How to Verify the Equation: pi^2/8 = Sum (1/(2n+1)^2) without Prefix?

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The discussion revolves around verifying the equation pi^2/8 = Sum(1/(2n+1)^2) using Fourier series and Parseval's theorem. Participants explore the relationship between the series for 1/n^2 and the integral of f(x)=x, leading to the conclusion that pi^2/6 equals the sum of the series. There is also mention of Euler's original method involving the sine function's series expansion. Newcomers seek guidance on selecting appropriate functions for their calculations, emphasizing the importance of understanding the underlying principles. The conversation highlights the connections between various mathematical concepts and the verification of series identities.
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How does
infinity
Sum (n^(-2)=(pi^2)/6
n=1

Please tell me if this has been posted before (afraid :redface: )
(in that case, i'll see the other post)
 
Last edited:
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Take f(x)=x. Then the Fourier coeffcients of f are a_n=0 and b_n=\frac{2}{n}(-1)^{n+1}. Parseval's theorem says that:

\frac{1}{\pi}\int_{-\pi}^\pi f^2(x)\:dx=\frac{a_0^2}{2}+\sum_{k=1}^\infty\left(a_k^2+b_k^2)

Since the a_n terms are all zero, this reduces to:

\frac{1}{\pi}\int_{-\pi}^\pi x^2\:dx=4\sum_{n=1}^\infty\frac{1}{n^2}

The integral is easy enough to solve, and the left hand side reduces to 2\pi^2/3. Dividing both sides by four gives us:

\frac{\pi^2}{6}=\sum_{n=1}^\infty\frac{1}{n^2}
 
I see clearly now!--thanks

(Will no one answer my "digit-factorial question" thread :frown: )
 
Last edited:
And let's not forget Euler's original method.Combining the series he found for \frac{\sin x}{x} and the one from Taylor expansion,he was able to prove it...

Daniel.
 
And there's another way:

\int\int\frac{1}{1-xy}dxdy

Evalutate that as x and y both go from 0 to 1. Do it using a substitution, and then do it by replacing the fraction inside with its series expansion and ignore the convergence issues to rearrange sum and integral.
 
So this is parsevals theorem?

\frac{1}{\pi}\int_{-\pi}^\pi f^2(x)\:dx=\frac{a_0^2}{2}+\sum_{k=1}^\infty\left( a_k^2+b_k^2)

?
 
SpaceDomain said:
So this is parsevals theorem?

\frac{1}{\pi}\int_{-\pi}^\pi f^2(x)\:dx=\frac{a_0^2}{2}+\sum_{k=1}^\infty\left( a_k^2+b_k^2)

?
How about this?

\frac{1}{\pi}\int_{-\pi}^\pi f^2(x)\:dx=\frac{a_0^2}{2}+\sum_{k=1}^\infty( a_k^2+b_k^2)
 
hello! i am new to this forum and it looks like a very nice place!

sorry for my english, i hope everyone can understand it..

sorry for spamming in this thread but it looks like it is the most close to what i need.

i think i understood the answer master_coda gave but i don't understand why he choose f(x)=x..

for instance in my exercise i am asked to verify this equation

\frac{\pi^2}{8}=\sum_{n=0}^\infty\frac{1}{(2n+1)^2}

what f(x) should i choose for the calculation?
 
mstation said:
hello! i am new to this forum and it looks like a very nice place!

sorry for my english, i hope everyone can understand it..

sorry for spamming in this thread but it looks like it is the most close to what i need.

i think i understood the answer master_coda gave but i don't understand why he choose f(x)=x..

for instance in my exercise i am asked to verify this equation

\frac{\pi^2}{8}=\sum_{n=0}^\infty\frac{1}{(2n+1)^2}

what f(x) should i choose for the calculation?



I'm answering this, in spite of being an intent of "kidnapping" a thread because

(1) it is, perhaps unwillingly, very close to the OP, and more important

(2) This is a newcomer so he/she doesn't know (but now you do!).

Check the following:

$$\frac{\pi^2}{8}=\sum_{n=0}^\infty\frac{1}{(2n+1)^2}\Longleftrightarrow \sum_{n=1}^\infty\frac{1}{n^2}=\frac{\pi^2}{6}$$

DonAntonio
 

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