Finding the sum of an infinite series

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on finding the sum of the infinite series \(\sum_{n=0}^{+\infty}\frac{\pi\cos(n)}{5^n}\). Initially, the user applied the complex exponential form of cosine, \(\cos(n) = \frac{(e^{i})^n + (e^{-i})^n}{2}\), to derive the solution using the formula \(S = \frac{a}{1 - r}\). However, the instructor requested a solution using only real numbers. Suggestions included exploring angle sum formulas and expressing \(\cos(n)\) in terms of \(n\) without imaginary components.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of infinite series and convergence
  • Familiarity with trigonometric identities, particularly cosine
  • Knowledge of complex numbers and their relation to trigonometric functions
  • Experience with summation formulas and geometric series
NEXT STEPS
  • Research real-number approaches to summing infinite series
  • Study angle sum formulas for cosine and their applications
  • Learn about the convergence criteria for infinite series
  • Explore the relationship between trigonometric functions and their series expansions
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Mathematics students, educators, and anyone interested in advanced calculus or series summation techniques.

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Homework Statement


I am supposed to find the value of the infinite series:

\sum_{n=0}^{+\infty}\frac{\pi\cos(n)}{5^n}

Homework Equations



I asked this question before on this forum and micromass told me that I should use cos(n)=((e^i)^n+(e^(-i))^n)/2. That equation worked and I was able to find the correct answer. I used that equation to find a "a" and an "r" in order to find the solution using =a/(1-r).

But my instructor said he would like me to try and solve it by only using real numbers.

How would I start to solve that without the imaginary numbers?

Thanks
 
Last edited:
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just an idea, but how about considering angle sum formulas...
ie what is
cos(n)
cos(2n)
cos(3n)
in terms of only n?
 
try multiplying by cos(1) …

S*cos(1) = ∑ π cos(n)cos(1)/5n = … ? :wink:
 

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