For \(f(x)=\frac{1}{1+x^2}\), the graph compares \(f\) with three labeled Maclaurin partial sums \(P_2\), \(P_6\), and \(P_{10}\). Panel a) shows the comparison near \(x=0.5\), panel b) magnifies the closest curves there, and panel c) shows the comparison near \(x=1.2\). The formulas for the partial sums are not given in the text.
a) Without calculating the partial sums, use panels a) and b) to rank \(P_2\), \(P_6\), and \(P_{10}\) from most accurate to least accurate at \(x=0.5\). State whether each partial sum lies above or below \(f(0.5)\).
b) Without calculating the partial sums, use panel c) to rank the three approximations from most accurate to least accurate at \(x=1.2\). Does increasing the degree improve the approximation there?
c) Derive the Maclaurin series for \(f\) from a geometric series, determine its convergence condition, and use that condition to explain the contrasting graph behavior at the two inputs.

Hints
- Use the vertical guide in each panel and compare vertical distances from the partial-sum curves to \(f\); do not begin by reconstructing their formulas.
- The magnified panel is there to distinguish the two approximations that are nearly indistinguishable on the broader view near \(0.5\).
- Rewrite the denominator so the ratio in a geometric series is visible.
- Compare the two marked inputs with the convergence condition of that series.
Solution
1. Panels a) and b) show that at \(x=0.5\), \(P_{10}\) is closest to \(f\), then \(P_6\), then \(P_2\). All three partial sums lie below \(f(0.5)\).
2. Panel c) shows that at \(x=1.2\), \(P_2\) is closest to \(f\), then \(P_6\), then \(P_{10}\). All three lie below \(f(1.2)\), and increasing the degree makes the approximation worse at this input.
3. Since \(\frac{1}{1+x^2}=\frac{1}{1-(-x^2)}\), the geometric-series identity gives \(\frac{1}{1+x^2}=\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}(-1)^n x^{2n}\) when \(|-x^2|<1\), equivalently \(|x|<1\).
4. Thus \(x=0.5\) is inside the convergence interval, where successive partial sums approach \(f\), while \(x=1.2\) is outside it, where these partial sums need not approach the function even though \(f(1.2)\) itself is defined.
Answer
a) At \(x=0.5\): \(P_{10}\), then \(P_6\), then \(P_2\) from most to least accurate; all three lie below \(f(0.5)\).
b) At \(x=1.2\): \(P_2\), then \(P_6\), then \(P_{10}\) from most to least accurate; increasing degree makes the approximation worse there.
c) \(\frac{1}{1+x^2}=\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}(-1)^n x^{2n}\) for \(|x|<1\). The graph improves at \(0.5\) because that input is inside the interval of convergence and deteriorates at \(1.2\) because that input is outside it.