The function $\tan x - x$ has exactly one root $x_n$ in the interval $(n\pi, (n + \frac{1}{2})\pi)$. Show that $$x_n = n\pi + \frac{\pi}{2} - \frac{1}{n\pi} + r_n$$ where $\lim_{n\rightarrow \infty} n r_n = 0$.
I think I should try to use Taylor expansion some way, but I am not seeing how to do this.
I am not sure but let $y_n=\tan[x_n-n\pi]$. Then we have $$\tan x_n - n\pi = x_n - n\pi.$$ Thus, using $\tan(x_n)=\tan(x_n-n\pi)$, $$y_n - n\pi = \arctan(y_n).$$ Now use $\arctan(y)+\arctan(1/y)=\pi/2$ to obtain $$y_n+\arctan(1/y_n)=n\pi + \pi/2.$$ Now, because $y_n \rightarrow \infty$, you can use a Taylor expansion of $\arctan$ around 0. This should give you the solution.