Using graphs, show how the Taylor expansion can be used to approximate a trigonometric function.

The Taylor expansion/theorem is used to express any function as a power series about a certain point. Using the given formula of the Taylor expansion, we can approximate a trigonometric function (for example, Sin(x)) to increasing orders. By drawing each of these onto overlaying graphs, we can see that as the order of our Taylor expansion increases, we achieve a function that is closer to the original function (Sin(x)). It is important to understand that this is how computers/calculators calculate trigonometric functions.

MT

Related Further Mathematics A Level answers

All answers ▸

Solve the second order differential equation d^2y/dx^2 - 4dy/dx + 5y = 15cos(x), given that when x = 0, y = 1 and when x = 0, dy/dx = 0


Find the first three non-zero terms of the Taylor series for f(x) = tan(x).


How do I use proof by induction?


How do you find the cube root of z = 1 + i?