2023 TJC H2 Math (9758) JC2 MSM: MACLAURIN’S SERIES (includes Binomial Expansion)

(1 + x )
n
BINOMIAL EXPANSION (Maclaurin’s Series of )

1
1 Find the first three non-zero terms of the expansion of ( 4 − x ) 2 in ascending powers of
x and state the range of values of x for which the expansion is valid. [3]
1
By substituting x = , find an approximation to 11 , giving your answer to three
25
decimal places. [2]
[2008/AJC/Prelim/I/2]
1 [Solution]
1
1
1
 x 2
(4 − x) 2 = 42 1 − 
 4
  1  1  
   −  2 
= 2 1 + 1  − x  +  2  2   − x  + ...
 2 4 2!  4 
 
 
 x x2  x x2
= 2 1 − − + ....  = 2 − − + ....
 8 128  4 64

Range of validity:
x 4
 −4 < x < 4
1
Substitute x =
25
1 1 1
 1  2  99  2  9 11  2 3
4−  =   =   = 5 11
 25   25   25 
2
3 1 1  1  1 
Thus, 11  2 −   −   = 1.989975
5 4  25  64  25 

 11 = 3.317 (3 dec pl)

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2023 TJC H2 Math (9758) JC2 MSM: MACLAURIN’S SERIES (includes Binomial Expansion)

2 1+ 2x
Expand in ascending powers of x up to and including the term in x 2 and
2 + 3x
state the range of values of x for which this expansion is valid.
[2008/JJC/Prelim/I/1]
2 [Solution]
1
1 + 2x
= (1 + 2 x ) (2 + 3 x) −1
2

2 + 3x
1 −1
1 2  3x 
= (1 + 2 x ) 1 + 
2  2 

1 1
1 (− 1 )   3x  3 x 2 
 1 + (2 x) + 2 2 (2 x)  1 − +   
2
2  2 2   2  2  

1 1 2 3 9 2
= 1 + x − x 1 − x + x
2  2   2 4 
1 3 9 3 1 
= 1 − x + x 2 + x − x 2 − x 2 + ...
2 2 4 2 2 
1 1 1
 − x + x2
2 4 8

Range of values of x for which the expansion is valid is

3x
2 x  1 and 1
2
1 2
x and x 
2 3
1
 x
2
1 1
 − x
2 2

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2023 TJC H2 Math (9758) JC2 MSM: MACLAURIN’S SERIES (includes Binomial Expansion)

3 2x2 + 3x – 1
Express (x – 1)(x2 + 1) in partial fractions.

2x2 + 3x – 1
Hence find the series expansion of (x – 1)(x2 + 1) in ascending powers of x, up to and
including the term in x4. Find the coefficient of x2008. [6]
[2008/HCI/Prelim/I/6]
3 [Solution]
2x2 + 3x – 1 A Bx + C
Let (x – 1)(x2 + 1) = x – 1 + x2 + 1

2x2 + 3x – 1 = A(x2 + 1) + (Bx + C)(x – 1)

Let x = 1: 4 = 2A A=2
Let x = 0: –1 = 2 – C  C = 3
Compare coefficients of x2 : 2 = 2 + B  B = 0
2x2 + 3x – 1 2 3
= +
(x – 1)(x + 1) x – 1 x + 1
2 2

= –2(1 – x)–1 + 3(1 + x2)–1

= –2(1 + x + x2 + x3 + x4 + ...) + 3(1 – x2 + x4 – ...)
= 1 – 2x – 5x2 – 2x3 + x4 +...
Coefficient of x2008 = x2(1004) is –2 + 3 = 1

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2023 TJC H2 Math (9758) JC2 MSM: MACLAURIN’S SERIES (includes Binomial Expansion)

4  
In triangle ABC, angle BAC is radians, angle ABC is + x radians. Given that x is
6 3
sufficiently small, show using the sine rule that
BC 1
  a + bx + cx 2 ,
AC  x  2
3 1 −  + x
 2
where a, b and c are constants to be determined. [4]
[2012/SAJC/Prelim/I/1]
4 [Solution]
Using sine rule, C
BC AC
=
  
sin sin  + x 
6 3 
 A B
sin
BC 6
=
AC  
sin  + x 
3 

sin
= 6
 
sincos x + cos sin x
3 3
1
= 2
3 1
cos x + sin x
2 2
1

 x2 
3 1 −  + x
 2
−1
1  x x2 
=  1 + − 
3 3 2
1   x x2   x x2  
2

= 1 −  − + −  + ...
3   3 2   3 2  
1  x 5 2
 1 − + x 
3 3 6 
1 1 5 2 3 1 5 3 2
= − x+ x or − x+ x (Shown)
3 3 6 3 3 3 18

