Understanding the Expansion of Large Tan(x)

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In summary, the expansion for large tan(x) is a series of terms that increase in power by 2 and have coefficients that follow a pattern of increasing odd numbers. It is useful for approximating the value of tan(x) for large values of x and simplifying calculations. However, it is not accurate for values of x close to 1. The accuracy of the expansion depends on the number of terms used, but even with just a few terms it can provide a fairly accurate estimate. Other expansions for tan(x) include the small angle approximation for values close to 0, and the Maclaurin series for any value of x.
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physlad
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Hi, I was reading a review and I saw this equation,

[tex]A^2 = \frac{|B^2 - C^2|}{\sqrt{(1-sin^2(2x))}} - C^2 - B^2 - 2D^2[/tex]

Then at some point he writes: "expanding for large [itex]tan(x)[/itex], this expression becomes,

[tex]A^2 = -2(C^2 + D^2) + \frac{2}{tan^2(x)}(B^2 - C^2) + O(1/tan^4(x)) [/tex]

Could anybody explain how did this happen?
 
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  • #2
Let t = 1/tan(x)
Compute sin(2x) as a function of t.
Bring it back into the equation.
Develop it as a a series for t.
When tan(x) tends to infinity t tends to 0.
Remplace t by 1/tan(x) in the series.
You will obtain the expected result.
 
  • #3
Thank you very much, JJacquelin! now I see it :D
 

FAQ: Understanding the Expansion of Large Tan(x)

What is the expansion for large tan(x)?

The expansion for large tan(x) is given by x + (1/3)x^3 + (2/15)x^5 + (17/315)x^7 + ... The pattern continues with each term increasing in power by 2 and the coefficient being the next odd number starting with 1.

Why is the expansion for large tan(x) useful?

The expansion for large tan(x) is useful because it allows for approximating the value of tan(x) for large values of x without using a calculator. It also provides a way to simplify calculations involving tan(x) in certain mathematical equations.

Can the expansion for large tan(x) be used for all values of x?

No, the expansion for large tan(x) is only accurate for values of x that are significantly larger than 1. For values of x closer to 1, it is better to use the small angle approximation for tan(x).

How accurate is the expansion for large tan(x)?

The accuracy of the expansion for large tan(x) depends on the number of terms used. The more terms that are included, the more accurate the approximation will be. However, even with just a few terms, the expansion can provide a fairly accurate estimate of tan(x) for large values of x.

What other expansions can be used for tan(x)?

Besides the expansion for large tan(x), there is also the small angle approximation for tan(x) which is given by x + (1/3)x^3 + (2/15)x^5 + (17/315)x^7 + ... This expansion is useful for values of x close to 0. Additionally, there is the Maclaurin series for tan(x) which can be used for any value of x.

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