N U M E R I C A L

M E T H O D

Taylor Series and MacLaurin

Series Expansion
Taylor
Series
Taylor Series

where the remainder term is

now
Uses of Taylor Series
1.Using the series to es mate the trunca on error.

2.Using the series to es mate numerical deriva ve

Finite-divided difference as in the free-falling body
mathema cal model.

3.Using the series to come up a repe ve and

special form of taylor series expansion
MacLauren Series Expansion : A Special Case of Taylor Series

The table shows the Maclaurin series for five common functions,
along with the sigma notation for the expansion.
EXAMPLES
1. The following infinite series can be used to approximate ex :

a) Prove that this Maclaurin series expansion is a special case of the Taylor series expansion
with xi = 0 and h = x.
b) Use the Taylor series to es mate f (x) = e−x at xi+1 = 1 for xi = 0.2. Employ the zero-, first-,
second-, and third-order versions and compute the |εt | for each case.

2. Use zero- through fourth-order Taylor series expansions to predict f(3) for f (x) = ln x using a base
point at x = 1. Compute the true percent rela ve error εt for each approxima on. Discuss
the meaning of the results.
3. Cosine and sine func on depicts the single tone audio frequencies that o en used to be amplified
in an electronic circuit for audibility. The Maclaurin series expansion for cos x is

Star ng with the simplest version, cos x = 1, add terms one at a me to es mate cos(π/3). A er
each new term is added, compute the true and approximate percent rela ve errors. Use your
calculator to determine the true value. Add terms un l the absolute value of the approximate error
es mate falls below an error criterion conforming to 2 significant figures.

Note: Your input value must be consistent, that is, if it is radian, it should be radian throughout the
computa on.
 References

Chapra, S. C., & Canale, R. P. (2010). Numerical Methods for Engineers (6th Edition ed.). New York City: McGrawHill.

Taylor series & Maclaurin series with examples. (2020, July 29). Calculus How To. https://calculushowto.com/taylor-series-
polynomials-maclaurin-series-with-examples/
THANK YOU