Question

Approximate e^-0.6 to 3 decimal places.
I am not sure how to approach this without a calculator. I don't think we are allowed to use a calculator but I'm not 100% sure on that either.

Answer 1

well, it is easy enough with a calculator; there's an e^x button.

can you use Taylor Series?
e^x = 1 + x + 1/2 x^2 + 1/6 x^3 + ...
1 + (-.6) = 0.4
1 + (-.6) + (-.6)^2/2 = 0.58
...+(-0.6)^3/3!+(-0.6)^4/4! = 0.5494
...+(-0.6)^5/5!+(-0.6)^6/6! = 0.5488

what other approximation tools are available to you?

Answer 2

We haven't learned the Taylor Series. But it's okay! Luckily enough we're allowed to use a calculator :) Thank you!