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Lagrange error bound

Learning goals

  • Finds a bound on the derivative used in a Taylor remainder estimate.
  • Applies the Lagrange remainder formula to bound Taylor approximation error.
  • Chooses a Taylor polynomial's degree to meet a specified error bound.
  • Interprets the remainder bound as a guarantee on the Taylor approximation.

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Lagrange error bound 1
A degree-\(2\) Taylor polynomial centered at \(x=a\) is used at \(x=a+0.2\). On the interval between the center and the input, \(|f'''(x)|\leq6\). Find the Lagrange error bound.

Hints

- Use derivative order \(n+1=3\). - Substitute the distance \(0.2\) into \(\frac{M|x-a|^{n+1}}{(n+1)!}\).

Solution

1. Here, \(n=2\), \(M=6\), and \(|x-a|=0.2\). 2. The Lagrange error bound is \( |R_2(x)|\leq\frac{6(0.2)^3}{3!}=0.008\).

Answer

\( |R_2(x)|\leq0.008\).
Lagrange error bound 2
A degree-\(3\) Taylor polynomial centered at \(x=1\) is used at \(x=1.1\). On \([1, 1.1]\), \(|f^{(4)}(x)|\leq4\). Find the Lagrange error bound.

Hints

- The remainder uses the fourth derivative because the polynomial has degree \(3\). - Keep the factorial \(4!\) in the denominator.

Solution

1. Here, \(n=3\), \(M=4\), and \(|x-1|=0.1\). 2. Therefore, \( |R_3(1.1)|\leq\frac{4(0.1)^4}{4!}=\frac{1}{60{,}000}\approx0.0000166667\).

Answer

\( |R_3(1.1)|\leq\frac{1}{60{,}000}\approx0.0000166667\).
Lagrange error bound 3
A degree-\(1\) Taylor polynomial centered at \(x=2\) is used at \(x=2.3\). On \([2, 2.3]\), \(|f''(x)|\leq0.5\). Find the Lagrange error bound.

Hints

- The first omitted derivative is the second derivative. - Square the distance from the center before dividing by \(2!\).

Solution

1. Here, \(n=1\), \(M=0.5\), and \(|x-2|=0.3\). 2. Thus, \( |R_1(2.3)|\leq\frac{0.5(0.3)^2}{2!}=0.0225\).

Answer

\( |R_1(2.3)|\leq0.0225\).
Lagrange error bound 4
A degree-4 Taylor polynomial \(P_4\) approximates a function \(f\). Which derivative must be bounded to use the Lagrange error bound for \(|f(x)-P_4(x)|\)?

Hints

- For a degree-2 polynomial, which derivative appears in the remainder formula? - Relate the derivative order to the degree in the question.

Solution

1. The Lagrange remainder for degree \(n\) uses the derivative of order \(n+1\). 2. For \(n=4\), the required derivative is \(f^{(5)}\).

Answer

The fifth derivative, \(f^{(5)}\).
Lagrange error bound 5
A Taylor polynomial is centered at \(a=1.7\) and evaluated at \(x=1.2\). On which closed interval must you know a bound for the next derivative in order to apply the Lagrange remainder formula?

Hints

- Mark the center and the value being estimated. Which one is farther left? - In the Lagrange remainder, the unknown point depends on both of these locations. Why would checking only the center be risky?

Solution

1. The Lagrange bound needs information for every point between the Taylor center and the input. 2. The required interval is \([1.2,1.7]\).

Answer

\([1.2,1.7]\).
Lagrange error bound 6
A Taylor model predicts \(2.10\) for a function value. The Lagrange error bound is \(|f(x)-2.10|\leq0.03\). Give a guaranteed interval for \(f(x)\). Does the bound say the actual error is exactly \(0.03\)?

Hints

- The signed difference \(f(x)-2.10\) could be positive or negative. - Could the estimate be too high as well as too low? Consider both possibilities before giving the interval.

Solution

1. The inequality allows the function value to differ from \(2.10\) by at most \(0.03\). 2. Thus \(2.07\leq f(x)\leq2.13\). 3. The actual error may be smaller than the upper bound, including zero.

Answer

\(f(x)\in[2.07,2.13]\). No, \(0.03\) is a maximum possible error, not necessarily the actual error.
Lagrange error bound 7
A student needs a Taylor approximation with error at most \(0.01\). A linear Taylor polynomial \(P_1\) has a Lagrange error bound of \(0.02\); a quadratic Taylor polynomial \(P_2\) has a bound of \(0.008\). Which approximation is guaranteed to meet the target? Could the other approximation still be accurate enough?

Hints

- Treat each bound as a promise about the worst possible error, not as a measured error. - Could two estimates have the same actual error even if their upper bounds differ?

Solution

1. The bound \(0.008\) for \(P_2\) is smaller than the allowed \(0.01\), so \(P_2\) is guaranteed to meet the target. 2. The bound \(0.02\) for \(P_1\) is above the target. This does not guarantee its accuracy, but its actual error could still be at most \(0.01\).

Answer

Only \(P_2\) is guaranteed to meet the target. \(P_1\) might also meet it, but its bound does not guarantee that.
Lagrange error bound 8
Use the degree-\(1\) Maclaurin polynomial \(P_1(x)=1+x\) to approximate \(e^{0.1}\). a) Find the approximation. b) Use the Lagrange error bound to give a guaranteed upper bound for the error. Use \(M=e^{0.1}\). c) Give a guaranteed interval containing \(e^{0.1}\).

Hints

- Evaluate the polynomial before working with the remainder. - A degree-\(1\) approximation uses a bound on the second derivative. - Add and subtract a rounded-up error bound from the polynomial value.

Solution

1. Substituting \(x=0.1\) into the polynomial gives \(P_1(0.1)=1.1\). 2. For a degree-\(1\) Maclaurin polynomial, the remainder uses the second derivative. Since the second derivative of \(e^x\) is \(e^x\), the stated bound is \(M=e^{0.1}\) on \([0, 0.1]\). 3. The Lagrange bound is \( |R_1(0.1)|\leq\frac{e^{0.1}(0.1)^2}{2!}\approx0.00552585<0.005526\). Thus \(0.005526\) is a guaranteed decimal upper bound. 4. Therefore, \( 1.1-0.005526\leq e^{0.1}\leq1.1+0.005526\), so a guaranteed interval is \([1.094474, 1.105526]\).

Answer

a) \(1.1\). b) \( |R_1(0.1)|\leq\frac{e^{0.1}(0.1)^2}{2}<0.005526\). c) \(e^{0.1}\in[1.094474, 1.105526]\).
Lagrange error bound 9
Use the degree-1 Taylor polynomial for \(f(x)=\ln x\), centered at \(x=2\), to approximate \(\ln(1.5)\). Find the maximum \(M\) of \(|f''(x)|\) on \([1.5, 2]\), state where it occurs, and give the Lagrange error bound.

Hints

- Use the value and first derivative at the Taylor center for the approximation. - Decide where the magnitude of the second derivative is greatest on the given interval. - Use the full distance between the center and the input in the remainder bound.

Solution

1. Since \(f(2)=\ln 2\) and \(f'(2)=\frac{1}{2}\), the polynomial is \(P_1(x)=\ln 2+\frac{1}{2}(x-2)\). 2. Its estimate is \(P_1(1.5)=\ln 2-\frac{1}{4}\approx0.443147\). 3. Since \(f''(x)=-\frac{1}{x^2}\), the magnitude \(\frac{1}{x^2}\) decreases over \([1.5,2]\). Thus the maximum is \(M=\frac{4}{9}\) at \(x=1.5\). 4. The Lagrange remainder is bounded by \(\frac{M|1.5-2|^2}{2!}=\frac{1}{18}\approx0.055556\).

