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss differentiating the function to find \( f' \) and \( f'' \), but express confusion about evaluating these derivatives at \( x = 0 \). There is mention of transforming the integrand into a Taylor polynomial as a necessary step.

Discussion Status

Some participants suggest that expanding \( \sin(t) \) into a power series may simplify the problem. Others acknowledge the original poster's method while indicating it may be more complex than necessary. The conversation reflects a mix of methods being considered without reaching a consensus on a single approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the Maclaurin series is a specific case of the Taylor series centered at zero, and there is an emphasis on the importance of handling the function's behavior at \( x = 0 \). The discussion includes references to limits and the properties of power series.

Hernaner28
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Homework Statement



$$ \displaystyle f\left( x \right)=\int\limits_{0}^{x}{\frac{\sin t}{t}dt} $$

Calculate the Maclaurin series of third order.

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution



What I do is:

$$ \displaystyle f'\left( x \right)=\frac{\sin x}{x} $$

$$ \displaystyle f''\left( x \right)=\frac{x\cos x-\sin x}{{{x}^{2}}}$$

and so on...

but if I try to evaluate theese two on x=0 it doesn't make sense. I've seen I have to transform the integrand to the taylor polynomial but why is my "method" wrong?

Thanks
 
Last edited:
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Hernaner28 said:

Homework Statement



$$ \displaystyle f\left( x \right)=\int\limits_{0}^{x}{\frac{\sin t}{t}dt} $$

Calculate the Maclaurin series of third order.

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



What I do is:

$$ \displaystyle f'\left( x \right)=\frac{\sin x}{x} $$

$$ \displaystyle f''\left( x \right)=\frac{x\cos x-\sin x}{{{x}^{2}}}$$

and so on...

but if I try to evaluate theese two on x=0 it doesn't make sense. I've seen I have to transform the integrand to the taylor polynomial but why is my "method" wrong?

Thanks

f' and f'' both have specific limiting values at x = 0. For example, in the limit of x approaches zero, f' = 1.
 
It's a lot easier if you expand sin(t) in a power series. Then divide by t. You are simply trying to do it the hard way.
 
Hernaner28 said:

Homework Statement



$$ \displaystyle f\left( x \right)=\int\limits_{0}^{x}{\frac{\sin t}{t}dt} $$

Calculate the Maclaurin series of third order.

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



What I do is:

$$ \displaystyle f'\left( x \right)=\frac{\sin x}{x} $$

$$ \displaystyle f''\left( x \right)=\frac{x\cos x-\sin x}{{{x}^{2}}}$$

and so on...

but if I try to evaluate theese two on x=0 it doesn't make sense. I've seen I have to transform the integrand to the taylor polynomial but why is my "method" wrong?

Thanks

The beauty of a Taylor series is that it allows you to express functions which are complicated to integrate in terms of an infinite sum of polynomials which are easy to integrate.

The Maclaurin series is simply the Taylor series centered at 0.

Recall that the Maclaurin series for [itex]sinx = \sum_{n=0}^{∞}\frac{x^(2n+1)}{(2n+1)!}(-1)^n[/itex]

Using this fact you should be able to solve your integral.
 
Dick said:
It's a lot easier if you expand sin(t) in a power series. Then divide by t. You are simply trying to do it the hard way.

I agree. That's how I would have done the problem if it had been posed to me. But I wanted to show how it could also have been done using the more difficult way that the OP had pursued.
 
Thank you guys, now I understand ;)
 

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