Taylor series

Date: Thu, 3 Nov 94 11:23:15 EST
From: Brian Sledd
Subject: Taylor series

Dr. Math,

Please describe the Taylor series. Try to make it as simple as 
possible...

   Brian

Date: Thu, 3 Nov 1994 20:46:52 -0500 (EST)
From: Dr. Ethan
Subject: Re: Taylor series

Hi Brian,

Essentially the idea behind Taylor series is that if two
functions have the same value at a point and all of their 
derivatives are equal as well, at that point essentially the 
two equations are equal. This is not an absolute but for most 
functions this is the case.  So given a nasty equation we can 
come up with a polynomial that has the same first second third 
fourth .... derivative and therefore is a very good 
approximation.  

     I hope that sheds some light on the topic.  If you want 
more, write back and we'll try to give you some more.

-Doctor Ethan,  The Math Forum
 Check out our web site!  http://mathforum.org/dr.math/