Hence, a = , b=− , c=

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2023 TJC H2 Math (9758) JC2 MSM: MACLAURIN’S SERIES (includes Binomial Expansion)

It is given that the first 3 terms in the expansion of ( 2 − ax )

5 −b
in ascending powers of x
1 9
are + x + cx 2 + ... , where a, b and c are positive constants.
8 16
(i) Find the values of a, b and c. [7]

(ii) Show that the coefficient of x r is in the form p ( r + 1)( r + 2 ) q r , where p and q
are constants to be determined. [4]
[ACJC/2009/Prelims/II/2]
5 [Solution]
−b
 ax 
( 2 − ax )
−b −b
(i) = 2 1 − 
 2 

−b  ax  (−b)(−b − 1)  ax 
2

= 2 1 + (−b)  −  +  −  + ... 
  2  2!  2  
 
 ab a 2b(b + 1) 2 
= 2− b 1 + x+ x + ... 
 2 8 
1
Comparing constant term: 2− b =  b=3
8
1  ab  9
Comparing coefficient of x:  =  a=3
8  2  16
1  a 2b(b + 1)  27
Comparing coefficient of x2: c=  =
8 8  16

(ii) Coefficient of x r
(−b)(−b − 1)...(−b − ( r − 1))  a 
r
−b
=2 − 
r!  2
1 (−3)(−4)...(−r − 2)  3 
r

= − 
8 r!  2
1 (−1) r (3)(4)...(r + 2)
r
3
= (−1) r  
8 r! 2
(3)(4)...(r + 2)  3 
r
1
= (−1) 2 r  
8 r! 2
1 (r + 1)(r + 2)  3 
r

=  
8 2 2
r
1 3
= (r + 1)(r + 2)  
16 2
1 3
Thus, p = and q = .
16 2

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2023 TJC H2 Math (9758) JC2 MSM: MACLAURIN’S SERIES (includes Binomial Expansion)

6 1 + x2
Find the first three terms in the expansion of in ascending powers of x.
3 − 2x
[3]
2 + 2 x2
Deduce that the equation of the tangent to the curve y = at the point where
3 − 2x
x = 0, is given by 9 y = 2 3x + 6 3 . [2]
[DH/2008/Prelim/I/5]
6 [Solution]
1 + x2 −1
= (1 + x 2 )(3 − 2 x) 2
3 − 2x
= (1 + x 2 ) 3 (1 − 23 x ) 
− 12

(1 + x 2 ) (1 − 23 x )
− 12
= 1
3

 ( − 12 ) ( − 32 ) 2 2 
= (1 + x ) 1 + ( − 2 ) ( − 3 x ) +
1 2 1 2
(− 3 x) + 
3  2! 
 
 1 1 
= 13 (1 + x 2 ) 1 + x + x 2 + 
 3 6 
 1 1 2 
= 1 + x + x + x +
1 2

3 3 6 
1 1 7 2
= + x+ x +
3 3 3 6 3
2 + 2 x2  1 + x2 
y= = 2 
3 − 2x  3 − 2x 
 1 1 7 2 
= 2 + x+ x + 
 3 3 3 6 3 
2 2 14 2
= + x+ x +
3 3 3 6 3
Thus, equation of tangent at x = 0 is
2 2
y= + x
3 3 3
 3 3y = 6 + 2x
 9 y = 6 3 + 2 3x (Shown)

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2023 TJC H2 Math (9758) JC2 MSM: MACLAURIN’S SERIES (includes Binomial Expansion)

1
7
 1− x 3
Find the expansion of   in ascending powers of x, up to and including the
 1+ 2x 
term in x 2 .State the range of values of x for which the expansion is valid. [5]
1
Without performing any calculations, explain why putting x = into the result gives a
6
4
better approximation to 3 5 than putting x = − . [1]
11
1
Hence by putting x = , find an approximation for 3 5 , expressing your answer as a
6
fraction in its lowest terms. [2]
[IJC/2009/Prelims/I/7]
7 [Solution]

(1 − x ) 3 = 1 − x +   −  ( − x ) + ...... = 1 − x − x 2 + .....
1
1 1 1 2 2 1 1
3 2! 3  3  3 9
1
1 1  1  4  2 8
(1 + 2 x ) = 1 − (2 x) +   −  −  ( 2 x ) + ...... = 1 − x + x 2 + .....
− 2
3
3 2!  3  3  3 9
1
 1 − x 3
1 1
−
  = (1 − x) (1 − 2 x)
3 3

 1 + 2 x 
 1 1  2 8 
= 1 − x − x 2 + ..... 1 − x + x 2 + ..... 
 3 9  3 9 
= 1 − x + x 2 + .....
For expansion to be valid,
− x  1 and 2 x  1
1 1 1
 x 1 and x   − x
2 2 2

Both values of x are within the range of validity of x.

