Thomas' Calculus 13th Edition

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0-32187-896-5
ISBN 13: 978-0-32187-896-0

Chapter 10: Infinite Sequences and Series - Section 10.1 - Sequences - Exercises 10.1 - Page 572: 136

Answer

$ a.\quad$After a few (4) approximations, 1.5707963267949 repeats to the 13th decimal place. $ b.\quad$ The line segments $(\cos x_{n})$, when very small, almost equal in length the arc length needed in the sum with $x_{n}$ to yield a quarter-circle arc of length $\pi/2.$ (See image.)

Work Step by Step

$ a.\quad$ Set up a spreadsheet, placing 1 in cell A1. In cell A2, enter the formula =A1+COS(A1) and copy-paste down column A. This results in: 1 1.54030230586814 1.57079160102426 1.5707963267949 1.5707963267949 1.5707963267949 (Entering "=pi()/2" into a cell, produces 1.5707963267949.) $ b.\quad$ With each next approximation (brown segments), the $\cos x_{n}$ (horizontal line segment) gets very close to the length of the (red) arc needed to complete (blue) $x_{n}$ arc to $\pi/2$, the quarter-circumference of the unit circle. See image.
Update this answer!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this answer.

Update this answer

After you claim an answer you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.