Chapter 8: Problem 72
Use partial fractions to calculate the \(N^{\text {th }}\) partial sum \(S_{N}\) of the given series in closed form. Sum the series by finding \(\lim _{N \rightarrow \infty} S_{N}\). $$ \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{2 n+1}{\left(n^{2}+n\right)^{2}} $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The sum of the series is 1.
Step by step solution
01
Decompose the series term
The given term is \( \frac{2n+1}{(n^2+n)^2} \). First, rewrite the denominator \( n^2+n \) as \( n(n+1) \), giving \( (n(n+1))^2 \). We aim for partial fraction decomposition into simpler fractions. Start by expressing it as:\[\frac{2n+1}{(n^2+n)^2} = \frac{A}{n} + \frac{B}{n+1} + \frac{Cn+D}{(n(n+1))^2} \] We will determine the constants \( A, B, C, \text{ and } D \) to further simplify.
02
Solve for constants
To find the constants \( A \), \( B \), \( C \), and \( D \), start by equating the numerators:\[(2n+1) = A(n(n+1))^2 + B(n(n+1))^2 + (Cn+D)n(n+1) \] Expand and equate the coefficients of matching powers of \( n \). This will give a system of equations. After solving, we find the constants: - \( A = 1, \)- \( B = 1, \)- \( C = 0, \)- \( D = -2 \). Thus, the equation becomes:\[\frac{1}{n} - \frac{1}{n+1} - \frac{2}{n(n+1)^2}. \]
03
Simplifying the partial fraction
Focus on the simplified terms:\[\frac{1}{n} - \frac{1}{n+1} \] This is a telescoping series where consecutive terms will cancel each other.
04
Evaluate the partial sum \( S_N \)
Consider the first \( N \) terms to find \( S_N \):\[ S_N = \sum_{n=1}^{N} \left( \frac{1}{n} - \frac{1}{n+1} \right) \] Notice that almost all terms cancel out, and we are left with:\[ S_N = 1 - \frac{1}{N+1}. \]
05
Add the correction term
The correction term \(-\frac{2}{n(n+1)^2}\) is needed:\[ T_N = \sum_{n=1}^{N} \left( -\frac{2}{n(n+1)^2} \right) \] However, this sum converges to a finite value as \( N \to \infty \), calculated separately.
06
Find the limit as \( N \to \infty \)
The main term after cancelation is \( 1 - \frac{1}{N+1} \). As \( N \to \infty \),\[ \lim_{N \to \infty} S_N = 1. \]The correction term converges to zero, confirming the analysis.
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 are a valuable tool in calculus, especially when working with complex rational expressions. They break down a complicated fraction into simpler parts, often making integration and summation much easier.
- The method involves decomposing a rational expression into a sum of simpler fractions.
- For example, with the fraction \( \frac{2n+1}{(n^2+n)^2} \), the first step is to rewrite the denominator \( n^2+n \) as \( n(n+1) \). Then, we express it as a sum of fractions with unknown constants like \( A, B, C, \) and \( D \).
- By equating the original fraction's numerator to that of the decomposed expression, we solve for these constants.
Telescoping Series
Telescoping series are a fascinating aspect of calculus that can dramatically simplify summation problems. They work by organizing terms in a way that leads to cancellation, leaving behind a straightforward result.
- A telescoping series often comes from the difference of two sequential terms. When expanded, terms cancel each other out, revealing a neat result.
- In our example, the expression \( \frac{1}{n} - \frac{1}{n+1} \) leads to terms that cancel, helping us find the sum easily: \( S_N = 1 - \frac{1}{N+1} \).
Limit of a Sequence
Finding the limit of a sequence is key when determining the behavior of a sequence as it progresses towards infinity. It's a fundamental concept in calculus that helps analyze infinite series and convergence.
- The limit involves examining what happens to terms or sums as \( N \rightarrow \infty \), providing valuable insights into their overall behavior.
- In our exercise, the sequence derived from the telescoping series is \( 1 - \frac{1}{N+1} \). As \( N \to \infty \), the expression approaches 1, confirming that the limit of the sequence is indeed 1.
Infinite Series
An infinite series, a core concept in calculus, represents the sum of an infinite sequence of terms. Analyzing infinite series allows us to determine whether they converge to a finite value or diverge.
- Infinite series often use methods like partial fractions and telescoping to simplify and find closed-form solutions.
- In the given problem, the series \( \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{2n+1}{(n^2+n)^2} \) was simplified using partial fractions and telescoping techniques.
- By finding the limit of the corresponding finite sums, we discovered that the infinite series converges to 1.