Can Sigma Notation Solve This Complex Series?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on expressing the series 5 + 5 + 5/2 + 5/6 + 5/24 + ... in sigma notation. Participants highlight the significance of the denominators, which resemble factorials (1, 1, 2, 6, 24), suggesting a connection to factorials in the series' formulation. There is a consensus that understanding factorials is crucial for solving the problem, with a reminder that 0! equals 1. The conversation emphasizes the challenge of identifying the series type when it doesn't fit typical arithmetic or geometric patterns. Ultimately, the key to solving the series lies in recognizing the factorial relationship in the denominators.
kevinater2007
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must express this series using sigma notation

5+5+5/2+5/6+5/24+...

i would be extremely grateful for some help

I know that you use the infinite symbol and it goes above sigma and then n=1 below it.
i also have used the arithmetic series equations and geometric equations on several other problems but i don't know where to start when the equation doesn't consist of one of these two and when the ratio isn't a constant additive, divisor, subtractor, or multiplicative
 
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Look at the numbers in the denominators. Do they remind you of something: 1,1,2,6,24,...? (No, it's not the Fibonacci series!) Pay attention to how one number is related to the subsequent one.
 
As neutrino mentioned the denominator is interesting. Also just a note 0!=1 = 1!. This is the usuall definition.

[This hint I think really gives the answer away]
 
Do you know what a factoral is?
 
Feldoh said:
Do you know what a factoral is?

Who are you referring too? I was reading this and made me wonder maby I was thinking wrong? I know what's a factorial and in my classes usually 0! is defined to be 1. Which was shown using the binomial theorum as I remember.
 
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