1 4 1
However, since 0   − , x = will give a better approximation as it is closer
6 11 6
to zero.
1 1
 1 3  5 3
 1−  6
1
1 6  5 3
Substituting x = ,   =  = 
6 
+
2  8  8
 1 
 6 6
1
2
 5 3 1 1
( ) 3  2 1 − +  =
1
1 1 31
Thus,   = 1 −   +   + .....  5
8 6 6  6 36  18

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2023 TJC H2 Math (9758) JC2 MSM: MACLAURIN’S SERIES (includes Binomial Expansion)

8 9 + 4 x2
Express in partial fractions. [3]
(1 − 2 x) 2 (2 + x)

Hence find in its simplest form,

9 + 4 x2
(a) the first four terms in the expansion of in ascending powers of
(1 − 2 x) 2 (2 + x)
x and state the set of values of x for which the expansion is valid.
(b) the coefficient of x r in the expansion.
[6] [2009/SAJC/JCT/8]
8 [Solution]
9 + 4 x2 = A + B C
+
(1 − 2 x) (2 + x)
2
1 − 2 x (1 − 2 x ) 2
2+ x

 9 + 4 x2 = A(1 − 2 x)(2 + x) + B(2 + x) + C (1 − 2 x) 2

1 5
Substitute x = : 9 +1 = B  B=4
2 2
Substitute x = −2 : 9 + 16 = 25C  C =1
Comparing constant term: 9 = 2 A + 2(4) + 1  A=0

9 + 4 x2 4 1 .
Thus, = +
(1 − 2 x) (2 + x) (1 − 2 x ) 2 + x
2 2

9 + 4 x2
= 4 (1 − 2 x ) + ( 2 + x )
−2 −1
(a)
(1 − 2 x) (2 + x)
2

−1
1 x
= 4 (1 − 2 x ) −2
+ 1 + 
2 2
 (−2)(−3) (−2)(−3)(−4) 
= 4 1 + (−2)(−2 x) + ( −2 x) 2 + ( −2 x)3 + 
 2! 3! 
1  x  (−1)(−2)  x  (−1)(−2)(−3)  x  
2 3

+ 1 + (−1)   +   +   + 
2  2 2!  2  3! 2 

= ( 4 + 16 x + 48 x 2 + 128 x 3 + ) + 12 1 − 12 x + 14 x 2 1
− x3 +
8



= 9 + 63 x + 385 x 2 + 2047 x3 +
2 4 8 16
x 1
Taking intersection of  1 and |2x|< 1, we have |x| < .
2 2
 1 1
Solution set for which expansion is valid is  x  : −  x  .
 2 2
 r

(b) Coefficient of x r = 4 (r + 1)2r  + 1 (−1)r  1  
  2
2  
r +1
r +2 1
= (r + 1)2 + (−1)  
r

2
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2023 TJC H2 Math (9758) JC2 MSM: MACLAURIN’S SERIES (includes Binomial Expansion)

9 Write down the first three terms in ascending powers of x of the expansion of (1 − x) −2 .
n
State the coefficient of x and the range of values of x for which the expansion is valid.

n
Hence, or otherwise, find the value of  2n . [5]
n =1
[YJC/2008/Prelim/I/3]
9 [Solution]
(1 − x )−2 = 1 + 2 x + 3x 2 + ... + (n + 1) x n + ...
Range of validity: x 1  −1  x  1

Coefficient of x = (n + 1)
n


n 1 2 3 4 n
2
n =1
n
= + 2 + 3 + 4 + ... + n + ...
2 2 2 2 2
1 
2 3 n −1
1 1 1 1
= 1 + 2  + 3  + 4  + ... + n  + ...

2 2 2 2 2 

−2 −2
1 1 11
= 1 −  =   =2
2 2 22

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2023 TJC H2 Math (9758) JC2 MSM: MACLAURIN’S SERIES (includes Binomial Expansion)

10 1 1
(a) Given that x is small, show that 1 + sin x  1 + 2 x − 8 x2

(b) Determine the value of a such that 3x − e x ln a = 0 . [2]

2 3
x x
Given that ex  1 + x + 2 + 3! , find the first four terms in the expansion of 3x
as a series in ascending powers of x up to and including x3. [4]
[2008CJC//Prelim/II/1a,b]
10 [Solution]
(a) 1 + sin x  1 + x since x is small.
By standard Maclaurin’s Series expansion,
11 
 − 1
22  2
1 + x = (1 + x )  1 + x +
1 1
2 x
2 2!
1 1
= 1 + x − x2
2 8
1 1
Thus, 1 + sin x  1 + x  1 + x − x 2 (Shown)
2 8
(b) Given: 3x − e x ln a = 0
 3x = eln a
x