Answer

\(P_1(x)=\ln 2+\frac{1}{2}(x-2)\) and \(\ln(1.5)\approx\ln 2-\frac{1}{4}\approx0.443147\). The maximum is \(M=\frac{4}{9}\) at \(x=1.5\), giving \(|R_1(1.5)|\leq\frac{1}{18}\approx0.055556\).
Lagrange error bound 10
Use the degree-\(2\) Taylor polynomial for \(f(x)=\frac{1}{x}\), centered at \(x=2\), at the input \(x=1.5\). Find the maximum \(M\) of \(|f'''(x)|\) on \([1.5, 2]\), state where it occurs, and give the Lagrange error bound.

Hints

- Differentiate through order \(3\), not just through the polynomial degree. - The smallest positive \(x\) gives the largest value of \(\frac{6}{x^4}\). - Use \(\frac{(0.5)^3}{3!}\) in the remainder formula.

Solution

1. The third derivative is \( f'''(x)=-\frac{6}{x^4}\), so \(|f'''(x)|=\frac{6}{x^4}\). 2. This magnitude decreases as \(x\) increases. Therefore, the maximum occurs at \(x=1.5\): \( M=\frac{6}{(1.5)^4}=\frac{32}{27}\). 3. With distance \(0.5\), \( |R_2(1.5)|\leq\frac{\left(\frac{32}{27}\right)(0.5)^3}{3!}=\frac{2}{81}\approx0.0246914\).

Answer

\( M=\frac{32}{27}\) at \(x=1.5\), and \( |R_2(1.5)|\leq\frac{2}{81}\approx0.0246914\).
Lagrange error bound 11
Use the degree-\(3\) Maclaurin polynomial \( P_3(x)=x-\frac{x^3}{6}\) to approximate \(\sin(0.2)\). a) Find the approximation. b) On \([0, 0.2]\), use \(|f^{(4)}(x)|=|\sin x|\leq0.2\) to give a Lagrange error bound.

Hints

- Evaluate the cubic polynomial first. - Match the polynomial degree with the next derivative order in the remainder formula. - Use the supplied maximum together with the fourth power of the distance from the center.

Solution

1. Substitution gives \( P_3(0.2)=0.2-\frac{(0.2)^3}{6}\approx0.1986666667\). 2. For a degree-\(3\) polynomial, the Lagrange remainder uses the fourth derivative. 3. With \(M=0.2\), the error satisfies \( |R_3(0.2)|\leq\frac{0.2(0.2)^4}{4!}=\frac{1}{75000}\approx0.0000133333<0.000013334\).

Answer

a) \(\sin(0.2)\approx0.1986666667\). b) \( |R_3(0.2)|\leq\frac{1}{75000}<0.000013334\).
Lagrange error bound 12
Huy uses the degree-\(2\) Maclaurin polynomial for \(e^x\) to approximate \(e^{0.2}\). Huy writes the error bound as \(\frac{e^{0.2}(0.2)^2}{2!}\). a) Find the polynomial approximation. b) Identify the error in Huy's bound. c) Write and evaluate the correct Lagrange error bound.

Hints

- Relate the remainder term to the first derivative order not represented by the polynomial. - Keep the order used for the derivative, power, and factorial consistent. - Bound the relevant derivative on the interval from the center to the approximation point.

Solution

1. The degree-\(2\) polynomial is \(P_2(x)=1+x+\frac{x^2}{2}\), so \(P_2(0.2)=1.22\). 2. A degree-\(2\) Taylor polynomial requires the third derivative, the third power of the distance, and the divisor \(3!\). Huy used the degree-\(1\) remainder pattern. 3. Since every derivative of \(e^x\) is \(e^x\), a valid maximum on \([0,0.2]\) is \(M=e^{0.2}\). 4. The correct bound is \(|R_2(0.2)|\leq\frac{e^{0.2}(0.2)^3}{3!}\approx0.00162854\).

Answer

a) \(1.22\). b) The remainder must use power \(3\) and divisor \(3!\), not power \(2\) and \(2!\). c) \(|R_2(0.2)|\leq\frac{e^{0.2}(0.2)^3}{3!}<0.00162854\).
Lagrange error bound 13
Use the tangent-line Taylor polynomial for \(f(x)=x^3\) centered at \(a=1\) to estimate \(f(2)\). Find the maximum \(M\) of \(|f''(t)|\) on the interval needed for the Lagrange error bound, then calculate the bound.

Hints

- Identify the interval from the center to the target. - Find the greatest magnitude of the next derivative on that interval. - Use degree 1 in the Lagrange formula.

Solution

1. The relevant interval is \([1,2]\), and \(f''(t)=6t\). Its maximum magnitude there is \(M=12\) at \(t=2\). 2. The tangent model is \(P_1(x)=1+3(x-1)\), so \(P_1(2)=4\). 3. The Lagrange bound is \(\frac{12|2-1|^2}{2!}=6\).

Answer

\(P_1(2)=4\), \(M=12\) at \(t=2\), and \(|f(2)-P_1(2)|\leq6\).
Lagrange error bound 14
Taylor polynomials of degrees \(1\), \(2\), and \(3\) are centered at \(a\) and used at \(x=a+0.2\). Each derivative of order \(2\), \(3\), or \(4\) has magnitude at most \(3\) on \([a,a+0.2]\). What is the lowest of these degrees whose Lagrange error bound guarantees an error below \(0.002\)?

Hints

- Check how the factorial changes when the Taylor degree increases by one. - Make separate bounds for the offered degrees; the same derivative ceiling need not give the same error limit. - A bound that is too large cannot settle whether the actual error is acceptable.

Solution

1. For degree 1 the bound is \(\frac{3(0.2)^2}{2!}=0.06\). 2. For degree 2 it is \(\frac{3(0.2)^3}{3!}=0.004\). 3. For degree 3 it is \(\frac{3(0.2)^4}{4!}=0.0002\). 4. Only the degree-3 bound is below \(0.002\), so the least certified degree among the choices is \(3\).

Answer

Degree \(3\), with error bound \(0.0002\).
Lagrange error bound 15
A student uses the tangent-line Taylor polynomial for \(f(x)=\sqrt{x}\) centered at \(a=9\) to estimate \(f(4)\). The student sets \(M=|f''(9)|\) for the Lagrange error bound. Explain why that choice is not justified, and find a valid \(M\) on the correct interval.

Hints

- The derivative ceiling must cover every input between center and target. - Decide where the magnitude of the second derivative is greatest. - A derivative value at one point may not be an upper bound elsewhere.

Solution

1. The derivative bound must hold on \([4,9]\), not only at the center. 2. Since \(f''(x)=-\frac{1}{4x^{3/2}}\), its magnitude is greatest at the smallest input in this interval. 3. Hence \(M=\frac{1}{4\cdot4^{3/2}}=\frac{1}{32}\). The value at \(9\), \(\frac{1}{108}\), is smaller and not a valid ceiling on the interval.

Answer

The center value \(\frac{1}{108}\) is too small. The required interval is \([4,9]\), and a valid bound is \(M=\frac{1}{32}\).
Lagrange error bound 16
A drone's height at \(t=2.2\,\text{s}\) is estimated as \(50.4\,\text{ft}\) by a quadratic Taylor polynomial centered at \(t=2\,\text{s}\). The magnitude of the third derivative of height is at most \(12\,\text{ft/s}^3\) for \(2\leq t\leq2.2\). The height estimate must be accurate within \(0.05\,\text{ft}\). Does the Lagrange error bound guarantee the required accuracy? Give a guaranteed interval for the actual height.

