Calculus 2 - Infinite Series Question - Estimating Series with Positive Terms

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around estimating the remainder of a convergent series, specifically the series sum[k=1,inf] 5/k^7. Participants are tasked with finding an upper bound for the remainder in terms of n, utilizing properties of integrals and series.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants express uncertainty about evaluating S_n and the upper bound for the remainder. There are attempts to relate the integral of the function to the series and questions about the relevance of specific calculations.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided insights into the relationship between the series and the integral, while others have shared their attempts at calculating the remainder. There is an ongoing exploration of the correct expressions for the upper bound, with no clear consensus reached yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working within the constraints of homework rules, which may limit the information they can use or the methods they can apply. There is mention of a specific online program that evaluates their answers, which has led to confusion regarding the correctness of their calculations.

GreenPrint
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Homework Statement



Consider the following convergent series. Then complete parts a throw d below.

sum[k=1,inf] 5/k^7

a. Find an upper bound for the remainder in terms of n

Homework Equations



Estimating Series with Positive Terms
Let f be a continuous, positive, decreasing function for x >= 1 and let a_k = f(k) for k = 1,2,3,... Let S = sum[k=1,inf] a_k be a convergent series and let S_n = sum[k=1,n] a_k be the sum of the first n terms of the series. The remainder R_n = S - S_n satisfies

R_n <= integral[n,inf] f(x)dx.

Furthermore, the exact value of the series is bounded as follows:

S_n + integral[n+1,inf] f(x)dx <= sum[k=1,inf] a_k <= S_n + integral[n,inf] f(X)dx

The Attempt at a Solution



I'm unsure how to do this problem. I believe that I'm trying to evaluate

S_n + integral[n,inf] f(X)dx

I have no problem find the value of integral[n,inf] f(X)dx
but am not sure how to find the value of S_n. I would now how to find the value of this if I was asked to find upper bound for the error for the first 50 terms, I could then find S_50 by just finding the sum which would be a finite number, but I am unsure how to find the upper bound in this case were I guess I'm trying to find the value of S_n in this case would be S_inf which I'm not sure how to do. Thank's for any help which you can provide me with.
 
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GreenPrint said:

Homework Statement



Consider the following convergent series. Then complete parts a throw d below.

sum[k=1,inf] 5/k^7

a. Find an upper bound for the remainder in terms of n

Homework Equations



Estimating Series with Positive Terms
Let f be a continuous, positive, decreasing function for x >= 1 and let a_k = f(k) for k = 1,2,3,... Let S = sum[k=1,inf] a_k be a convergent series and let S_n = sum[k=1,n] a_k be the sum of the first n terms of the series. The remainder R_n = S - S_n satisfies

R_n <= integral[n,inf] f(x)dx.

Furthermore, the exact value of the series is bounded as follows:

S_n + integral[n+1,inf] f(x)dx <= sum[k=1,inf] a_k <= S_n + integral[n,inf] f(X)dx

The Attempt at a Solution



I'm unsure how to do this problem. I believe that I'm trying to evaluate

S_n + integral[n,inf] f(X)dx

I have no problem find the value of integral[n,inf] f(X)dx
The remainder (or error) is
\int_n^{\infty}f(x)dx = \int_n^{\infty}\frac{dx}{x^7}
GreenPrint said:
but am not sure how to find the value of S_n. I would now how to find the value of this if I was asked to find upper bound for the error for the first 50 terms, I could then find S_50 by just finding the sum which would be a finite number, but I am unsure how to find the upper bound in this case were I guess I'm trying to find the value of S_n in this case would be S_inf which I'm not sure how to do. Thank's for any help which you can provide me with.
 
Well this problem was one of my homework questions which I do online in this program in which I input my answer and it told me I was wrong when I entered 5/6. Have I done something wrong?

5*integral[1,inf] dk/k^7 = 5/6
 
GreenPrint said:
Well this problem was one of my homework questions which I do online in this program in which I input my answer and it told me I was wrong when I entered 5/6. Have I done something wrong?

5*integral[1,inf] dk/k^7 = 5/6
Yes. If you want to estimate the series by using the first 50 terms of the series, the error is
R_{50} = \int_{50}^{\infty}5x^{-7}dx

You have this in your relevant equations, but you must not have thought it to be relevant...
 
Last edited:
Alright well I entered 5/(6n) and it still told me I was wrong.
 
You have been told that an upper bound for the error is
\int_n^\infty \frac{5}{x^7}dx= 5\int_n^\infty x^{-7}dx

What is that? (It is NOT 5/(6n)!)
 

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