What is the equation of the line tangent to # f(x)=x^2/e^x-x/e^(x^2) # at # x=0#?

1 Answer
Nov 2, 2016

#f'(x)=-1#

Explanation:

Let's rewrite the function as #f(x)=x^2e^{-x}-xe^{-x^2}#

Reminding that the Mac Laurin of #e^x# is #1+x+x^2/2+o(x^2)#,
the one of #e^{-x}# is #1-x+x^2/2+o(x^2)#,
and the one of #e^{-x^2}# is # 1-x^2+x^4/2+o(x^4)#
By replacing them, we get
#f(x)=x^2(1-x+x^2/2+o(x^2))-x(1-x^2+x^4/2+o(x^4))#.
By carrying out the multiplication we get
#-x+x^2+x^4/2-x^5/2+o(x^4)#
In the end #f'(0)=-1#, i.e. the coefficient of the linear term in the Mac Laurin polynomial for #f(x)#
Enjoy!