Hints

- Use the time difference in the degree-2 Lagrange remainder formula. - Compare the resulting distance error with the specified tolerance. - Translate the bound into an interval around the predicted height.

Solution

1. The time difference is \(0.2\,\text{s}\), and the degree-2 remainder is bounded by \(\frac{12(0.2)^3}{3!}=0.016\,\text{ft}\). 2. Since \(0.016<0.05\), the required accuracy is guaranteed. 3. The actual height lies in \([50.4-0.016,50.4+0.016]=[50.384,50.416]\,\text{ft}\).

Answer

Yes. The error is at most \(0.016\,\text{ft}\), so the height is in \([50.384,50.416]\,\text{ft}\).
Lagrange error bound 17
For \(f(x)=\sqrt{x}\), the degree-\(2\) Taylor polynomial centered at \(x=4\) is used at \(x=3\). Find the maximum \(M\) of \(|f'''(x)|\) on \([3, 4]\), state where it occurs, and give the Lagrange error bound.

Hints

- Differentiate \(x^{\frac12}\) three times. - Check which endpoint makes the denominator smallest. - The input is one unit from the center.

Solution

1. The third derivative is \( f'''(x)=\frac{3}{8x^{\frac52}}\). 2. This positive function decreases as \(x\) increases, so the maximum occurs at \(x=3\): \( M=\frac{3}{8\cdot3^{\frac52}}=\frac{1}{24\sqrt{3}}\). 3. The distance from the center is \(1\), so \( |R_2(3)|\leq\frac{M}{3!}=\frac{1}{144\sqrt{3}}\approx0.00400938\).

Answer

\( M=\frac{1}{24\sqrt{3}}\) at \(x=3\), and \( |R_2(3)|\leq\frac{1}{144\sqrt{3}}\approx0.00400938\).
Lagrange error bound 18
Use the degree-\(2\) Maclaurin polynomial \( P_2(x)=1-\frac{x^2}{2}\) to approximate \(\cos(0.4)\). a) Find the approximation. b) Explain why \(M=0.4\) is a valid bound for \(|f'''(x)|\) on \([0, 0.4]\). c) Use \(M=0.4\) to give a Lagrange error bound and a guaranteed interval.

Hints

- Identify the derivative order required by a quadratic approximation. - Use the interval itself to bound \(\sin x\). - Form the interval by subtracting and adding a rounded-up remainder bound.

Solution

1. The polynomial value is \( P_2(0.4)=1-\frac{(0.4)^2}{2}=0.92\). 2. For \(f(x)=\cos x\), \(f'''(x)=\sin x\). On \([0, 0.4]\), \(0\leq\sin x\leq x\leq0.4\), so \(M=0.4\) is valid. 3. The remainder satisfies \( |R_2(0.4)|\leq\frac{0.4(0.4)^3}{3!}=\frac{8}{1875}\approx0.0042666667\). Rounding this bound up to ten decimal places preserves the guarantee. 4. Therefore, \(\cos(0.4)\) lies in \([0.9157333333, 0.9242666667]\).

Answer

a) \(0.92\). b) \(|\sin x|\leq0.4\) on \([0, 0.4]\). c) \( |R_2(0.4)|\leq\frac{8}{1875}<0.0042666667\), so \(\cos(0.4)\in[0.9157333333, 0.9242666667]\).
Lagrange error bound 19
The quadratic Taylor polynomial for \(f(x)=1/x\), centered at \(x=1\), is \( P_2(x)=1-(x-1)+(x-1)^2\). a) Use \(P_2\) to approximate \(f(0.8)\). b) Find the maximum of \(|f'''(x)|\) on \([0.8, 1]\). c) Give a Lagrange error bound. d) Explain why using \(|f'''(1)|=6\) would not be valid.

Hints

- Use the signed displacement \(-0.2\) in the polynomial. - Determine how \(6/x^4\) changes as \(x\) moves across the interval. - A valid \(M\) must work at every point between the center and the input. - In part d), compare the center value with the larger derivative magnitude found elsewhere on the interval.

Solution

1. At \(x=0.8\), \(x-1=-0.2\). Therefore, \( P_2(0.8)=1+0.2+0.04=1.24\). 2. Since \(f'''(x)=-6/x^4\), its magnitude is \(6/x^4\). This decreases as \(x\) increases, so the maximum on \([0.8, 1]\) is \( M=\frac{6}{(0.8)^4}=14.6484375\). 3. The remainder satisfies \( |R_2(0.8)|\leq\frac{M(0.2)^3}{3!}=0.01953125\). 4. The value \(6\) is only the derivative magnitude at the center. It does not bound \(6/x^4\) at points closer to \(0.8\), where the derivative magnitude is larger.

Answer

a) \(1.24\). b) \(M=14.6484375\). c) \( |R_2(0.8)|\leq0.01953125\). d) \(6\) is not an upper bound on the entire interval \([0.8, 1]\).
Lagrange error bound 20
A function \(f\) has a third-degree Taylor polynomial \(P_3\) centered at \(x=2\). Suppose \( |f^{(4)}(x)|\leq12\) whenever \(|x-2|\leq0.5\). Find the largest closed interval centered at \(2\) on which the Lagrange error bound guarantees \( |f(x)-P_3(x)|\leq0.0008\).

Hints

- Use the fourth derivative because the polynomial has degree \(3\). - Solve the error inequality for the distance from the center. - Confirm that the resulting interval stays inside the interval where the derivative bound is known.

Solution

1. For a degree-\(3\) Taylor polynomial, the error bound is \( |R_3(x)|\leq\frac{12|x-2|^4}{4!}=\frac12|x-2|^4\). 2. Require \( \frac12|x-2|^4\leq0.0008\), so \(|x-2|^4\leq0.0016\). 3. Since \((0.2)^4=0.0016\), the condition is \(|x-2|\leq0.2\). 4. This interval lies inside the stated derivative-bound interval, so the largest guaranteed interval is \([1.8, 2.2]\).

Answer

\([1.8, 2.2]\).
Lagrange error bound 21
For \( f(x)=\frac{1}{1-x}\), let \( P_n(x)=1+x+x^2+\cdots+x^n\). Use the Lagrange error bound at \(x=0.25\). a) Show that a valid bound for \(|f^{(n+1)}(x)|\) on \([0, 0.25]\) is \( M=\frac{(n+1)!}{(0.75)^{n+2}}\). b) Show that \( |f(0.25)-P_n(0.25)|\leq\frac{4}{3^{n+2}}\). c) Find the smallest degree \(n\) for which this bound is below \(10^{-5}\), and compute the corresponding approximation.

Hints

- Differentiate \(1/(1-x)\) enough times to identify the derivative pattern. - Find where the denominator \((1-x)^{n+2}\) is smallest on the interval. - Check the two consecutive degrees around the first successful bound.

