Finnding the error in approximating an infinite series

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on approximating the sum of the series 1/(x^3) from r=1 to infinity using the first five terms and calculating the associated error. The user correctly identifies the error as the difference between the actual sum and the sum of the first five terms, utilizing the integral of 1/(x^3) from N to infinity. The calculated error is confirmed as approximately 0.0169444, which is close to the observed difference of 0.0163949 obtained by summing the first 10,000 terms in Mathematica.

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PhyStan7
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Hi, sorry i wasnt quite sure where to post this. I think i know how to do it but have not encountered a question like it and don't have a mark scheme so thought id post it up to see if my thinking is correct.

Homework Statement



(c) By considering the integral of 1/(x^3) between N and infinity, where N is an integer, find the error in approximating the sum of 1/(x^3) from r=1 to infinity by its first 5 terms.

Homework Equations



Sum = (sum to N terms) + (1/2)(A[n]+A[n+1])

Where A[N] is the integral of the function from N to infinity
Where A[N+1] is the integral of the function from N+1 to infinity

The Attempt at a Solution



Ok so i think you know the error will be Sum-sum to 5 terms so bring (sum to N terms) to the other side. This will equal the error.

Integrate 1/(x^3) to get -1/(2(x^2)). Putting in x=5 (A[N]) and x=6 (A[N+1]) equal 1/50 and 1/72. Thus the errror = (1/100)+(1/144) or 244/14400

Is this right? The problem really is i can't get hold of a mark scheme to see the correct method.

Thanks!
 
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I don't see any mistakes.

I tried summing the first 10,000 terms and just the first 5 terms in Mathematica. The difference came out to be 0.0163949. Your error estimate is 0.0169444.
 

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