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Taylor Series Explained

The document explains the Taylor series, a mathematical formula for expanding functions that are infinitely differentiable at a point. It provides the general formula and an example using the exponential function, detailing its derivatives and the resulting Maclaurin series. The Taylor series is highlighted for its usefulness in approximating complex functions, improving computational efficiency, solving differential equations, and applications in machine learning and AI.

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11 views1 page

Taylor Series Explained

The document explains the Taylor series, a mathematical formula for expanding functions that are infinitely differentiable at a point. It provides the general formula and an example using the exponential function, detailing its derivatives and the resulting Maclaurin series. The Taylor series is highlighted for its usefulness in approximating complex functions, improving computational efficiency, solving differential equations, and applications in machine learning and AI.

Uploaded by

danieola19
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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3/4/25, 8:38 PM Taylor Series Explained

Formula for Taylor Series


For a function f (x) that is infinitely differentiable at a point a, the Taylor series expansion around x =a
is:

′ f ′′ (a) 2 f ′′′ (a)


f (x) = f (a) + f (a)(x − a) + (x − a) + (x − a)3 + …
2! 3!
​ ​

Or in summation notation:
∞
f (n) (a)
f (x) = ∑ (x − a)n
n!
​

n=0

where:
f (n) (a) is the n-th derivative of f (x) evaluated at x = a.
n! (n factorial) is the product of all integers from 1 to n.

Common Example: Taylor Series of ex at a = 0 (Maclaurin Series)


For f (x) = ex , all derivatives are ex , and at x = 0, they are all 1. So the Taylor series at a = 0 (called
the Maclaurin series) is:

x x2 x3 x4
e =1+x+ + + +…
2! 3! 4!
​ ​ ​

Why is the Taylor Series Useful?


1. Approximations: It allows us to approximate complex functions using polynomials.
2. Computational Efficiency: In physics and engineering, calculations using polynomials are often
easier.
3. Solving Differential Equations: Used in numerical methods and physics.
4. Machine Learning & AI: Helps in gradient-based optimizations.

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