Chapter 9: Problem 7
Determine whether the series converges, and if so find its sum. $$ \sum_{k=1}^{\infty} \frac{1}{(k+2)(k+3)} $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The series converges to \( \frac{1}{3} \).
Step by step solution
01
Decompose the fraction
Notice that the term in the series can be decomposed using partial fractions. Let's write \[ \frac{1}{(k+2)(k+3)} = \frac{A}{k+2} + \frac{B}{k+3}. \]By clearing the fractions we get\[ 1 = A(k+3) + B(k+2). \]Expanding and rearranging terms gives: \[ 1 = (A+B)k + (3A + 2B). \]This must hold for all \(k\), so set the coefficients equal:\[ A + B = 0 \]and\[ 3A + 2B = 1. \]
02
Solve for the coefficients
From \(A + B = 0\), we have \(B = -A\). Substitute \(B = -A\) into \(3A + 2B = 1\):\[ 3A + 2(-A) = 1 \]\[ 3A - 2A = 1 \]\[ A = 1. \]Now, substitute \(A = 1\) into \(B = -A\):\[ B = -1. \]Thus, \(\frac{1}{(k+2)(k+3)} = \frac{1}{k+2} - \frac{1}{k+3}.\)
03
Recognize the telescoping nature
The series terms are now\[ \sum_{k=1}^{\infty} \left( \frac{1}{k+2} - \frac{1}{k+3} \right). \]This is a telescoping series, which means when expanded, most terms cancel with each other. Let's write out the first few terms:\[ \left( \frac{1}{3} - \frac{1}{4} \right) + \left( \frac{1}{4} - \frac{1}{5} \right) + \left( \frac{1}{5} - \frac{1}{6} \right) + \dots \]
04
Determine the convergence and find the sum
In a telescoping series, cancellation occurs such that only the first few and the last few terms remain:- The \( \frac{1}{3} \) term from the beginning does not get canceled.- As \(k\) tends to infinity, the \( \frac{1}{k+3} \) approaches zero.Therefore, the sum of the series is the first term that did not get canceled, which is \( \frac{1}{3} \). Therefore, the series converges and its sum is \( \frac{1}{3} \).
Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!
-
Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
-
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
-
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
-
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.
Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91Ó°ÊÓ!
Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Partial Fractions
Partial fractions is a technique used to break down complex fractions into simpler individual fractions to make problems easier to handle, especially in calculus and algebra.When you have a fraction with a product in the denominator, as in \( \frac{1}{(k+2)(k+3)} \), it can be expressed as a sum of two separate fractions, \( \frac{A}{k+2} + \frac{B}{k+3} \).Here’s a simple breakdown of how it works:
- Start with expressing the original fraction as two partial fractions.
- Clear the denominators by multiplying through by \( (k+2)(k+3) \).
- This should give you an equation in terms of \( k \).
- By matching coefficients for each \( k \) term, you set up equations to solve for unknowns \( A \) and \( B \).
Series Convergence
Series convergence refers to whether the sum of an infinite series approaches a specific value. When a series converges, it means that as more terms are added, the total sum gets closer to a particular number.To determine convergence, we often analyze the general term: in this problem, \( \frac{1}{(k+2)(k+3)} \).Key points include:
- A series converges if the sequence of its partial sums approaches a limit as the number of terms increases.
- In telescoping series, most terms cancel out, simplifying determining convergence.
- Tests like the Ratio Test or Comparison Test can be used, but special series like telescoping often reveal convergence through simplification.
Infinite Series
An infinite series is a sum of infinitely many terms. It has a start but no end, and understanding whether it converges or diverges is key to working with it effectively.Some aspects to remember:
- Each term in an infinite series is a function of an index which runs to infinity, such as \( k \) in \( \frac{1}{(k+2)(k+3)} \).
- Just because a series is infinite doesn't mean it lacks a finite sum—convergent series have finite sums.
- Different methods and series types (like geometric, harmonic, etc.) require different techniques to evaluate the sum.