Approximate to four decimal places using the third-degree Maclaurin polynomial for .
Table of contents
- 0. Functions4h 53m
- 1. Limits and Continuity2h 2m
- 2. Intro to Derivatives1h 33m
- 3. Techniques of Differentiation2h 18m
- 4. Derivatives of Exponential & Logarithmic Functions1h 16m
- 5. Applications of Derivatives2h 19m
- 6. Graphical Applications of Derivatives6h 0m
- 7. Antiderivatives & Indefinite Integrals48m
- 8. Definite Integrals4h 36m
- 9. Graphical Applications of Integrals1h 43m
- 10. Integrals of Inverse, Exponential, & Logarithmic Functions21m
- 11. Techniques of Integration2h 7m
- 12. Trigonometric Functions6h 54m
- Angles29m
- Trigonometric Functions on Right Triangles1h 8m
- Solving Right Triangles23m
- Trigonometric Functions on the Unit Circle1h 19m
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- Graphs of Other Trigonometric Functions32m
- Trigonometric Identities52m
- Derivatives of Trig Functions42m
- Integrals of Basic Trig Functions28m
- Integrals of Other Trig Functions10m
- 13: Intro to Differential Equations2h 23m
- 14. Sequences & Series2h 8m
- 15. Power Series2h 19m
- 16. Probability & Calculus45m
15. Power Series
Power Series & Taylor Series
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Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first videoMultiple Choice
Find the interval of convergence for the Maclaurin series for f(x)=tan−1x
A
B
(−1,1]
C
(−3,3)
D
[−3,3)

1
Step 1: Recall that the Maclaurin series is a special case of the Taylor series centered at x = 0. The interval of convergence for a series is determined by testing the values of x for which the series converges.
Step 2: Write the Maclaurin series for f(x) = tan−1(x). The series expansion is given by: f(x) = x - x³/3 + x⁵/5 - x⁷/7 + ... . This is an alternating series with terms decreasing in magnitude.
Step 3: Apply the ratio test to determine the interval of convergence. The ratio test states that a series Σaₙ converges absolutely if lim (n → ∞) |aₙ₊₁ / aₙ| < 1. Compute the ratio of successive terms for the series.
Step 4: Solve the inequality obtained from the ratio test to find the range of x values for which the series converges. This will give the interval of convergence.
Step 5: Check the endpoints of the interval separately to determine whether the series converges at x = -1 and x = 1. Use the alternating series test or direct substitution to verify convergence at these points.
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Power Series & Taylor Series practice set