 3x = ax
 3=a
x2 x3
Given that ex  1 + x + 2 + 3! ,
3x = ex ln a
( x ln 3) ( x ln 3)
2 3

 3 x
 1 + x ln 3 + +
2! 3!
( ln 3) ( ln 3)
2 3

 3 
x
1 + x ln 3 + x 2
+ x3
2 6

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2023 TJC H2 Math (9758) JC2 MSM: MACLAURIN’S SERIES (includes Binomial Expansion)

11  1− x 
n
2
Expand   in ascending powers of x up to and including the term in x . [3]
 1 + x 
State the set of values of x for which the series expansion is valid. [1]

19 p
Hence find an approximation to the fourth root of , in the form , where p and q
21 q
are positive integers. [3]
[HCI/2008/I/6]
11 [Solution]
 1− x 
n

 = (1 − x ) (1 + x )
n −n

 1+ x 
 n ( n − 1)   ( −n )( −n − 1) x 2 + ... 
=  1 + n( − x ) + ( − x ) + ...   1 + ( −n ) ( x) + ( )
2

 2   2 
= 1 − 2nx + 2n2 x 2 + ...

Expansion is valid for x 1 , i.e.,  x  : −1  x  1

1 − x 19
Consider =
1 + x 21
2 1
 x= = which is within the range of validity of the expansion
40 20

1 1
Substitute x = and n = into above expansion:
20 4
1 1
 1  4  19  4
 1 − 20   20   19  4
1

  =  = 
 1 + 1   21   21 
 20   20 
2 2
 1  1  1  1 
 1 − 2    + 2    
 4  20   4   20 
3121
=
3200

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2023 TJC H2 Math (9758) JC2 MSM: MACLAURIN’S SERIES (includes Binomial Expansion)

MACLAURIN’S SERIES
dy
12 The function y = f ( x) satisfies the differential equation 2 y = y 2 − 1 and its graph
dx
passes through the point (0,3) .
d 2 y 20
Show that when x = 0 , 2 = . [3]
dx 27
Find the Maclaurin’s series of y in ascending powers of x, up to and including the
term in x3 . [3]
[2008/RJC/Prelim /II/5(c)]
12 [Solution]
dy
2 y = y 2 − 1 ----- (1)
dx
2
d2 y  dy  dy
Differentiate (1) w.r.t. x , we get 2 y 2 + 2   = 2 y
dx  dx  dx
2
d 2 y  dy  dy
y 2 +  = y ----- (2)
dx  dx  dx
dy 4
When x = 0 , y = 3 , = using (1)
dx 3
Subst into (2),
2
d2 y  4  4 d 2 y 1  16  20
3 +   = 3    = 4−  = (Shown)
dx 2  3  3 dx 2 3  9  27
Differentiate (2) w.r.t. x , we get
d 3 y  dy   d 2 y   dy   d y 
2
2
d 2 y  dy 
y 3 +   2  + 2  2  = y 2 +  
dx  dx   dx   dx   dx  dx  dx 

 dy   d y 
2
d3 y 2
d 2 y  dy 
y 3 + 3   2  = y 2 +  
dx  dx   dx  dx  dx 

dy 4 d 2 y 20 d 3 y 28
When x = 0 , y = 3, = , = , =
dx 3 dx 2 27 dx 3 81
By Maclaurin’s Theorem,
 20  x  28  x
2 3
4
y = 3+ x +   +   + ...
3  27  2!  81  3!
4 10 2 14 3
= 3+ x+ x + x + ...
3 27 243

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2023 TJC H2 Math (9758) JC2 MSM: MACLAURIN’S SERIES (includes Binomial Expansion)

1
13 It is given that y = ( cos x ) 2 .

2
d2 y  dy 
Show that 2 y 2 + 2   + y 2 = 0 . [2]
dx  dx 
Find Maclaurin’s series for y in ascending powers of x, up to and including the term in
x2. [3]
1
By choosing a suitable value for x, deduce the approximate relation 4
 1 + k 2 ,
2
where k is a constant to be determined. [2]
[2008/AJC/Prelim/I/4]
13 [Solution]
1
y = ( cos x ) 2  y 2 = cos x
dy
2y = − sin x
dx
2 2
d2 y  dy  d2 y  dy 
2 y 2 + 2   = − cos x  2 y 2 + 2   = − y 2
dx  dx  dx  dx 
2
d2 y  dy 
2y + 2   + y2 = 0
 dx 
2
dx
When x = 0, y = 1
dy dy
2 =0 =0
dx dx
d2 y d2 y 1
2 2 + 0 +1 = 0  2 = −
dx dx 2
 1
− 
y = 1+ 
2 2 1
Maclaurin’s series: x + ...  1 − x 2
2 4
1
1 1 
( cos x ) 2 = 4  cos x = x=
2 2 4

