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Taylor Series Convergence

Polynomial approximations and radius of convergence

Function

Series Formula

f(x) = Σ f⁽ⁿ⁾(a)/n! · (x−a)ⁿ

Science

A Taylor series approximates a smooth function by an infinite polynomial. The radius of convergence R determines where the series converges:

R = lim |aₙ/aₙ₊₁|

For entire functions (sin, cos, exp), R=∞. For ln(1+x), R=1 — the singularity at x=−1 limits convergence. For arctan(x), R=1 due to poles at ±i in the complex plane.

Notice the Gibbs-like overshoot near the boundary of convergence.