Solution

1. Since \( f^{(n+1)}(x)=\frac{(n+1)!}{(1-x)^{n+2}}\), its magnitude increases on \([0, 0.25]\). Therefore, the maximum occurs at \(x=0.25\): \( M=\frac{(n+1)!}{(0.75)^{n+2}}\). 2. The distance from the center is \(0.25\), so \( |R_n(0.25)|\leq\frac{M(0.25)^{n+1}}{(n+1)!}=\frac{(0.25)^{n+1}}{(0.75)^{n+2}}=\frac{4}{3^{n+2}}\). 3. For \(n=9\), \( \frac{4}{3^{11}}\approx0.0000225803>10^{-5}\). For \(n=10\), \( \frac{4}{3^{12}}\approx0.00000752671<10^{-5}\). Thus the smallest degree is \(10\). 4. The approximation is \( P_{10}(0.25)=\sum_{k=0}^{10}(0.25)^k=\frac{1398101}{1048576}\approx1.333333015\).

Answer

a) \( M=\frac{(n+1)!}{(0.75)^{n+2}}\), attained at \(x=0.25\). b) \( |f(0.25)-P_n(0.25)|\leq\frac{4}{3^{n+2}}\). c) The least degree is \(n=10\), and \( P_{10}(0.25)=\frac{1398101}{1048576}\approx1.333333015\).
Lagrange error bound 22
Use the degree-\(2\) Maclaurin polynomial \( P_2(x)=x-\frac{x^2}{2}\) for \(f(x)=\ln(1+x)\) to approximate \(\ln(1.1)\). a) Find the approximation. b) Find a valid maximum for \(|f'''(x)|\) on \([0, 0.1]\). c) Give a Lagrange error bound and a guaranteed interval.

Hints

- The input to the Maclaurin polynomial is \(0.1\), not \(1.1\). - Determine where \(\frac{2}{(1+x)^3}\) is largest on the interval. - Add and subtract the exact remainder bound from the approximation.

Solution

1. The approximation is \( P_2(0.1)=0.1-\frac{(0.1)^2}{2}=0.095\). 2. Since \( f'''(x)=\frac{2}{(1+x)^3}\), its maximum on \([0, 0.1]\) occurs at \(x=0\). Thus \(M=2\). 3. The remainder satisfies \( |R_2(0.1)|\leq\frac{2(0.1)^3}{3!}=\frac{1}{3000}\approx0.0003333333\). 4. Therefore, \( \ln(1.1)\in\left[\frac{71}{750}, \frac{143}{1500}\right]\).

Answer

a) \(0.095\). b) \(M=2\). c) Error at most \( \frac{1}{3000}\); interval \( \left[\frac{71}{750}, \frac{143}{1500}\right]\).
Lagrange error bound 23
Approximate \(e^{0.9}\) with degree-2 Taylor polynomials in two ways. a) Use the Maclaurin polynomial centered at \(0\). b) Use the degree-2 Taylor polynomial centered at \(1\). c) Using \(M=e\) for both Lagrange bounds, compare the guaranteed errors. Which center gives the smaller guaranteed error at this input? Does that alone tell you which approximation has the smaller actual error?

Hints

- Use powers of the displacement from each center. - The derivative bound is the same; what part of the remainder formula differs? - Distinguish an upper bound from the exact size of an error.

Solution

1. Centered at 0, \(P_{2,0}(0.9)=1+0.9+\frac{0.9^2}{2}=2.305\). 2. Centered at 1, \(P_{2,1}(x)=e\left(1+(x-1)+\frac{(x-1)^2}{2}\right)\), so \(P_{2,1}(0.9)=0.905e\approx2.460045\). 3. The two bounds are \(\frac{e(0.9)^3}{3!}\approx0.330271\) and \(\frac{e(0.1)^3}{3!}\approx0.000453\), respectively. 4. Center 1 gives the smaller guaranteed bound because the displacement is smaller. Comparing upper bounds alone does not prove which actual error is smaller.

Answer

a) \(2.305\). b) \(0.905e\approx2.460045\). c) The bounds are approximately \(0.330271\) and \(0.000453\). Center 1 has the smaller guaranteed bound, but this does not by itself prove the actual error is smaller.
Lagrange error bound 24
Let \(f(x)=\sqrt{x}\). Use its degree-1 Taylor polynomial centered at \(x=4\) to approximate \(\sqrt{3.5}\). a) Find the Taylor approximation. b) The horizontal line marks \(M=0.039\). Does the graph support using \(M\) as an upper bound for \(|f''(x)|\) throughout \([3.5,4]\)? c) Use this \(M\) to find a Lagrange error bound.
Figure for problem 548923

Hints

- Form the tangent-line Taylor polynomial at the center. - Compare the entire derivative-magnitude curve to the horizontal guide. - Use the distance from the center to the input in the remainder formula.

Solution

1. At \(x=4\), \(f(4)=2\) and \(f'(4)=\frac{1}{4}\), so \(P_1(x)=2+\frac{1}{4}(x-4)\) and \(P_1(3.5)=1.875\). 2. The graph stays below the line \(M=0.039\) on \([3.5,4]\). Thus \(M\) is a valid bound on the magnitude of the second derivative. 3. The error is bounded by \(\frac{0.039(0.5)^2}{2!}=0.004875\).

Answer

a) \(\sqrt{3.5}\approx1.875\). b) Yes. The curve stays below \(M=0.039\) on the entire interval. c) \(|R_1(3.5)|\leq0.004875\).
Lagrange error bound 25
Compare two degree-\(1\) Taylor approximations to \(\ln(1.5)\). a) Use center \(x=1\) and give a Lagrange error bound. b) Use center \(x=2\) and give a Lagrange error bound. c) Which center gives the smaller guaranteed error?

Hints

- Build each tangent-line polynomial using the value and derivative at its own center. - The second derivative magnitude is largest at the smaller positive input in each interval. - Compare the final numerical bounds, not only the distances from the centers.

Solution

1. Centered at \(1\), the linear polynomial is \(P_{1,1}(x)=x-1\), so \(P_{1,1}(1.5)=0.5\). 2. Since \(|f''(x)|=\frac{1}{x^2}\), the maximum on \([1, 1.5]\) is \(M=1\). The bound is \( |R_{1,1}|\leq\frac{1(0.5)^2}{2}=0.125\). 3. Centered at \(2\), the polynomial is \( P_{1,2}(x)=\ln 2+\frac12(x-2)\), so \(P_{1,2}(1.5)=\ln 2-0.25\). 4. On \([1.5, 2]\), the maximum of \(\frac{1}{x^2}\) is \(\frac{4}{9}\). Thus \( |R_{1,2}|\leq\frac{(4/9)(0.5)^2}{2}=\frac{1}{18}\approx0.055556\). 5. Center \(2\) gives the smaller guaranteed error.

Answer

a) Approximation \(0.5\), error at most \(0.125\). b) Approximation \(\ln 2-0.25\), error at most \( \frac{1}{18}\approx0.055556\). c) Center \(2\).
Lagrange error bound 26
Use the degree-\(3\) Maclaurin polynomial \( P_3(x)=x-\frac{x^3}{6}\) to approximate \(\sin(0.3)\). On \([0, 0.3]\), use \( |f^{(4)}(x)|=|\sin x|\leq0.3\). a) Find the approximation and a Lagrange error bound. b) Does the bound guarantee the value rounded to the nearest hundredth? c) Does it guarantee the value rounded to the nearest thousandth? Explain.

Hints

- Evaluate the cubic polynomial before applying the remainder formula. - Form the full guaranteed interval by adding and subtracting the error bound. - Compare that interval with the rounding cutoffs, not only with the central approximation.

Solution

1. The polynomial value is \( P_3(0.3)=0.3-\frac{0.3^3}{6}=0.2955\). 2. The Lagrange error bound is \( |R_3(0.3)|\leq\frac{0.3(0.3)^4}{4!}=0.00010125\). Therefore, \( 0.29539875\leq\sin(0.3)\leq0.29560125\). 3. Every number in this interval rounds to \(0.30\) to the nearest hundredth, so that rounding is guaranteed. 4. The interval crosses the midpoint \(0.2955\) between \(0.295\) and \(0.296\), so rounding to the nearest thousandth is not guaranteed.

