Chapter 6: Problem 14
Use the sequence of partial sums to show that the given series is convergent. $$ \sum_{k=1}^{\infty} \frac{i}{k(k+1)} $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The series converges to i.
Step by step solution
01
Identify the General Term of the Series
The general term of the given series is \( a_k = \frac{i}{k(k+1)} \). The aim is to express this term in a form that allows us to find the sequence of partial sums.
02
Perform Partial Fraction Decomposition
The term \( \frac{i}{k(k+1)} \) can be decomposed using partial fractions. We express it as:\[\frac{i}{k(k+1)} = \frac{A}{k} + \frac{B}{k+1}\]Multiplying through by \( k(k+1) \) and equating coefficients yields:\[i = A(k+1) + Bk\]\[i = Ak + A + Bk \Rightarrow Ak + Bk + A = i\]Comparing coefficients of like terms, we have:\[A + B = 0 \A = i \]Solving these gives:\( A = i \), \( B = -i \), so\[\frac{i}{k(k+1)} = \frac{i}{k} - \frac{i}{k+1}\]
03
Write the Partial Sum
The nth partial sum \( S_n \) of the series is a sum of the first n terms:\[S_n = \left( \frac{i}{1} - \frac{i}{2} \right) + \left( \frac{i}{2} - \frac{i}{3} \right) + \cdots + \left( \frac{i}{n} - \frac{i}{n+1} \right)\]
04
Simplify the Partial Sum Using Telescoping
Notice that most terms will cancel each other in the series, leaving us with:\[S_n = i \left( 1 - \frac{1}{n+1} \right)\]This is because all intermediate terms from \( \frac{i}{2} \) to \( \frac{i}{n} \) cancel out.
05
Determine the Limit of the Partial Sum as n Approaches Infinity
To determine whether the series converges, find the limit of \( S_n \) as \( n \to \infty \):\[\lim_{n \to \infty} S_n = \lim_{n \to \infty} i \left( 1 - \frac{1}{n+1} \right) = i\]Since this limit is finite, the series converges.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Partial Sums
In the context of series, a partial sum is the sum of the first n terms of a sequence. When you consider partial sums, your goal is to evaluate the behavior of a series as you add more and more terms. Essentially, it's like snapping pieces together to build a larger picture.
- To find the nth partial sum, you add up the terms from the first term up to the nth term.
- This is denoted as \( S_n \), where \( n \) is the number of terms being summed.
Partial Fraction Decomposition
Partial fraction decomposition is a handy technique in algebra that simplifies complex rational expressions into simpler fractions. This approach is especially useful when you want to break down a term that otherwise seems difficult to handle or analyze.
- In the given series, the term \( \frac{i}{k(k+1)} \) is decomposed into a sum of simpler fractions.
- This method involves expressing the term as the sum of two separate fractions: \( \frac{A}{k} + \frac{B}{k+1} \).
Telescoping Series
A telescoping series is a special type of series where many terms cancel each other out, making it easier to find the sum. This technique resembles the compact nature of a telescope, where sections slide into each other, reducing total length.
- When you apply telescoping to a series, it reveals how terms within the series can cancel out sequentially.
- In this exercise, after decomposition, most terms cancel out except for the very first and the last term of the sum.
Limit of Sequence
Finding the limit of a sequence helps us understand the behavior of a series as the number of terms goes to infinity. It's the process of answering, "What happens when we keep adding more and more terms?"
- The limit evaluates what the sequence looks like as \( n \) becomes very large.
- In the solution, the limit is calculated from the expression \( S_n = i \left( 1 - \frac{1}{n+1} \right) \).