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taylor-series

Shows a function f(x)=1/(1-x) (dim) and its Taylor polynomial P_N(x)=Σ_{k=0..N} x^k (bright). N increases over time to illustrate truncation approaching the full power series near the center a=0. A shaded band marks the radius of convergence |x-a|<1, and a moving probe displays the remainder magnitude |R_N(x)|=|f(x)-P_N(x)| to connect convergence with diminishing error where the series matches the function.

canvasclick to interact
t=0s

practical uses

  • 01.Approximating functions locally for fast computation (e.g., sin, exp, rational approximations)
  • 02.Deriving and reasoning about numerical methods and error bounds (remainders)
  • 03.Analyzing convergence behavior of power series solutions in physics/engineering (ODEs, generating functions)

technical notes

Pure Canvas2D; blocky grid snapping and pixel-style DDA lines. Animation cycles N discretely with eased blending between successive polynomials for smooth transitions. Uses a known series with finite radius of convergence (1/(1-x), R=1) to make convergence region and divergence visually clear; avoids plotting near the singularity at x=1 for stability.