Finding the Limit of an Infinite Sum Series | n->infinity

  • Thread starter Thread starter Dell
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Infinity Limit
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on finding the limit of the infinite sum series defined as S = 1/2 + 3/4 + 5/8 + 7/16 + 9/32 + ... as n approaches infinity. The series can be expressed as S = Σ(2n-1)/2^n. The user attempts to derive the limit by manipulating the series and applying the formula for the sum of a geometric series. Ultimately, the correct limit is identified as 3 - (2n + 3)/2^n, highlighting the importance of careful term manipulation in series convergence analysis.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of infinite series and limits
  • Familiarity with geometric series and their sums
  • Knowledge of manipulating algebraic expressions involving series
  • Experience with calculus concepts, particularly limits and convergence
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the convergence of series using the Ratio Test
  • Learn about the properties of geometric series and their applications
  • Explore advanced techniques in series manipulation, such as telescoping series
  • Investigate the use of generating functions in series analysis
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, students studying calculus, and anyone interested in advanced series convergence techniques will benefit from this discussion.

Dell
Messages
555
Reaction score
0
how do i find the limit for the following , where n->infinity

1/2 + 3/4 + 5/8 + 7/16 +9/32 +...

i see that the numerator starts at 1 and has jumps of +2, giving me all the odd numbers

the denominator starts at 2 with jumps of *2 giving all the powers of 2

so i have... + (2n-1)/2^n

but how do i find the sum of the series? where n=infinity

??

if i had one fraction, (1+3+5+7+9...)/(2+4+8+16...) then i know i could use the equations for sum of a series, but how do i dela with each one as its own fraction.

i am looking for the lim of the sum, not the lim of (2n-1)/2^n

lim[tex]\sum[/tex](2n-1)/2^n
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Well, you did the first step correctly, in finding the general term. Now, if we split the numerator, the second term is just a geometric series, whilst the first term, [itex]n/2^{n-1}[/itex] is not quite as easy. To do this, we must use the result

[tex]\sum_{n=0}^{\infty} nr^{n-1} = \frac{1}{(r-1)^2}[/tex]. Play around with it, see what you can substitute to get it to fit what you have.
 
i took a bit of a different route, getting there but I am stuck. maybe you can help me with my way before i try yours

the sum S is

S = 1/2 + 3/4 + 5/8 + 7/16 +9/32 +... (2n-1)/2^n

now i take double that and i get
2S = 1 + 3/2 + 5/4 + 7/8 + 9/16 +...(4n-2)/2^n

now if i subtract 2S-S i get
2S = 1 + 3/2 + 5/4 + 7/8 + 9/16 +...(4n-2)/2^n
S =//// 1/2 + 3/4 + 5/8 + 7/16 +9/32 +... (2n-1)/2^n

as you see, if i subtract S from 2S all the middle fractions have a matching one (eg, 3/2 -1/2 =2/2 5/4 -3/4=2/4 etc) only the 1 from 2S and the (2n-1)/2^n from S are left with the sequence (2/2 +2/4 +2/8...)

2S – S = 1 + 2/2 + 2/4 + 2/8 + …2/2^n - (2n-1)/2^n

S = 1 + 2*( 1/2 + 1/4 + 1/8 …) - (2n-1)/2^n

now i know that 2*( 1/2 + 1/4 + 1/8 …) =2*1=2
so

S=1+2-(2n-1)/2^n
=3-(2n-1)/2^n


only that the answer is wrong, and the correct one is

3-(2n+3)/2^n

can you see where i have gone wrong??
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Replies
17
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
17
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 24 ·
Replies
24
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K