Expanding Taylor Series to Get Approximate Answer

In summary, the conversation discussed the linearization of a model using a Taylor Series, specifically the expansion of an expression involving $1+v_{t+1}$ and $1+v_t$. The second set of brackets in the expression contained the first two terms of the Taylor Series expansion of $\exp(-rv_{t-1})$, and it was mentioned that if $x$ is small, $e^{x} \approx 1 + x$. The conversation also touched on expanding the Taylor Series of a similar expression involving $K+v_{t+1}$ and $K+v_t$. It was suggested to put the expression in the form $(K+v_t)g$ and then expand $g$ in the Taylor Series to the linear
  • #1
Dustinsfl
2,281
5
$1+v_{t+1} = (1+v_t)\exp\left(-rv_{t-1}\right)\approx (1+v_t)(1-rv_{t-1})$

The book is linearizing the model where we generally use a Taylor Series.

How was the expression expanded in the Taylor Series to get the approximate answer?

Thanks.
 
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  • #2
dwsmith said:
$1+v_{t+1} = (1+v_t)\exp\left(-rv_{t-1}\right)\approx (1+v_t)(1-rv_{t-1})$

The book is linearizing the model where we generally use a Taylor Series.

How was the expression expanded in the Taylor Series to get the approximate answer?

Thanks.

The second set of brackets contains the first two terms of the series expansion of

\[ \exp(-rv_{t-1}) =\sum_{k=0}^{\infty}\frac{(-rv_{t-1})^k}{k!}= 1-rv_{t-1}+{\text{O}}((rv_{t-1})^2)\]

CB
 
  • #3
If $x$ is small, than $e^{x} \approx 1 + x$.

Edit - too slow :-)
 
  • #4
CaptainBlack said:
The second set of brackets contains the first two terms of the series expansion of

\[ \exp(-rv_{t-1}) =\sum_{k=0}^{\infty}\frac{(-rv_{t-1})^k}{k!}= 1-rv_{t-1}+{\text{O}}((rv_{t-1})^2)\]

CB

Now if i was dealing $K+v_{t+1}=(K+v_t)\left[1 + r \left(1- \frac{K+v_t}{K}\right)\right]$, would I want to put it in the form $(K+v_t)g$ and then expand g in the Taylor series to the linear terms?
 
  • #5
dwsmith said:
Now if i was dealing $K+v_{t+1}=(K+v_t)\left[1 + r \left(1- \frac{K+v_t}{K}\right)\right]$, would I want to put it in the form $(K+v_t)g$ and then expand g in the Taylor series to the linear terms?

Or do we expand the Taylor Series of

$$
\left[1 + r \left(1- \frac{K+v_t}{K}\right)\right]
$$


with the \(K+v_t\) inside?
 
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FAQ: Expanding Taylor Series to Get Approximate Answer

What is a Taylor series?

A Taylor series is a mathematical representation of a function as an infinite sum of terms that are calculated from the values of the function's derivatives at a single point.

How can expanding a Taylor series be used to get an approximate answer?

Expanding a Taylor series allows us to approximate the value of a function at a specific point by using a finite number of terms from the series. The more terms we include, the more accurate our approximation will be.

What are the benefits of using a Taylor series expansion?

Taylor series expansions allow us to approximate the value of a function without needing to evaluate the function directly. This can be useful when the function is difficult or time-consuming to evaluate, or when we only need an approximate answer.

Are there any limitations to using a Taylor series expansion?

Yes, there are limitations to using a Taylor series expansion. The series may not converge for some functions, and using a limited number of terms may result in a less accurate approximation. Additionally, using a Taylor series expansion assumes that the function is differentiable at the point of expansion.

How can I determine the number of terms to use in a Taylor series expansion for a specific function?

The number of terms to use in a Taylor series expansion depends on the accuracy needed for the approximation. Generally, the more terms included, the more accurate the approximation will be. However, it may be necessary to use a large number of terms for highly nonlinear functions or functions with large derivatives at the point of expansion.

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