Sub x = :
4
1 
2
1 1 2
 1 −   = 1 − 
4
2 4 4  64
1
Thus, k = − .
64

13
2023 TJC H2 Math (9758) JC2 MSM: MACLAURIN’S SERIES (includes Binomial Expansion)

14 (i) Given that f ( x ) = ln ( 2 x + 1) , find f ( 0 ) , f  ( 0 ) , f  ( 0 ) and f  ( 0 ) . Hence obtain

the first three non-zero terms in the Maclaurin’s series for f ( x ) . [5]

(ii) Hence, or otherwise, show that the first three non-zero terms in the expansion
of ln ( 2 x 2 + 3x + 1) are ax + bx 2 + ax3 , where a and b are constants to be found.
[3]
[2010/MI/Prelim/I/7]
14 [Solution]
f ( x ) = ln ( 2 x + 1)
2
= 2 ( 2 x + 1)
−1
f ( x) =
2x + 1
f ( x) = −2 ( 2 x + 1) (2) = −4 ( 2 x + 1)
−2 −2

f ( x) = −4(−2) ( 2 x + 1) (2) = 16 ( 2 x + 1)

−3 −3

f (0) = 0
f (0) = 2
f (0) = −4
f (0) = 16
1 2 1
f ( x) = f (0) + xf (0) +x f (0) + x 3f (0) + ...
2 3!
1 1
= 0 + 2 x + x 2 (−4) + x 3 (16) + ...
2 6
8
 f ( x) = 2 x − 2 x 2 + x 3 + ...
3
(ii) ln ( 2 x 2 + 3x + 1) = ln(2 x + 1)( x + 1)
= ln(2 x + 1) + ln( x + 1)
8 1 1
= 2 x − 2 x 2 + x 3 + x − x 2 + x 3 + ...
3 2 3
5
= 3 x − x 2 + 3 x 3 + ...
2
5
Thus, a = 3, b = −
2

14
2023 TJC H2 Math (9758) JC2 MSM: MACLAURIN’S SERIES (includes Binomial Expansion)

15 Given that y = sin ln (1 − 3x )  , prove that

d2 y dy
(1 − 3x )
− 3 (1 − 3 x ) + 9 y = 0 .
2
2
dx dx
Hence find Maclaurin’s series for y, up to and including the term in x3 . [6]
Deduce an expansion for cos ln (1 − 3x )  up to and including the term in x . 2
[2]
[2009/IJC/Prelim/I/9]
15 [Solution]
y = sin ln (1 − 3x ) 
Differentiate with respect to x :
dy  −3 
=  cos ln (1 − 3 x ) 
dx  1 − 3x 
dy
(1 − 3x ) = −3cos ln (1 − 3x ) 
dx
Differentiate with respect to x :
d2 y dy  −3 
(1 − 3x ) − 3 = 3  sin ln (1 − 3 x ) 
 1 − 3x 
2
dx dx
2
2 d y dy
(1 − 3x ) 2 − 3(1 − 3x) = −9 y
dx dx
2
2 d y dy
(1 − 3x ) 2 − 3(1 − 3x) + 9 y = 0 (Shown)
dx dx
Differentiate with respect to x :
d3 y d2 y dy d2 y dy
(1 − 3x ) 3 + 2 (1 − 3x )( −3) 2 − 3(−3) − 3(1 − 3x) 2 + 9 = 0
2

dx dx dx dx dx
d3 y d2 y dy
(1 − 3x ) 3 − 9 (1 − 3x ) 2 + 18 = 0
2

dx dx dx
dy d2 y d3 y
When x = 0, y =0, = −3 , = −9, = − 27
dx dx 2 dx3
x 2 27 3
 y = −3 x − ( 9 ) − x
2 3!
9 9
 −3 x − x 2 − x 3
2 2

15
2023 TJC H2 Math (9758) JC2 MSM: MACLAURIN’S SERIES (includes Binomial Expansion)

x 2 27 3
15 y = −3 x − ( 9 )
− x
2 3!
dy 27 2
 = −3 − 9 x − x + ...
dx 2
dy  −3 
From = cos ln (1 − 3 x )   ,
dx  1 − 3x 
dy
(1 − 3x ) = −3cos ln (1 − 3 x ) 
dx
1 dy
cos ln (1 − 3x )  = − (1 − 3 x )
3 dx
1  27 2 
cos ln (1 − 3 x )   − (1 − 3 x )  −3 − 9 x − x 
3  2 
9
 1 − x2
2

16
2023 TJC H2 Math (9758) JC2 MSM: MACLAURIN’S SERIES (includes Binomial Expansion)

