Taylor series to find value of nth derivative

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on finding the 40th and 41st derivatives of the function f(x) = x^5*cos(x^6) evaluated at 0 using Taylor series. Participants clarify that the values of f40(0) and f41(0) are derived from the coefficients of the corresponding terms in the Taylor series expansion. Specifically, the value of f40(0) is calculated as 41!/6!, emphasizing the importance of understanding the relationship between derivatives and Taylor series coefficients.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Taylor series expansion
  • Knowledge of derivatives and their evaluation at specific points
  • Familiarity with the function cos(x) and its Taylor series
  • Basic factorial calculations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the general formula for Taylor series
  • Learn how to manipulate Taylor series for different functions
  • Explore the relationship between derivatives and Taylor series coefficients
  • Practice calculating higher-order derivatives using Taylor series
USEFUL FOR

Students studying calculus, particularly those focusing on Taylor series and derivatives, as well as educators seeking to clarify these concepts for their students.

Panphobia
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Homework Statement


If f(x) = x^5*cos(x^6) find f40(0) and f41(0)

The Attempt at a Solution


So we are supposed to get the Taylor series and use that to get the value of the derivatives I just manipulated the Taylor series for cosx to get the one for this. Would the value be the coefficient?
 
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You are evaluating the 40th and 41st derivatives at 0. I am not seeing how this is related to the Taylor series.
 
RUber said:
You are evaluating the 40th and 41st derivatives at 0. I am not seeing how this is related to the Taylor series.
Well this unit is all about Taylor series, and in class he told us to use the Taylor series to get the values of the 40th and 41st derivatives at 0.
 
Once you have. The full Taylor series for f(x), you should be able to tell what 40 derivatives would do. Evaluating at 0 will leave only one term.
 
Panphobia said:

Homework Statement


If f(x) = x^5*cos(x^6) find f40(0) and f41(0)

The Attempt at a Solution


So we are supposed to get the Taylor series and use that to get the value of the derivatives I just manipulated the Taylor series for cosx to get the one for this. Would the value be the coefficient?
Not quite. What's the general formula for the Taylor series?
 
Panphobia said:

Homework Statement


If f(x) = x^5*cos(x^6) find f40(0) and f41(0)

The Attempt at a Solution


So we are supposed to get the Taylor series and use that to get the value of the derivatives I just manipulated the Taylor series for cosx to get the one for this. Would the value be the coefficient?

The value of the derivative f40(0) is the 40th derivative of the x^40 term in the Taylor series. Similar for f41(0). So, no, it's not just the coefficient. Taking the 40 derivatives will give you an extra factorial.
 
Yea I figured it out, it is 41!/6!, you have to equate the original taylor series formula to the one for this function, and then solve for the derivative.
 

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