We first encounter the function sin(x) when using right-angled triangles, where sine of an angle is defined to be the ratio of the length of the side opposite the angle to the length of the hypotenuse. Clearly this ratio must give a number which varies continuously between 0 and 1 as the angle varies from 0 to 90 degrees .

However, your calculator will give you a value of sin(x) for any value of x you care to choose, no matter how big or small. Calculators do not do this by 'drawing triangles'. Instead they approximate sin(x) by a polynomial function. In this problem we shall investigate the properties of these polynomials.

Look at an approximation by a cubic polynomial:

$$ \sin(x)\approx a + b x + c x^2+ d x^3\quad\quad\mbox{where }\, a, b, c \,\mbox{ and } \, d \,\mbox{ are constants} $$ (where $x$ is in radians). By experimenting with the numerical values of $\sin(x)$ what values would you suggest for the constants?

Extend your solution to 4th, 5th and higher order polynomials.

Test the accuracy of your final solution over a range 0 to $\pi$ radians.

Why is it sufficient to work within this range?

Extension : Repeat this challenge to find approximations for $\cos(x)$ and $\log(1+x)$.

Discussion point : Why does it make sense to be able to approximate $\sin(x)$ by a polynomial? What other functions do you think would have polynomial approximations? Do you think that all functions can be approximated by polynomials?