How Do You Expand Taylor Series and Determine Radius of Convergence?

In summary, When expanding a function using the standard Taylor series, the formula used is f(a)+\frac {f'(a)}{1!} (x-a)+ \frac{f''(a)}{2!} (x-a)^2+\frac{f^{(3)}(a)}{3!}(x-a)^3+ \cdots and a standard power series is represented as f(x)=\sum_{n=0}^\infty a_n (x-a)^n. To find the Taylor series of a function, the first few terms are usually given and the series is expanded about a specific point. The radius of convergence for a Taylor series can be found using the ratio or the Cauchy
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1. Hi, I am new to taylor series expansions and just wondered if somebody could demonstrate how to do the following.

Find the Taylor series of the following functions by using the standard Taylor series also find the Radius of convergence in each case.

1.log(x) about x=2

2.[tex](3+2x)^{\frac{1}{3}}[/tex] about x=0.

3. When it says standard power series what does it mean? As I don't know what it means I have been unable to get started.
 
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  • #2
There ought to be a definition of the Taylor expansion in the text you're using or your class notes. Taylor expanding a function about a point x=a is done by:

[tex]
f(a)+\frac {f'(a)}{1!} (x-a)+ \frac{f''(a)}{2!} (x-a)^2+\frac{f^{(3)}(a)}{3!}(x-a)^3+ \cdots
[/tex]

A standard power series looks like this [itex]f(x)=\sum_{n=0}^\infty a_n (x-a)^n[/itex].
 
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  • #3
Ok, I think I see how to do the expansion for log(x) now Is this right? Is there a way to include the first log(2) in the summand?

[tex]\log(2) + \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{(-1)^{n+1}(x-2)^n}{n2^n}[/tex]

and I then applied the ratio test to get that the thing converges for 0<x<4 (that can't be right can it?) Using the cauchy root

test I get R=2.
 
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FAQ: How Do You Expand Taylor Series and Determine Radius of Convergence?

What is a Taylor series and why is it important?

A Taylor series is a mathematical representation of a function as an infinite sum of terms. It is important because it allows us to approximate complicated functions with a simpler polynomial function, making it easier to calculate values and solve problems.

How do you expand a Taylor series?

To expand a Taylor series, you need to find the derivatives of the function at a specific point (usually 0) and plug those values into the formula for the Taylor series. Then, you can simplify the series by combining like terms and adjusting the coefficients.

What is the difference between a Maclaurin series and a Taylor series?

A Maclaurin series is a special case of a Taylor series, where the series is expanded around the point 0. In other words, a Maclaurin series is a Taylor series with a = 0, making the formula simpler to calculate and easier to use for certain functions.

Can a Taylor series be used to find the value of a function at any point?

Yes, a Taylor series can be used to approximate the value of a function at any point within its interval of convergence. The more terms included in the series, the more accurate the approximation will be.

What is meant by the "radius of convergence" in a Taylor series?

The radius of convergence is the distance from the center point (usually 0) to the nearest point where the Taylor series still accurately approximates the function. It represents the interval where the series can be used to approximate the function without any errors.

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