Can the Series Sum Be Expressed as an Integral as N Approaches Infinity?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around whether the limit of a specific series can be expressed as an integral as N approaches infinity. The series in question is given by \(\sum_{n=0}^{N}\frac{a}{2^{n}}\sin^{2}\left(\frac{a}{2^{n}}\right)\), and participants explore its convergence and potential transformation into an integral form.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant wonders if the limit of the series can be converted into an integral or some elegant form as N tends to infinity, noting that the series appears to converge quickly.
  • Another participant mentions that the graph of the series stabilizes rapidly as N increases, suggesting a fast convergence.
  • A participant presents a limit calculation, indicating that as \(N\) approaches infinity, the terms \(\frac{x}{2^n}\sin^2\left(\frac{x}{2^n}\right)\) approach zero, but raises a question about the behavior of the limit when considering positive \(x\).
  • Another reply reiterates the limit calculation and emphasizes the importance of considering the summation up to \(N\), asserting that the limit exists and is non-zero, supported by the graph's behavior.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the behavior of the limit as \(N\) approaches infinity, with some focusing on the convergence of the series and others questioning the implications of the limit calculations. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the potential transformation of the series into an integral.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved aspects regarding the assumptions made in the limit calculations and the dependence on the behavior of the series as \(N\) increases. The discussion does not clarify the conditions under which the series converges or the specific nature of the integral transformation proposed.

SatyaDas
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I wonder if the limit of the following can be converted into integral or some elegant form as N tends to infinity:
\[ \sum_{n=0}^{N}\frac{a}{2^{n}}\sin^{2}\left(\frac{a}{2^{n}}\right) \]

If we plot or evaluate the value then it does appear that the series converges very fast.

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I forgot to mention that the above graph is plotted as function of x and value of N can be changed by using the slider and that shows that the graph stabilizes pretty fast if N is increased.
 
\[ \lim_{N\rightarrow\infty}\frac{x}{2^n}\sin^2\left(\frac{x}{2^n}\right)\rightarrow0\times0^2\rightarrow0 \] but as the limit is taken over positive $x$ the limit tends to infinity.
 
Greg said:
\[ \lim_{N\rightarrow\infty}\frac{x}{2^n}\sin^2\left(\frac{x}{2^n}\right)\rightarrow0\times0^2\rightarrow0 \] but as the limit is taken over positive $x$ the limit tends to infinity.
You missed taking the summation into account. The lower case 'n' is the index for summation and the expression is summed till n=N. We need to find the limit of the sum as the upper case 'N' tends to infinity.
And certainly the limit exists and is non zero that is demonstrated by the graph also. You can you the slider in the graph to change the value of N and see that the graph stabilizes pretty fast.
 
Last edited:

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