16 
The diagram shows triangle ABC. It is given that the height AD is h units,  ABD =
6
 A
and  ACD = + x.
4

B D C

Show that if x is sufficiently small for x3 and higher powers of x to be neglected, then
BC  h (1 + 3 − 2x + 2x 2 ) . [5]
[2009/PJC/Prelim P2/1]
16 [Solution]
BC = BD + DC
h h
= +
  
tan tan  + x 
6 4 
h h
= +
1 
tan + tan x
3 4

1 − tan tan x
4
h(1 − tan x)
= h 3+
1 + tan x
h(1 − x)
h 3+
1+ x
= h 3 + h(1 − x)(1 + x)−1
 (−1)( −2) 2 
= h 3 + h(1 − x) 1 + (−1) x + ) x + ...
 2! 
= h 3 + h(1 − x)[1 − x + x 2 + ...]
= h 3 + h(1 − 2 x + 2 x 2 + ...]
 h(1 + 3 − 2 x + 2 x 2 )

17
2023 TJC H2 Math (9758) JC2 MSM: MACLAURIN’S SERIES (includes Binomial Expansion)

17 Given that e y = 3 e + x + sin x .

Show that
2
d2 y  dy 
3e 3y
+ 9e3 y   + sin x = 0. [3]
 dx 
2
dx

Hence, find in terms of e, the Maclaurin’s series for y, up to and including the term in
x2. [4]
[2010/SRJC/Prelim/I/4]
17 [Solution]
e y = 3 e + x + sin x
e3 y = e + x + sin x
Differentiate wrt x,
dy
3e3 y = 1 + cos x
dx
Differentiate wrt x,
2
d2 y  dy 
3e3 y + 9e3 y   = − sin x
 dx 
2
dx
2
d2 y  dy 
3e3 y + 9e3 y   + sin x = 0 (Shown)
 dx 
2
dx
When x = 0,
1
e3 y = e + x + sin x  y =
3
dy dy 2
3e3 y = 1 + cos x  =
dx dx 3e
2 2
d2 y 3 y  dy  d2 y  2 d2 y 4
3e3 y + 9e   + sin x = 0  3e + 9e   = 0  =− 2
 dx   3e 
2 2 2
dx dx dx 3e

Hence, the Maclaurin series of y is

 4 
− 2 
y= + x+
1 2 3e  2
x + ...
3 3e 2!
1 2 2
 + x − 2 x2
3 3e 3e

18
2023 TJC H2 Math (9758) JC2 MSM: MACLAURIN’S SERIES (includes Binomial Expansion)

18
P
5 cm


O
Q R
7 cm

The diagram shows a triangle OPQ with OP = 5 cm , OQ = 7 cm and

POQ =  radians . Given that OP and OR are radii of a circle with centre O and  is
a sufficiently small angle, show that the perimeter of PQR can be approximated by
a + b + c 2 where a, b and c are constants to be determined.

[2018/AJC/Prelim/I/2]

18 [Solution]

PQ 2 = 52 + 7 2 − 2 ( 5 )( 7 ) cos 
 PQ = 74 − 70 cos 

Perimeter of PQR = PQ + QR + arc length PR

1
   2
2
= 74 − 70cos  + 2 + 5   74 − 70 1 −   + 2 + 5
  2 
1
= ( 4 + 35 2 ) 2 + 2 + 5
1
 35  2
= 2 1 +  2  + 2 + 5
 4 
 35  35 2
 2 1 +  2  + 2 + 5 = 4 + 5 + 
 8  4
35
 a = 4, b = 5, c =
4

19
2023 TJC H2 Math (9758) JC2 MSM: MACLAURIN’S SERIES (includes Binomial Expansion)

19 It is given that y = 1 + e tan x .

d2 y 3 2
= ( y 2 − 1) sec2 x , and hence show that when x = 0 ,
dy
Show that 2 y = . [5]
dx dx 2 16
Find
(i) the first three terms of the Maclaurin’s series for y, [1]
dy
(ii) the first two terms of the Maclaurin’s series for , [2]
dx
giving your answers in surd form.
1

Use the series to obtain an approximate value for  y dx , giving your answer in surd
−1

form. [2]
[2009/MI/PU2 Promo/I/7]
19 [Solution]
y = 1 + e tan x
y 2 = 1 + e tan x
Differentiating wrt x,

2 y = ( sec2 x ) e tan x
dy
dx

2 y = ( sec2 x )( y 2 − 1)
dy
 (Shown)
dx
Differentiating wrt x,
2
d2 y  dy 
2 y 2 + 2   = ( y 2 − 1) 2sec 2 x.tan x + 2 y sec 2 x
dy
dx  dx  dx
When x = 0 , y = 2
dy 2
=
dx 4
2
d2 y  2  2
2 2 2 + 2   = 0 + 2 2   .1 = 1
dx  4   4 
d2 y 3 1 2 3
 2
=   = 2 (Shown)
dx 4 2 2 2 16