Answer

a) \( P_3(0.3)=0.2955\), with error at most \(0.00010125\). b) Yes. The guaranteed hundredth is \(0.30\). c) No. The guaranteed interval crosses the thousandth-rounding boundary \(0.2955\).
Lagrange error bound 27
Let \(P_n\) be the degree-\(n\) Maclaurin polynomial for \( f(x)=\ln(1+x)\). Find the least degree \(n\) for which the Lagrange error bound guarantees \( |f(x)-P_n(x)|<0.001\) for every \(x\in[0,0.25]\).

Hints

- Write the absolute value of the next derivative and find its maximum on the entire interval. - The distance from the center is largest at the right endpoint. - Check the first degree that succeeds and the degree immediately below it.

Solution

1. The next derivative is \( f^{(n+1)}(x)=(-1)^n\frac{n!}{(1+x)^{n+1}}\). 2. On \([0,0.25]\), its absolute value is at most \(n!\), so the Lagrange bound gives \( |R_n(x)|\leq\frac{n!|x|^{n+1}}{(n+1)!}=\frac{|x|^{n+1}}{n+1}\). 3. The largest bound on the interval occurs at \(x=0.25\). 4. For \(n=2\), \( \frac{0.25^3}{3}\approx0.00520833\), which is too large. 5. For \(n=3\), \( \frac{0.25^4}{4}=0.0009765625\), which is below \(0.001\). 6. Therefore, the least degree is \(3\).

Answer

\(n=3\).
Lagrange error bound 28
For \(f(x)=\sin x\), the degree-\(3\) and degree-\(4\) Maclaurin polynomials are both \( P(x)=x-\frac{x^3}{6}\). At \(x=0.3\), compare the following Lagrange error bounds: a) Treat \(P\) as a degree-\(3\) polynomial and use \(M=0.3\). b) Treat \(P\) as a degree-\(4\) polynomial and use \(M=1\). c) Explain why the second bound is valid even though the written polynomial is unchanged.

Hints

- The order of the remainder depends on the Taylor degree, including a degree with coefficient \(0\). - Use \(4!\) for the degree-\(3\) bound and \(5!\) for the degree-\(4\) bound. - Compare both the power of \(0.3\) and the factorial in the two expressions.

Solution

1. As a degree-\(3\) Taylor polynomial, the remainder uses the fourth derivative. The given bound gives \( |R_3(0.3)|\leq\frac{0.3(0.3)^4}{4!}=0.00010125\). 2. As a degree-\(4\) Taylor polynomial, the remainder uses the fifth derivative. The given bound gives \( |R_4(0.3)|\leq\frac{(0.3)^5}{5!}=0.00002025\). 3. The coefficient of \(x^4\) in the sine series is \(0\), so the degree-\(4\) polynomial has the same displayed terms as the degree-\(3\) polynomial. 4. Declaring the correct higher degree moves the remainder to the fifth derivative and produces the tighter valid bound.

Answer

a) \( |R_3(0.3)|\leq0.00010125\). b) \( |R_4(0.3)|\leq0.00002025\). c) The fourth-degree coefficient is zero, but the degree-\(4\) remainder begins with the fifth derivative.
Lagrange error bound 29
A function \(f\) is continuous on \([a-0.1, a+0.1]\), is twice differentiable there, and satisfies \( f(a)=0.01,\qquad f'(a)=-0.2\). Also, \( |f''(x)|\leq1\) throughout the interval. Use the degree-\(1\) Taylor polynomial and the Lagrange error bound to prove that \(f\) has at least one zero in \((a-0.1, a+0.1)\).

Hints

- Evaluate the same linear Taylor model at both endpoints. - Add and subtract the full remainder bound to determine the sign at each endpoint. - Once opposite signs are guaranteed, apply the Intermediate Value Theorem.

Solution

1. The degree-\(1\) Taylor polynomial centered at \(a\) is \( P_1(a+h)=0.01-0.2h\). 2. At the left endpoint, \(h=-0.1\), so \( P_1(a-0.1)=0.03\). 3. At the right endpoint, \(h=0.1\), so \( P_1(a+0.1)=-0.01\). 4. At either endpoint, the Lagrange error is at most \( \frac{1(0.1)^2}{2!}=0.005\). 5. Therefore, \( f(a-0.1)\in[0.025, 0.035]\), so it is positive, while \( f(a+0.1)\in[-0.015, -0.005]\), so it is negative. 6. Since \(f\) is continuous and changes sign, the Intermediate Value Theorem guarantees at least one zero in \((a-0.1, a+0.1)\).

Answer

The Lagrange bounds guarantee \(f(a-0.1)>0\) and \(f(a+0.1)<0\). Therefore, continuity guarantees at least one zero in \((a-0.1, a+0.1)\).
Lagrange error bound 30
Use Taylor polynomials centered at \(0\) to bound \(\ln(1.2)\). a) Use the degree-\(1\) polynomial and the facts that \(f''(x)<0\) and \(|f''(x)|\leq1\) on \([0, 0.2]\). b) Use the degree-\(2\) polynomial and the facts that \(f'''(x)>0\) and \(|f'''(x)|\leq2\) on the same interval. c) Give the tighter guaranteed interval.

Hints

- The sign of the next derivative determines whether the Taylor polynomial is above or below the function. - Build a one-sided interval around each polynomial value rather than a symmetric interval. - Compare the widths of the two valid intervals.

Solution

1. For \(f(x)=\ln(1+x)\), the degree-\(1\) polynomial is \(P_1(x)=x\), so \(P_1(0.2)=0.2\). 2. Because \(f''(x)<0\), the remainder after \(P_1\) is negative. Its magnitude is at most \( \frac{1(0.2)^2}{2!}=0.02\). Therefore, \( 0.18\leq\ln(1.2)\leq0.20\). 3. The degree-\(2\) polynomial is \( P_2(x)=x-\frac{x^2}{2}\), so \(P_2(0.2)=0.18\). 4. Because \(f'''(x)>0\), the remainder after \(P_2\) is positive. Its magnitude is at most \( \frac{2(0.2)^3}{3!}=0.0026666667\). 5. Therefore, \( 0.18\leq\ln(1.2)\leq0.1826666667\), which is the tighter interval.

Answer

a) \( 0.18\leq\ln(1.2)\leq0.20\). b) \( 0.18\leq\ln(1.2)\leq0.1826666667\). c) Tighter interval: \([0.18, 0.1826666667]\).
Lagrange error bound 31
A function \(f\) has three continuous derivatives on \([0, 0.2]\), with \(f(0)=1\), \(f'(0)=-2\), \(f''(0)=3\), and \(f(0.2)=0.6624\). a) Find the degree-\(2\) Maclaurin approximation to \(f(0.2)\) and the actual error. b) Use the Lagrange form of the remainder to show that \(f'''(\xi)=1.8\) for some \(\xi\in(0, 0.2)\). c) Explain why a claimed bound \(|f'''(x)|\leq1.5\) on the interval cannot be correct.

Hints

- Use the given derivative values to build the polynomial before comparing it with the actual value. - In this problem, the remainder is known rather than merely bounded. - Rearrange the Lagrange remainder equation to solve for the derivative value.

