Matching functions with polynomials Match functions a–f with Taylor polynomials A–F (all centered at 0). Give reasons for your choices.

f. e⁻²ˣ

A. p₂(x)= 1 + 2x + 2x²
B. p₂(x) = 1 − 6x + 24x²
C. p₂(x) = 1 + x − x²/2
D. p₂(x) = 1 − 2x + 4x²
E. p₂(x) = 1 − x + (3/2)x²
F. p₂(x) = 1 − 2x + 2x²

Verified step by step guidance

Recall that the Taylor polynomial of a function \(f(x)\) centered at 0 (Maclaurin polynomial) up to degree 2 is given by: \[p_2(x) = f(0) + f'(0)x + \frac{f''(0)}{2}x^2\]

Start by finding the derivatives of the function \(f(x) = e^{-2x}\): - First derivative: \[f'(x) = \frac{d}{dx} e^{-2x} = -2e^{-2x}\] - Second derivative: \[f''(x) = \frac{d}{dx} (-2e^{-2x}) = 4e^{-2x}\]

Evaluate the function and its derivatives at \(x=0\): - \(f(0) = e^0 = 1\) - \(f'(0) = -2e^0 = -2\) - \(f''(0) = 4e^0 = 4\)

Substitute these values into the Taylor polynomial formula: \[p_2(x) = 1 + (-2)x + \frac{4}{2}x^2 = 1 - 2x + 2x^2\]

Compare this polynomial with the given options and identify the matching polynomial for \(f(x) = e^{-2x}\).

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Taylor Polynomials

Taylor polynomials approximate functions near a specific point (here, 0) using derivatives. The nth-degree Taylor polynomial uses the function's value and its first n derivatives at the center to build a polynomial that closely matches the function locally.

Derivatives and Their Role in Taylor Series

The coefficients of a Taylor polynomial come from the function's derivatives at the center point. Specifically, the coefficient of x^k is the kth derivative at 0 divided by k factorial, reflecting how the function's slope, curvature, and higher changes shape the polynomial.

Matching Functions to Polynomials Using Derivative Values

To match a function with its Taylor polynomial, calculate the function's value and first two derivatives at 0, then compare these to the polynomial's coefficients. This ensures the polynomial accurately represents the function's behavior near the center.

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Related Practice

Textbook Question

Explain why or why not Determine whether the following statements are true and give an explanation or counterexample.

e. The Taylor series for an even function centered at 0 has only even powers of x.

Textbook Question

Explain why or why not Determine whether the following statements are true and give an explanation or counterexample.

d. Suppose f'' is continuous on an interval that contains a, where f has an inflection point at a. Then the second−order Taylor polynomial for f at a is linear.

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Textbook Question

{Use of Tech} Fresnel integrals The theory of optics gives rise to the two Fresnel integrals

S(x) = ∫₀ˣ sin t² dt and C(x) = ∫₀ˣ cos t² dt

e. How many terms of the Maclaurin series are required to approximate C(−0.25) with an error no greater than 10⁻⁶?