2 3  x2 
(i) y= 2+ x+ 2   + ...
4 16  2! 
2 3 2 2
y= 2+ x+ x + ...
4 32

20
2023 TJC H2 Math (9758) JC2 MSM: MACLAURIN’S SERIES (includes Binomial Expansion)

19 2 3 2 2
(ii) y= 2+ x+ x + ...
4 32
Differentiating wrt x,
dy 2 3 2
= + ( 2 x ) + ...
dx 4 32
dy 2
  ( 4 + 3x ) (Surd form)
dx 16
1 1
 2 3 2 2
 y dx   
−1 
2 +
4
x +
32
x  dx
−1 
1
 x 2 x3 
= 2 x + + 
 8 32 
−1
 37 29  33
= 2 + = 2 (Surd form)
 32 32  16

21
2023 TJC H2 Math (9758) JC2 MSM: MACLAURIN’S SERIES (includes Binomial Expansion)

x 2
20 If y = 2 tan −1   , show that (x 2
+ 2x + 3 ) ddyx = 2. [1]
 x+3
By further differentiation of the above result, find the Maclaurin’s series expansion for
y in ascending powers of x up to and including the term in x3 .
1
Hence find the first three non-zero terms in the expansion of 2 . [7]
x + 2x + 3
[2008/HCI/Prelim P2/1]
20 [Solution]
x 2
y = 2 tan −1 
 x + 3 
 
 
 
dy
= 2
1   2( x + 3) − x 2 
dx  2 x2   ( x + 3) 2

 1 +   
 ( x + 3) 2 
dy  3 2 
= 2 

 ( x + 3) + 2 x
2 2
dx 
dy 2
 = 2
dx x + 2 x + 3

(
 x2 + 2 x + 3 ) ddyx = 2 (Shown)

Differentiate w.r.t. x,

(x ) ddx y + 2( x + 1) ddyx = 0
2
2
+ 2x + 3 2

( ) ddxy + 2( x + 1) ddx y + 2( x + 1) ddx y + 2 ddyx = 0

3 2 2
 x2 + 2x + 3 3 2 2

( ) ddxy + 4( x + 1) ddx y + 2 ddyx = 0

3 2
 x2 + 2 x + 3 3 2

When x = 0,
dy 2 d2 y 4 d3 y 4
y = 0, = , 2
=− , =
dx 3 dx 9 dx3 27
2 2 2
y x − x 2 + x3 (up term in x 3 )
3 9 81
1 1 dy 1  2 4 2 2
=   − x+
27 
x
x + 2x + 3
2
2 dx 2  3 9
1 2 1 2
= − x+ x
3 9 27

22
2023 TJC H2 Math (9758) JC2 MSM: MACLAURIN’S SERIES (includes Binomial Expansion)

21   dy
Given that y = cot  2 x +  , find an equation relating and y . [2]
 4 dx
d3 y  d 2 y  dy 2 
Hence show that 3 = k  y 2 +    , where k is a constant to be found. [2]
dx  dx  dx  

Find the Maclaurin’s series for y up to and including the term in x3 if x is sufficiently
small for powers of x higher than x3 to be neglected. [2]

 13 
Using the Maclaurin’s expansion for y, estimate the value of cos ec 2   , giving your
 50 
answer in the form a + b + c 2 , where a, b and c are constants to be determined.
[4]
[2009/ACJC/Prelim P1/11]
21 [Solution]
 
y = cot  2 x + 
 4
dy     
 = −2cosec 2  2 x +  = − 2 1 + co t 2  2 x +  
dx  4   4

= −2 (1 + y 2 )
dy

dx
Differentiate wrt x,
d2 y dy
2
= −4 y
dx dx
Differentiate wrt x,
2
d3 y  dy  d2 y
= − 4   − 4 y
dx 3  dx  dx 2
d3 y  d 2 y  dy  2 
 3 = −4  y 2 +    . Therefore, k = −4
dx  dx  dx  
dy d2 y d3 y
When x = 0, y = 1, = −4 , = 16 , = −128
dx dx 2 dx3
  16 128 3
cot  2 x +  = 1 − 4 x + x 2 − x + ...
Therefore,  4 2! 3!
64 3
 1 − 4 x + 8x2 − x
3

23
2023 TJC H2 Math (9758) JC2 MSM: MACLAURIN’S SERIES (includes Binomial Expansion)

  64 3
21 cot  2 x +   1 − 4 x + 8 x 2 − x
 4 3
Differentiating wrt x,
 
−2cosec 2  2 x +   −4 + 16 x − 64 x 2
 4
 
Therefore, cos ec 2  2 x +   2 − 8 x + 32 x 2
 4

 13 
Let 2 x + = . Then x =
4 50 200
Hence,
 13    2
1 1
cosec2   2− + where a = 2, b = − , c =
 50  25 1250 25 1250

24
2023 TJC H2 Math (9758) JC2 MSM: MACLAURIN’S SERIES (includes Binomial Expansion)