Solution

1. The degree-\(2\) Maclaurin polynomial is \( P_2(x)=1-2x+\frac32x^2\). 2. At \(x=0.2\), \( P_2(0.2)=1-0.4+\frac32(0.04)=0.66\). The actual remainder is \( R_2(0.2)=0.6624-0.66=0.0024\). 3. Taylor's theorem says that, for some \(\xi\in(0, 0.2)\), \( R_2(0.2)=\frac{f'''(\xi)}{3!}(0.2)^3\). Therefore, \( f'''(\xi)=\frac{6(0.0024)}{(0.2)^3}=1.8\). 4. Since the third derivative equals \(1.8\) somewhere in the interval, any valid uniform bound for \(|f'''|\) must be at least \(1.8\). Thus \(1.5\) cannot be valid.

Answer

a) \(P_2(0.2)=0.66\); actual error \(0.0024\). b) There is a \(\xi\in(0, 0.2)\) such that \(f'''(\xi)=1.8\). c) Any valid bound must satisfy \(M\geq1.8\), so \(M=1.5\) is impossible.
Lagrange error bound 32
Apply the Lagrange remainder formula to \(e^x\) at \(x=1\), using Maclaurin polynomials. a) For the degree-\(1\) polynomial, the theorem gives a number \(\xi_1\in(0,1)\) such that \( e=2+\frac{e^{\xi_1}}{2}\). Find \(\xi_1\). b) For the degree-\(2\) polynomial, find \(\xi_2\in(0,1)\) such that \( e=\frac52+\frac{e^{\xi_2}}{6}\). c) Explain why the maximum derivative value \(e\), used in a standard error bound, is different from the derivative values in these exact remainder equations.

Hints

- Isolate the exponential containing the unknown point before taking a logarithm. - Check that each resulting value lies between \(0\) and \(1\). - Distinguish the existence statement in Taylor's theorem from the uniform maximum used to create a bound.

Solution

1. From the first remainder equation, \( e^{\xi_1}=2(e-2)\), so \( \xi_1=\ln[2(e-2)]\approx0.3623\). 2. From the second equation, \( e^{\xi_2}=6\left(e-\frac52\right)\), so \( \xi_2=\ln\left[6\left(e-\frac52\right)\right]\approx0.2698\). 3. The exact Lagrange remainder uses the derivative at some intermediate point determined by the actual error. A standard bound replaces that unknown value with a maximum valid on the whole interval. On \([0,1]\), that maximum is \(e\), attained at the endpoint rather than at either intermediate point.

Answer

a) \( \xi_1=\ln[2(e-2)]\approx0.3623\). b) \( \xi_2=\ln\left[6\left(e-\frac52\right)\right]\approx0.2698\). c) The exact remainder uses an interior derivative value; the error bound uses a worst-case maximum over the interval.
Lagrange error bound 33
Two strategies use degree-\(3\) Taylor polynomials to approximate \(e^x\) on \([0, 1]\). Use \(e\) as an upper bound for the fourth derivative. Strategy A uses one polynomial centered at \(0.5\) on the whole interval. Strategy B uses one polynomial centered at \(0.25\) on \([0, 0.5]\) and another centered at \(0.75\) on \([0.5, 1]\). a) Find a uniform Lagrange error bound for each strategy. b) By what factor does Strategy B improve the guarantee? c) Explain why the improvement occurs without changing the polynomial degree.

Hints

- Find the farthest point from each center on its assigned interval. - Keep the derivative bound the same in both comparisons. - Use the exponent on \(|x-c|\) to compare the two guarantees without decimal approximations.

Solution

1. For a cubic Taylor polynomial centered at \(c\), \( |R_3(x)|\leq\frac{e|x-c|^4}{4!}\). 2. For Strategy A, the greatest distance from \(0.5\) is \(0.5\). Thus \( |R_3(x)|\leq\frac{e(0.5)^4}{24}=\frac{e}{384}\). 3. For each half of Strategy B, the greatest distance from its center is \(0.25\). Thus \( |R_3(x)|\leq\frac{e(0.25)^4}{24}=\frac{e}{6144}\). 4. The improvement factor is \( \frac{e/384}{e/6144}=16\). 5. Strategy B halves the maximum distance to a center. Since the remainder contains the fourth power of that distance, the guarantee is multiplied by \((1/2)^4=1/16\).

Answer

a) Strategy A: \( \frac{e}{384}\). Strategy B: \( \frac{e}{6144}\). b) Strategy B improves the guarantee by a factor of \(16\). c) The maximum distance is halved, and a cubic Taylor remainder depends on the fourth power of the distance.
Lagrange error bound 34
Use the degree-\(2\) Maclaurin polynomial \(P_2(x)=1+x+\frac{x^2}{2}\) to approximate \(e^{0.2}\). A classmate suggests using the alternating-series error bound. Decide whether the alternating-series error bound or the Lagrange error bound is appropriate for this approximation, and justify the choice. Then use the fact that \(e^{0.2}<1.23\) to give a guaranteed upper bound for \(|e^{0.2}-P_2(0.2)|\).

Hints

- Evaluate the given polynomial at the stated input before analyzing its error. - Before using an alternating-series theorem, inspect the signs of the actual series terms at the given input. - For a degree-\(2\) Taylor polynomial, the Lagrange remainder depends on the next derivative order. - Use the supplied exponential bound on the entire interval between the center and the evaluation point.

Solution

1. Evaluating the polynomial gives \(P_2(0.2)=1+0.2+\frac{(0.2)^2}{2}=1.22\). 2. The Maclaurin series for \(e^x\) has positive terms when \(x=0.2\), so it is not an alternating series there. The alternating-series error bound does not apply. 3. The Lagrange remainder for a degree-\(2\) Maclaurin polynomial is \(R_2(0.2)=\frac{e^{\xi}(0.2)^3}{3!}\) for some \(\xi\) between \(0\) and \(0.2\). 4. Since \(e^{\xi}\leq e^{0.2}<1.23\), \(|R_2(0.2)|<1.23\cdot\frac{(0.2)^3}{6}=0.00164\).

Answer

The polynomial gives \(e^{0.2}\approx1.22\). The Lagrange error bound is appropriate; the alternating-series bound is not because the terms are not alternating at \(x=0.2\). A guaranteed bound is \(|e^{0.2}-1.22|<0.00164\).
Lagrange error bound 35
For each center \(c\in\left[0, \frac{\pi}{2}\right]\), let \(P_{2,c}\) be the degree-\(2\) Taylor polynomial for \(\sin x\) centered at \(c\). a) Show that, for every \(x\in\left[0, \frac{\pi}{2}\right]\), \( |\sin x-P_{2,c}(x)|\leq\frac{\left[\max\left(c,\frac{\pi}{2}-c\right)\right]^3}{6}\). b) Choose the center that makes this guarantee as small as possible. c) Write the corresponding Taylor polynomial and decide whether the bound guarantees an error below \(0.081\) throughout the interval.

Hints

- Use \(M=1\) for the third derivative on the whole interval. - The worst-case distance from the center occurs at an endpoint. - Balance the two endpoint distances before constructing the polynomial.

