Past exam of the mathematics course of the University of Cambridge 2014 ib Paper 2 19C Solution Created 2026-09-24 Updated 2026-10-06
For the Peano kernel theorem, the integral Taylor remainder isHere . The error functional must be linear, vanish on every polynomial of degree at most , and permit its action to be interchanged with this remainder integral. The last regularity condition holds for the finite combinations of point evaluations and derivative evaluations used below, by applying the corresponding differentiated remainder formula. Under these conditions the polynomial terms vanish, yielding
For the three-point asymmetric second-derivative formula, choose the error convention . Exactness on giveshenceApplying to , for almost every , gives the Peano kernelThe value at is immaterial to the integral. The sketch rises from zero through at one to the left limit at two, jumps down to the right limit , and then rises to zero at three.
The sharp error constants for a Peano kernel are the corresponding integral-operator norms. HereAs ,Indeed, and . They are best possible even for : for , choose continuous nonnegative third derivatives concentrated just left of two with unit integral; for , approximate the sign of by continuous functions of supremum norm one. Integrating any such third derivative three times supplies an admissible , and the resulting ratios approach the stated constants.
Peano kernel for the asymmetric three-point second derivative, showing its jump at two and the positive and negative regions controlling sharp error bounds
. Sharp error constants for a Peano kernel 2026-10-06
If , the best unrestricted derivative-norm bounds are and . Continuous concentrated bumps approach the first constant, and continuous approximations to approach the second. For the three-point asymmetric second-derivative formula, these constants are and .
