Taylor series to find value of nth derivative

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves finding the 40th and 41st derivatives of the function f(x) = x^5*cos(x^6) at x = 0, utilizing the Taylor series expansion for the function.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the manipulation of the Taylor series for cos(x) to derive the series for f(x). There are questions about the relationship between the Taylor series and the evaluation of the derivatives at zero. Some participants express uncertainty about how to extract the derivative values from the series.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring the implications of the Taylor series for determining the derivatives. Some guidance has been offered regarding the relationship between the coefficients of the series and the derivatives, but no consensus has been reached on the exact approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working within the framework of a homework assignment that emphasizes the use of Taylor series for evaluating derivatives, and there is a focus on understanding the underlying principles rather than just applying formulas.

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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