Comparison Test Problem & Estimitaing it's error

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around estimating the error in approximating the sum of an infinite series using the first ten terms. The series in question involves the function \((\sin n)^2/n^3\).

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the need for an integral to estimate the error and question the relevance of using the cosine integral function (Ci). There is a suggestion to bound the error using a simpler comparison.

Discussion Status

Participants are engaging with the problem, with some expressing uncertainty about the approach to estimating the error. Guidance has been offered regarding bounding the error without focusing on complex integrals.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of a lack of familiarity with the cosine integral function, which may affect the understanding of the problem. The discussion also highlights a potential misunderstanding about the relationship between sums and integrals in this context.

JRangel42
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Homework Statement



The question in the book is: "Use the sum of the first 10 terms to approximate the sum of the series. Estimate the error.

My problem is estimating the error I'm looking for. I just need help with finding the integral.

Homework Equations



((sin n)^2)/(n^3)

The Attempt at a Solution



∞∫n ((sin n)^2)/(n^3)

u = ((sin n)^2) du = 2 ((sin n)^2)cos n dv = n^3 dx v = 1/4 x^4

This is as far as I got.
 
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JRangel42 said:

Homework Statement



The question in the book is: "Use the sum of the first 10 terms to approximate the sum of the series. Estimate the error.

My problem is estimating the error I'm looking for. I just need help with finding the integral.

Homework Equations



((sin n)^2)/(n^3)

The Attempt at a Solution



∞∫n ((sin n)^2)/(n^3)

u = ((sin n)^2) du = 2 ((sin n)^2)cos n dv = n^3 dx v = 1/4 x^4

This is as far as I got.

What integral? Aren't you just given an infinite series, and are asked to estimate the error when you stop at 10 terms? Anyway, if you did have to integrate the function you would need to use the non-elementary function Ci(x). Maple 11 gets:
f:=sin(x)^2/x^3;
> Jt:=Int(f,x=1..t);
\int_1^\infty \frac{\sin^2(x)}{x^3} \, dx
> value(Jt) assuming t>1;
<br /> \frac{1}{4} \frac{t-t^2 \cos(2)+2t^2 \sin(2)-2\mbox{Ci}(2) t^2 - 2 + 2\cos^2(t)<br /> - 4t \cos(t) \sin(t) + 4\mbox{Ci}(2t) t^2}{t^2}

RGV
 
Last edited:
Oh. It seems that I have been doing this the wrong way since I haven't been introduced to Ci before. I'll make sure to double check my steps this time.
 
JRangel42 said:
Oh. It seems that I have been doing this the wrong way since I haven't been introduced to Ci before. I'll make sure to double check my steps this time.

Your error is the sum of (sin(k))^2/k^3 over all of the terms you didn't include. Don't sweat the Ci function. All you need is an estimate to bound the error. (sin(k))^2/k^3<=1/k^3. Estimate that instead.
 
JRangel42 said:
Oh. It seems that I have been doing this the wrong way since I haven't been introduced to Ci before. I'll make sure to double check my steps this time.

You still have not answered my question: what integral? Are you not just dealing with a sum? (The Ci stuff was just to show you that the integral is not 'doable', so you should not waste time on it!)

RGV
 
Alright guys. Thanks for the tip. I think get it now.
 

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