Chapter 9: Problem 92
In Exercises 85-96, find the sum. \( \displaystyle \sum_{j=3}^{5} \frac{1}{j^2 - 3} \)
Short Answer
Expert verified
The sum is \(\frac{1}{6} + \frac{1}{13} + \frac{1}{22}\)
Step by step solution
01
Identify Components
The general form of this summation is \(\frac{1}{j^2 - 3}\) and the lower and upper bounds are 3 and 5, respectively.
02
Substitute Values
For every value of j from 3 to 5, substitute it into \(\frac{1}{j^2 - 3}\): For \(j = 3\), the term is \(\frac{1}{3^2 - 3} = \frac{1}{6}\). For \(j = 4\), the term is \(\frac{1}{4^2 - 3} = \frac{1}{13}\). For \(j = 5\), the term is \(\frac{1}{5^2 - 3} = \frac{1}{22}\).
03
Adding-up
Adding those terms, the final sum is therefore \(\frac{1}{6} + \frac{1}{13} + \frac{1}{22}\)
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Fraction Simplification
In the given problem, the expression inside the summation is a fraction: \( \frac{1}{j^2 - 3} \). To successfully simplify this fraction, it's essential to understand what is being expressed here. We are essentially finding the reciprocal of the expression \( j^2 - 3 \). Each time you substitute a new value of \( j \) into this expression, a new fraction is formed. Here's a closer look at simplifying these fractions:
- Analyze the Denominator: The denominator is a quadratic expression, \( j^2 - 3 \). It varies depending on the value of \( j \) you substitute into it.
- Evaluate for Each \( j \): When \( j = 3 \), the fraction simplifies to \( \frac{1}{6} \) because \( 3^2 - 3 = 6 \). Whenever possible, break down terms to their simplest form. This will make further calculations easier.
- Repeat for Each Term: Repeating this process for \( j = 4 \) and \( j = 5 \) gives \( \frac{1}{13} \) and \( \frac{1}{22} \) respectively.
Series Evaluation
Series evaluation refers to the process of finding the sum of the terms of a sequence. In the exercise, we deal with a small finite series defined by the summation notation \( \sum_{j=3}^{5} \frac{1}{j^2 - 3} \). To evaluate this series, we aim to add the individual terms derived from each value of \( j \) within the defined bounds.Let's break down the steps to evaluate this type of series:
- Define the Terms: First, understand that each term of this series is an individual fraction calculated by substituting each integer from 3 to 5 into \( \frac{1}{j^2 - 3} \).
- Add the Fractions: Once these terms are calculated (\( \frac{1}{6}, \frac{1}{13}, \frac{1}{22} \)), they are summed together to find the series' total value.
- Simplify the Result: Adding fractions involves finding a common denominator or simply adding them using a calculator for precision.
Mathematical Sequences
Mathematical sequences are ordered lists of numbers defined by a specific rule. In this exercise, the sequence involves integer values from 3 to 5, each providing a term within the series \( \sum_{j=3}^{5} \frac{1}{j^2 - 3} \).To better understand sequences, consider:
- Sequence Definition: A sequence is defined by a starting point and a rule for determining subsequent terms. Here, the rule is given by \( \frac{1}{j^2 - 3} \) and the sequence values are the integers from 3 to 5.
- Finite versus Infinite: The sequence in this exercise is finite because it ends after three terms. Sequences can also be infinite, depending on the problem context.
- Applications: Identifying a sequence helps break down complex problems into smaller, manageable parts.