Solution

1. The third derivative of \(\sin x\) is \(-\cos x\), and \(|-\cos x|\leq1\) on the interval. The Lagrange bound is therefore \( |R_2(x)|\leq\frac{|x-c|^3}{3!}\). 2. The farthest point in \(\left[0, \frac{\pi}{2}\right]\) from \(c\) is one of the endpoints. Thus \( |x-c|\leq\max\left(c,\frac{\pi}{2}-c\right)\), which proves the stated uniform bound. 3. The larger endpoint distance is smallest when the two endpoint distances are equal: \( c=\frac{\pi}{2}-c\). Hence the best center is \(c=\frac{\pi}{4}\). 4. The minimum guaranteed error is \( \frac{\left(\frac{\pi}{4}\right)^3}{6}=\frac{\pi^3}{384}\approx0.08075\). 5. Since \(\sin\left(\frac{\pi}{4}\right)=\cos\left(\frac{\pi}{4}\right)=\frac{\sqrt2}{2}\), \( P_{2,\frac{\pi}{4}}(x)=\frac{\sqrt2}{2}+\frac{\sqrt2}{2}\left(x-\frac{\pi}{4}\right)-\frac{\sqrt2}{4}\left(x-\frac{\pi}{4}\right)^2\). 6. Because \(0.08075<0.081\), this bound guarantees error below \(0.081\) throughout the interval.

Answer

a) \( |\sin x-P_{2,c}(x)|\leq\frac{\left[\max\left(c,\frac{\pi}{2}-c\right)\right]^3}{6}\). b) \( c=\frac{\pi}{4}\); minimum bound \( \frac{\pi^3}{384}\approx0.08075\). c) \( P_{2,\frac{\pi}{4}}(x)=\frac{\sqrt2}{2}+\frac{\sqrt2}{2}\left(x-\frac{\pi}{4}\right)-\frac{\sqrt2}{4}\left(x-\frac{\pi}{4}\right)^2\). Yes, the error is guaranteed to be below \(0.081\).
Lagrange error bound 36
Let \(f(x)=e^x-2\), and let \(\alpha\) be its zero. You are given that \(0.69<\alpha<0.70\). Starting from \(x_0=0.70\), define one Newton estimate by \( x_1=x_0-\frac{f(x_0)}{f'(x_0)}\). a) Compute \(x_1\). b) Use Taylor's theorem for \(f(\alpha)\), centered at \(x_0\), to prove that \( 0\leq x_1-\alpha\leq5\times10^{-5}\). c) Give a guaranteed interval for \(\alpha\).

Hints

- Apply Taylor's theorem at the starting value but evaluate it at the unknown zero. - Substitute the Newton formula before estimating the remainder term. - Use the given bracket to control both the distance and the derivative ratio.

Solution

1. Since \(f'(x)=e^x\), \( x_1=0.70-\frac{e^{0.70}-2}{e^{0.70}}=-0.30+2e^{-0.70}\approx0.6931706\). 2. Taylor's theorem gives, for some \(\xi\) between \(\alpha\) and \(x_0\), \( 0=f(\alpha)=f(x_0)+f'(x_0)(\alpha-x_0)+\frac{f''(\xi)}{2}(\alpha-x_0)^2\). 3. By the definition of \(x_1\), \( x_1-\alpha=\frac{f''(\xi)}{2f'(x_0)}(\alpha-x_0)^2\). 4. Here \(f''(\xi)=e^\xi>0\), so \(x_1\geq\alpha\). Also, \(\xi\leq0.70\), so \( \frac{f''(\xi)}{f'(x_0)}=\frac{e^\xi}{e^{0.70}}\leq1\). Because \(|\alpha-x_0|<0.01\), \( 0\leq x_1-\alpha\leq\frac12(0.01)^2=5\times10^{-5}\). 5. Therefore, \( \alpha\in[x_1-0.00005, x_1]\subset[0.6931206, 0.6931707]\).

Answer

a) \( x_1=-0.30+2e^{-0.70}\approx0.6931706\). b) \( 0\leq x_1-\alpha\leq5\times10^{-5}\). c) \( \alpha\in[x_1-0.00005, x_1]\subset[0.6931206, 0.6931707]\); \(x_1\) is an overestimate.
Lagrange error bound 37
A function \(f\) has three continuous derivatives on \([0, 0.5]\), with \(f(0)=1\), \(f'(0)=-2\), \(f''(0)=4\), and \(|f'''(x)|\leq3\) throughout the interval. a) Write the degree-\(2\) Maclaurin polynomial. b) Use the Lagrange remainder to prove that \( f(x)\geq1-2x+2x^2-\frac{x^3}{2}\) on \([0, 0.5]\). c) Use this lower bound to prove that \(f\) has no zero on the interval.

Hints

- Turn the absolute derivative bound into the one-sided remainder estimate needed for a lower bound. - Minimize the polynomial lower bound rather than the unknown function. - A positive lower bound on the entire interval rules out every zero.

Solution

1. The degree-\(2\) Maclaurin polynomial is \( P_2(x)=1-2x+2x^2\). 2. Taylor's theorem gives \( f(x)=P_2(x)+\frac{f'''(\xi)}{3!}x^3\) for some \(\xi\in(0,x)\). Since \(f'''(\xi)\geq-3\), \( f(x)\geq1-2x+2x^2-\frac{x^3}{2}\). 3. Let \( q(x)=1-2x+2x^2-\frac{x^3}{2}\). Then \( q'(x)=-2+4x-\frac32x^2\). The zeros of \(q'\) are \(2/3\) and \(2\), both outside \([0, 0.5]\). Since \(q'(0)<0\), the polynomial decreases on the whole interval. 4. Its minimum is therefore \( q(0.5)=\frac{7}{16}\). Hence \( f(x)\geq\frac{7}{16}>0\) on \([0, 0.5]\), so \(f\) has no zero there.

Answer

a) \( P_2(x)=1-2x+2x^2\). b) \( f(x)\geq1-2x+2x^2-\frac{x^3}{2}\). c) The lower bound is at least \(\frac{7}{16}>0\), so \(f\) has no zero on \([0, 0.5]\).
Lagrange error bound 38
Let \( P_N(x)=\sum_{n=1}^{N}(-1)^{n+1}\frac{x^n}{n}\), the degree-\(N\) Maclaurin polynomial for \(\ln(1+x)\). Consider \(x=-0.8\). a) Use the Lagrange remainder formula to show that \( |\ln(0.2)-P_N(-0.8)|\leq\frac{4^{N+1}}{N+1}\). b) Bound the same error directly from the omitted power-series tail and show that \( |\ln(0.2)-P_N(-0.8)|\leq\frac{5(0.8)^{N+1}}{N+1}\). c) Explain why the first bound does not prove divergence and why the second bound does prove convergence.

Hints

- Locate the maximum derivative magnitude on the entire interval from the center to the evaluation point. - For the direct tail, replace every omitted denominator by the smallest one in the tail. - A bound that fails to approach \(0\) is inconclusive; it is not evidence that the actual error fails to approach \(0\).

Solution

1. For \(f(x)=\ln(1+x)\), \( |f^{(N+1)}(t)|=\frac{N!}{(1+t)^{N+1}}\). On \([-0.8, 0]\), this is largest at \(t=-0.8\), so \( M=N!5^{N+1}\). 2. The Lagrange bound is \( |R_N(-0.8)|\leq\frac{M(0.8)^{N+1}}{(N+1)!}=\frac{4^{N+1}}{N+1}\). 3. At \(x=-0.8\), all omitted terms have the same sign, so \( |R_N(-0.8)|=\sum_{n=N+1}^{\infty}\frac{0.8^n}{n}\). Since \(\frac1n\leq\frac{1}{N+1}\) for every omitted term, \( |R_N(-0.8)|\leq\frac{1}{N+1}\sum_{n=N+1}^{\infty}0.8^n=\frac{5(0.8)^{N+1}}{N+1}\). 4. The Lagrange bound grows and therefore is too weak to establish convergence. A valid upper bound need not be sharp. The direct tail bound approaches \(0\), so it proves that the Taylor partial sums converge to \(\ln(0.2)\).

