Series Math Problem: Finding the Value of an Infinite Series

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on evaluating the infinite series defined by the expression \(\sum _{n=1} ^{\infty} \left[ \tan ^{-1} (n+1) - \tan ^{-1} (n) \right]\), which converges to \(\frac{\pi}{2}\). Participants reference the Taylor series expansion for \(\tan^{-1} x\) as \(\tan ^{-1} x = \sum _{n=0} ^{\infty} \left( -1 \right) ^n \frac{x^{2n+1}}{2n+1}\) to analyze the series. The initial terms of the series were computed, leading to the conclusion that the series indeed converges to \(\frac{\pi}{2}\), correcting an earlier miscalculation of \(\frac{\pi}{4}\).

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DivGradCurl
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I'm just not so sure on how to approach this problem. Well, here it goes:

[tex]\sum _{n=1} ^{\infty} \left[ \tan ^{-1} (n+1) - \tan ^{-1} (n) \right] = \frac{\pi}{2}[/tex]

I know that

[tex]\tan ^{-1} x = \sum _{n=0} ^{\infty} \left( -1 \right) ^n \frac{x^{2n+1}}{2n+1}[/tex]

but I don't know if it can be useful to get to the answer above. I just need some tips. Any help is highly appreciated.
 
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Try writing out the first few terms.

P.S. I get [itex]\pi/4[/itex].
 
Oh... I see. By the way, you're right about the [itex]\pi/4[/itex].

Thanks
 

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