Worked solution
Approximate a shifted tangent using an exact identity
If x is sufficiently small for terms in x higher than to be negligible, obtain an approximation for .
CJC · Lecture · Self-Practice 3
Use tangent addition before expanding
Both copies print only the answer. Independently put u=x/3 and use
Since , its cubic correction cannot affect the requested quadratic coefficients near u=0.
Keep both sources of the quadratic term
Through the quadratic order,
Substitute u=x/3 to get the printed answer . This is an approximation to the original shifted tangent, not an exact finite identity.
Common mistakes
Do not approximate tan(π/4+x/3) by π/4+x/3; only the small increment can use the zero-centred tangent series.
Solution notes
Printed answer retained; derivation independently supplied. The existing Discussion tan(π/4+x) problem has a different argument and additional asks; its canonical identity is unchanged. No marks or attribution.