Answer

a) \( |R_N(-0.8)|\leq\frac{4^{N+1}}{N+1}\). b) \( |R_N(-0.8)|\leq\frac{5(0.8)^{N+1}}{N+1}\to0\). c) The first bound is valid but too large; the second tends to \(0\) and therefore establishes convergence.
Lagrange error bound 39
A function has degree-\(2\) Maclaurin polynomial \( P_2(x)=1-x+x^2\), and the only available remainder information is \( |f'''(x)|\leq6\) on \([0, 0.2]\). a) State the Lagrange error bound at \(x=0.2\). b) Use functions of the form \( f_\pm(x)=P_2(x)\pm ax^3\), where \(a>0\), and determine the unique value of \(a\) for which the positive and negative ends of the bound are attained exactly. c) Explain why no smaller universal bound can be guaranteed from the given information.

Hints

- Add a cubic term so the value and first two derivatives at the center remain unchanged. - Choose the cubic coefficient to make the third derivative equal to the allowed maximum magnitude. - A universal bound is sharp when admissible examples attain both ends of its interval.

Solution

1. The Lagrange bound is \( |f(0.2)-P_2(0.2)|\leq\frac{6(0.2)^3}{3!}=0.008\). 2. For \(f_\pm(x)=P_2(x)\pm ax^3\), the third derivative of the added term is \(\pm6a\). To attain the allowed magnitude \(6\), choose \(a=1\). 3. Thus, \( f_+(x)=1-x+x^2+x^3\) and \( f_-(x)=1-x+x^2-x^3\). At \(x=0.2\), their errors are \(0.008\) and \(-0.008\), respectively. 4. Since admissible functions attain both endpoints of the error interval, any smaller universal bound would fail for at least one of them.

Answer

a) \( |f(0.2)-P_2(0.2)|\leq0.008\). b) \(a=1\), so \( f_\pm(x)=1-x+x^2\pm x^3\); their exact errors are \(\pm0.008\). c) These functions attain equality, so the bound cannot be reduced without additional information.
Lagrange error bound 40
A function \(f\) has degree-\(3\) Maclaurin polynomial \( P_3(x)=2+x-\frac{x^3}{6}\), and \(|f^{(4)}(x)|\leq1\) for every \(x\in\left[-\frac12, \frac12\right]\). a) Write the degree-\(2\) Maclaurin polynomial for \(f'\). b) Use a Lagrange bound to prove that \(f'(x)>0\) throughout the interval. c) What does this imply about \(f\)? Give a guaranteed lower bound for \(f\left(\frac12\right)-f\left(-\frac12\right)\).

Hints

- Differentiate the given local polynomial before applying an error bound. - Find the worst-case lower estimate at the largest distance from the center. - Use the mean value theorem to turn a derivative lower bound into a function-difference bound.

Solution

1. Differentiating the given Taylor polynomial gives \( Q_2(x)=1-\frac{x^2}{2}\) as the degree-\(2\) Maclaurin polynomial for \(f'\). 2. The next derivative for this Taylor approximation is \(f^{(4)}\), so \( |f'(x)-Q_2(x)|\leq\frac{|x|^3}{6}\). Therefore, \( f'(x)\geq1-\frac{x^2}{2}-\frac{|x|^3}{6}\). 3. On \(|x|\leq\frac12\), the right side is at least \( 1-\frac18-\frac1{48}=\frac{41}{48}>0\). Thus \(f\) is strictly increasing on the interval. 4. By the mean value theorem, for some \(c\in\left(-\frac12, \frac12\right)\), \( f\left(\frac12\right)-f\left(-\frac12\right)=f'(c)\). Hence \( f\left(\frac12\right)-f\left(-\frac12\right)\geq\frac{41}{48}\).

Answer

a) \( Q_2(x)=1-\frac{x^2}{2}\). b) \( f'(x)\geq1-\frac{x^2}{2}-\frac{|x|^3}{6}\geq\frac{41}{48}>0\). c) \(f\) is strictly increasing, and \( f\left(\frac12\right)-f\left(-\frac12\right)\geq\frac{41}{48}\).
Lagrange error bound 41
Let \(n\) be a positive integer. Use the degree-\(2\) Maclaurin polynomial for \(\ln(1+x)\) to study \(\left(1+\frac1n\right)^n\). a) Use the Lagrange remainder to prove that, for \(x\geq0\), \(x-\frac{x^2}{2}\leq\ln(1+x)\leq x-\frac{x^2}{2}+\frac{x^3}{3}\). b) Deduce that \(e^{1-\frac{1}{2n}}\leq\left(1+\frac1n\right)^n\leq e^{1-\frac{1}{2n}+\frac{1}{3n^2}}\). c) Use these bounds to give a numerical interval for \(\left(1+\frac1{20}\right)^{20}\). d) Explain how the bounds prove that \(\left(1+\frac1n\right)^n\to e\).

Hints

- Find the sign and largest possible value of the third derivative on the interval from \(0\) to \(x\). - Apply the logarithm bound to \(x=\frac1n\) before using the exponential function. - For the limit, compare the two exponents rather than expanding the original power directly. - For part d), show that both bounding exponents approach \(1\) before exponentiating.

Solution

1. For \(f(x)=\ln(1+x)\), the degree-\(2\) Maclaurin polynomial is \(P_2(x)=x-\frac{x^2}{2}\). The first omitted derivative is \(f'''(t)=\frac{2}{(1+t)^3}\). 2. When \(x\geq0\) and \(0\leq t\leq x\), \(0<f'''(t)\leq2\). Therefore, the Lagrange remainder satisfies \(0\leq R_2(x)\leq\frac{2x^3}{3!}=\frac{x^3}{3}\). Adding this remainder to \(P_2(x)\) proves \(x-\frac{x^2}{2}\leq\ln(1+x)\leq x-\frac{x^2}{2}+\frac{x^3}{3}\). 3. Substitute \(x=\frac1n\) and multiply every part by \(n\): \(1-\frac{1}{2n}\leq n\ln\left(1+\frac1n\right)\leq1-\frac{1}{2n}+\frac{1}{3n^2}\). Since the exponential function is increasing, exponentiating gives \(e^{1-\frac{1}{2n}}\leq\left(1+\frac1n\right)^n\leq e^{1-\frac{1}{2n}+\frac{1}{3n^2}}\). 4. For \(n=20\), the exact interval is \(\left[e^{\frac{39}{40}}, e^{\frac{1171}{1200}}\right]\). Numerically, this is approximately \([2.651167, 2.653378]\), using outward rounding. 5. As \(n\to\infty\), both bounding exponents approach \(1\). Therefore, both bounding expressions approach \(e\). The squeeze theorem gives \(\left(1+\frac1n\right)^n\to e\).

Answer

a) \(x-\frac{x^2}{2}\leq\ln(1+x)\leq x-\frac{x^2}{2}+\frac{x^3}{3}\) for \(x\geq0\). b) \(e^{1-\frac{1}{2n}}\leq\left(1+\frac1n\right)^n\leq e^{1-\frac{1}{2n}+\frac{1}{3n^2}}\). c) \(\left(1+\frac1{20}\right)^{20}\in\left[e^{\frac{39}{40}}, e^{\frac{1171}{1200}}\right]\approx[2.651167, 2.653378]\). d) Both bounds approach \(e\), so the sequence between them also approaches \(e\).

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