−1
dy e tan x
, where tan −1 x denotes the principal value.
22
It is given that =
dx 1 + x 2
(i) Find an expression for y in terms of x given that y = 1 when x = 0. [2]

(ii) Show that 1 + x 2 ( ) d2 y

dx 2
+ (2 x − 1)
dy
dx
= 0. [2]

By further differentiation of the result in (ii), find the Maclaurin’s series for y up to
and including the term in x3. [4]
Hence, deduce the series expansion for
−1
e tan x
(a)
(1 + x)2
−1 x
(b) e2 x+ tan up to and including the term in x2. [4]
[2010/SAJC/Prelim P1/9]
22 [Solution]
−1
dy e tan x
(i) =
dx 1 + x 2
−1
dy e tan x
 dx  1 + x2 dx
dx =
−1
 y = e tan x
+C
When x = 0, y = 1  1 = e0 + C C =0
−1
 y = e tan x

−1
dy e tan x y
(ii) = =
dx 1 + x 2 1 + x 2

(
 1 + x2
dy
dx
=y )
Differentiating w.r.t. x,

(1 + x2 ) d2 y
dx 2
dy dy
+ 2x =
dx dx

(
 1+ x 2
) d2 y
dx 2
dy
+ (2 x − 1) = 0 (shown)
dx

25
2023 TJC H2 Math (9758) JC2 MSM: MACLAURIN’S SERIES (includes Binomial Expansion)

(1 + x ) ddxy + (2 x − 1) ddyx = 0
2
22 2
2

Differentiating w.r.t. x,

(
1+ x
d3 y
2
dx 3 ) d2 y d2 y dy
+ 2 x 2 + (2 x − 1) 2 + 2 = 0
dx dx dx

( )
3 2
d y d y dy
 1 + x2 3
+ (4 x − 1) 2 + 2 = 0
dx dx dx
When x = 0, y = 1 (given)
d3 y
dy d2 y
= 1,
= −1 = 1,
dx3
dx dx 2
1 1
Thus the Maclaurin's Series is y = 1 + x + x 2 − x3 +
2 6
−1
e tan x −1
(a) = e tan x (1 + x) −2
(1 + x) 2

 
1 1
(
= 1 + x + x 2 − x3 + ...  1 − 2 x + 3 x 2 + ...
 2 6 
)
3
= 1 − x + x 2 + ...
2
−1 −1
(b) e 2 x + tan x
= e 2x e tan x

 (2 x) 2  1 1 
= 1 + 2 x + + ... 1 + x + x 2 − x3 + ... 
 2!  2 6 
9
= 1 + 3x + x 2 + ...
2

26
2023 TJC H2 Math (9758) JC2 MSM: MACLAURIN’S SERIES (includes Binomial Expansion)

23 Given that y = ln (1 + sin x ) , show that

dy
(i) ey = cos x , [2]
dx
 d 2 y   dy   dy  dy
3
d3 y
(ii) + 3  2   +   + =0. [3]
dx3  d x   dx   dx  dx

Find the Maclaurin’s series for y up to and including the term in x3. [3]
cos x x2
Hence, or otherwise, show that  1− x + . [2]
1 + sin x 2
[2012/TJC/Prelim P1/6]
23 [Solution]
(i) y = ln (1 + sin x )  e y = 1 + sin x
Diff wrt x, we have
dy
ey = cos x
dx
(ii) Diff wrt x again, we have
2
 dy  d2 y
e y   + e y 2 = − sin x
 dx  dx
Diff wrt x again, we have
 dy   d y   dy   d y 
3
 dy 
2 2
d3 y
e y   + 2e y    2  + e y    2  + e y 3 = − cos x
 dx   dx   dx   dx   dx  dx

 dy   d y   dy   d y 
3
 dy 
2 2
d3 y dy
e   + 2e y    2  + e y    2  + e y 3 = −e y
y

 dx   dx   dx   dx   dx  dx dx

 d 2 y   dy   dy  dy
3
d3 y
 + 3  2   +   + =0 (Shown)
dx3  dx   dx   dx  dx
dy d2 y d3 y
When x = 0, y = 0, = 1, = −1, =1
dx dx 2 dx3
−1 1
y = 0 + 1x + x 2 + x3 +
2! 3!
1 1
 y = x − x 2 + x3 +
2 6
1 1
i.e., ln(1 + sin x) = x − x 2 + x3 +
2 6
1 1
ln(1 + sin x) = x − x 2 + x3 +
2 6
Diff w.r.t. to x, we have
cos x 1 1
= 1 − x + x2 +  1 − x + x 2 (Shown)
1 + sin x 2 2

27