Calculus 2 for Engineers: Riemann sums

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving Riemann sums for the integral ∫x³dx from 0 to 1, specifically addressing two parts: writing the Riemann sum and demonstrating convergence to 1/4 using the identity for the sum of cubes. The correct Riemann sum is identified as ∑i³/N⁴ from i=0 to N-1. Participants confirm that using the right endpoint of each interval leads to the correct formulation, and the limit calculation reveals that the Riemann sums converge to 1/4, validating the identity provided.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Riemann sums
  • Familiarity with integral calculus
  • Knowledge of limits and convergence
  • Experience with summation notation and identities
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of Riemann sums in calculus
  • Learn about convergence of sequences and series
  • Explore the derivation of the sum of cubes identity
  • Practice calculating limits of Riemann sums
USEFUL FOR

Students in engineering or mathematics, particularly those studying integral calculus and Riemann sums, will benefit from this discussion.

Parker Hays
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Homework Statement


a. Write down a Riemann sum for the integral ∫x3dx from 0 to 1.
b. Given the following identity 13+23+33...+N3=(N(N+1)/2)2, show that the Riemann sums for ∫x3dx from 0 to 1 converge to 1/4.

The Attempt at a Solution


I believe I have gotten part a. I got ∑i^3/N^4 from i=0 to N-1. Part b I have attempted to solve from multiple angles for the past hour but none of the ways I've tried have yielded any positive results.
 
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Parker Hays said:

Homework Statement


a. Write down a Riemann sum for the integral ∫x3dx from 0 to 1.
b. Given the following identity 13+23+33...+N3=(N(N+1)/2)2, show that the Riemann sums for ∫x3dx from 0 to 1 converge to 1/4.

The Attempt at a Solution


I believe I have gotten part a. I got ∑i^3/N^4 from i=0 to N-1. Part b I have attempted to solve from multiple angles for the past hour but none of the ways I've tried have yielded any positive results.
Try using the right end point of each interval so you have$$
\sum_{i=1}^n \frac{i^3}{n^3}\cdot \frac 1 n$$
 
LCKurtz said:
Try using the right end point of each interval so you have$$
\sum_{i=1}^n \frac{i^3}{n^3}\cdot \frac 1 n$$
Yes, I got part a correct. However, part b still does not make sense to me. I have tried solving for N^4 and various other strategies but I don't see how I can plug it in or do anything to get that it converges to 1/4.
 
Show me what you have done with the sum I gave you. Have you used the given hint?
 
LCKurtz said:
Show me what you have done with the sum I gave you. Have you used the given hint?
I had already completed part a correctly, and you didn't give me a hint for part b.
 
Parker Hays said:
I had already completed part a correctly, and you didn't give me a hint for part b.
He did. Use the sum in post #2 with the sum you have for b) and calculate the limit.
 
I figured it out. Thanks for the help, sorry I didn't realize you were giving me another idea I just thought you were restating the answer I already had for part a @LCKurtz.
 

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