Math Problem Statement

Determine the first three nonzero terms in the Taylor polynomial approximation for the initial value problem 2x'' + 9tx = 0; x(0) = 1, x'(0) = 0.

Solution

To solve the initial value problem and determine the first three nonzero terms in the Taylor series expansion for x(t)x(t), let us carefully go step by step:

The given equation is:

2x+9tx=0,x(0)=1,x(0)=0.2x'' + 9t x = 0, \quad x(0) = 1, \quad x'(0) = 0.

We are tasked with finding the Taylor expansion up to three nonzero terms.


Step 1: Write the Taylor series form for x(t)x(t):

x(t)=x(0)+x(0)t+x(0)2!t2+x(0)3!t3+x(t) = x(0) + x'(0)t + \frac{x''(0)}{2!}t^2 + \frac{x'''(0)}{3!}t^3 + \cdots


Step 2: Use initial conditions:

From x(0)=1x(0) = 1 and x(0)=0x'(0) = 0, we have the first two terms: x(t)=1+0t+x(0)2!t2+x(0)3!t3+x(t) = 1 + 0t + \frac{x''(0)}{2!}t^2 + \frac{x'''(0)}{3!}t^3 + \cdots


Step 3: Compute x(0)x''(0):

From the differential equation 2x+9tx=02x'' + 9t x = 0, substitute t=0t = 0: 2x(0)+9(0)x(0)=0    x(0)=0.2x''(0) + 9(0)x(0) = 0 \implies x''(0) = 0.

Thus, the Taylor expansion becomes: x(t)=1+0t+0t2+x(0)3!t3+x(t) = 1 + 0t + 0t^2 + \frac{x'''(0)}{3!}t^3 + \cdots


Step 4: Compute x(0)x'''(0):

Differentiate the equation 2x+9tx=02x'' + 9t x = 0 with respect to tt: 2x+9(x+tx)=0.2x''' + 9(x + tx') = 0.

At t=0t = 0, substitute x(0)=1x(0) = 1 and x(0)=0x'(0) = 0: 2x(0)+9(1+0)=0    2x(0)+9=0    x(0)=92.2x'''(0) + 9(1 + 0) = 0 \implies 2x'''(0) + 9 = 0 \implies x'''(0) = -\frac{9}{2}.

Now the Taylor expansion becomes: x(t)=1+0t+0t2+926t3+=134t3+x(t) = 1 + 0t + 0t^2 + \frac{-\frac{9}{2}}{6}t^3 + \cdots = 1 - \frac{3}{4}t^3 + \cdots


Final Result:

The first three nonzero terms of the Taylor approximation are: x(t)=134t3+x(t) = 1 - \frac{3}{4}t^3 + \cdots

Would you like a deeper explanation of any step or related expansions?


Here are five related questions for further understanding:

  1. How is the Taylor series derived for a general differential equation?
  2. Why do we compute derivatives up to the required terms for Taylor expansions?
  3. Can you explore how higher-order terms would change the approximation?
  4. What are the practical uses of Taylor approximations in solving differential equations?
  5. How does the convergence of a Taylor series affect its accuracy in approximating solutions?

Tip: Always cross-verify computed derivatives and coefficients when deriving Taylor expansions to ensure accuracy.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Differential Equations
Taylor Series Expansion
Initial Value Problems
Series Approximations

Formulas

Taylor series: x(t) = x(0) + x'(0)t + (x''(0)/2!)t^2 + (x'''(0)/3!)t^3 + ...
Differential equation: 2x'' + 9tx = 0

Theorems

Taylor Expansion Theorem
Fundamental Theorem of Calculus (used implicitly in solving derivatives)

Suitable Grade Level

Undergraduate Math or Advanced High School (Grades 11-12)