Chapter 5: Problem 67
(a) Find the limit $$\lim _{n \rightarrow+\infty} \sum_{k=1}^{n} \frac{\sin (k \pi / n)}{n}$$ by evaluating an appropriate definite integral over the interval [0,1] (b) Check your answer to part (a) by evaluating the limit directly with a CAS.
Short Answer
Expert verified
The limit evaluates to \( \frac{2}{\pi} \).
Step by step solution
01
Recognize the Expression as a Riemann Sum
The given expression \( \lim _{n \rightarrow+\infty} \sum_{k=1}^{n} \frac{\sin (k \pi / n)}{n} \) resembles a Riemann sum. Specifically, consider the function \( f(x) = \sin(\pi x) \) over the interval \([0,1]\), where \( \frac{k}{n} \) is the partition point, and \( \frac{1}{n} \) is the width of each subinterval. The expression approximates \( \int_{0}^{1} \sin(\pi x) \, dx \).
02
Set Up the Definite Integral
Based on the form of the Riemann sum, the definite integral to evaluate is: \[ \int_{0}^{1} \sin(\pi x) \, dx. \] This integral represents the limit of the Riemann sum as \( n \to \infty \).
03
Evaluate the Definite Integral
To evaluate \( \int_{0}^{1} \sin(\pi x) \, dx \), use substitution. Let \( u = \pi x \), then \( du = \pi \, dx \), or \( dx = \frac{du}{\pi} \). The limits of integration transform from \(0\) to \(\pi\). The integral becomes: \[ \int_{0}^{\pi} \sin(u) \frac{du}{\pi} = \frac{1}{\pi} \int_{0}^{\pi} \sin(u) \, du. \] This evaluates to: \[ \frac{1}{\pi} \Big[-\cos(u) \Big]_{0}^{\pi} = \frac{2}{\pi}. \]
04
Verify Using CAS
Using a Computer Algebra System (CAS), input the sum \( \lim_{n \to \infty} \sum_{k=1}^{n} \frac{\sin(k\pi/n)}{n} \). The CAS should confirm that the limit evaluates to \( \frac{2}{\pi} \), verifying our integral approach.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Definite Integral
A definite integral is a fundamental concept in calculus, representing the limit of a Riemann sum as the number of subintervals increases to infinity. In simple terms, it helps us calculate the area under a curve over a specific interval.
For example, when faced with the expression \( \lim _{n \rightarrow+\infty} \sum_{k=1}^{n} \frac{\sin (k \pi / n)}{n} \), we can see that this resembles a Riemann sum. This means it can be approximated by a definite integral to find the area under the curve \( f(x) = \sin(\pi x) \) over the interval \([0, 1]\).
The definite integral is set up as \( \int_{0}^{1} \sin(\pi x) \, dx \), representing the Riemann sum as \( n \) approaches infinity. Evaluating this integral gives us a precise area which, for this exercise, is \( \frac{2}{\pi} \). This shows how definite integrals serve as a tool for finding exact solutions in calculus when approximations aren't enough.
For example, when faced with the expression \( \lim _{n \rightarrow+\infty} \sum_{k=1}^{n} \frac{\sin (k \pi / n)}{n} \), we can see that this resembles a Riemann sum. This means it can be approximated by a definite integral to find the area under the curve \( f(x) = \sin(\pi x) \) over the interval \([0, 1]\).
The definite integral is set up as \( \int_{0}^{1} \sin(\pi x) \, dx \), representing the Riemann sum as \( n \) approaches infinity. Evaluating this integral gives us a precise area which, for this exercise, is \( \frac{2}{\pi} \). This shows how definite integrals serve as a tool for finding exact solutions in calculus when approximations aren't enough.
Limit Evaluation
Evaluating limits is an essential part of calculus, allowing us to examine what happens to a function or expression as a certain variable approaches a specific value, often infinity.
In this exercise, the limit evaluation enables us to transition from a Riemann sum to a calculus expression that captures an infinite number of points. We examine \( \lim _{n \rightarrow+\infty} \sum_{k=1}^{n} \frac{\sin(k\pi/n)}{n} \) to understand how it approaches an exact value. By comparing this with the corresponding definite integral, \( \int_{0}^{1} \sin(\pi x) \, dx \), we recognize that as \( n \to \infty \), the sum narrows down to the integral limit.
Evaluating the limit directly through computational methods or a CAS (Computer Algebra System) can confirm our integral findings, providing a valuable cross-verification tool. This not only ensures mathematical accuracy but also deepens understanding through different computational perspectives.
In this exercise, the limit evaluation enables us to transition from a Riemann sum to a calculus expression that captures an infinite number of points. We examine \( \lim _{n \rightarrow+\infty} \sum_{k=1}^{n} \frac{\sin(k\pi/n)}{n} \) to understand how it approaches an exact value. By comparing this with the corresponding definite integral, \( \int_{0}^{1} \sin(\pi x) \, dx \), we recognize that as \( n \to \infty \), the sum narrows down to the integral limit.
Evaluating the limit directly through computational methods or a CAS (Computer Algebra System) can confirm our integral findings, providing a valuable cross-verification tool. This not only ensures mathematical accuracy but also deepens understanding through different computational perspectives.
Trigonometric Functions
Trigonometric functions, like sine, play a crucial role in this exercise. These functions are vital in mathematics due to their periodic nature, which can model cycles or oscillations.
In the given expression, \( \sin(k\pi/n) \) is integral to forming the Riemann sum. When approaching the definite integral \( \int_{0}^{1} \sin(\pi x) \, dx \), the sine function's properties ensure the accurate computation of the area under its curve from \( 0 \) to \( \pi \).
Understanding the characteristics of the sine function, such as its periodicity and how it behaves over defined intervals, helps simplify the integration process. By using substitution, \( u = \pi x \), we transform and evaluate the integral more effectively. The trigonometric properties assist us in finding the solution, which, for this integration, results in \( \frac{2}{\pi} \), demonstrating how intricate mathematical patterns can be simplified with deeper insights into trigonometric behavior.
In the given expression, \( \sin(k\pi/n) \) is integral to forming the Riemann sum. When approaching the definite integral \( \int_{0}^{1} \sin(\pi x) \, dx \), the sine function's properties ensure the accurate computation of the area under its curve from \( 0 \) to \( \pi \).
Understanding the characteristics of the sine function, such as its periodicity and how it behaves over defined intervals, helps simplify the integration process. By using substitution, \( u = \pi x \), we transform and evaluate the integral more effectively. The trigonometric properties assist us in finding the solution, which, for this integration, results in \( \frac{2}{\pi} \), demonstrating how intricate mathematical patterns can be simplified with deeper insights into trigonometric behavior.