How can the sum of 1/n² be used to solve for the sum of 1/(2n-1)²?

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SUMMARY

The series sum of 1/n² converges to π²/6, which is a foundational result in calculus. This discussion demonstrates that the series sum of 1/(2n-1)² converges to π²/8 by recognizing that it includes only the odd-indexed terms of the original series. The relationship between these two series is established by subtracting the even-indexed terms, represented by the series sum of 1/(2n)², from the original series. This manipulation leads to the conclusion that ∑(n=1) to (n=∞) of 1/(2n-1)² = π²/8.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of infinite series and convergence
  • Familiarity with the Basel problem and the result ∑(n=1) to (n=∞) of 1/n² = π²/6
  • Knowledge of series manipulation techniques
  • Basic calculus concepts, including summation notation
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the Basel problem and its implications
  • Learn about series convergence tests and their applications
  • Explore techniques for manipulating series, such as term substitution
  • Investigate the relationship between odd and even indexed series
USEFUL FOR

Mathematics students, educators, and anyone interested in series convergence and calculus proofs will benefit from this discussion.

bcucinel
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Homework Statement



It can be shown that ∑(n=1) to (n=∞) of 1/n² = π²/6

use this fact to show that ∑(n=1) to (n=∞) of 1/(2n-1)² = π²/8

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution

 
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bcucinel said:

Homework Statement



It can be shown that ∑(n=1) to (n=∞) of 1/n² = π²/6

use this fact to show that ∑(n=1) to (n=∞) of 1/(2n-1)² = π²/8

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution

What have you tried? You need to make an attempt at a solution before anyone can give you any help.
 
Hint: It is so easy, you can do it in your head in less than ten seconds.
 
My attempt which needs to be shown on paper...

First I wrote out the first few terms of ∑(n=1) to (n=∞) of 1/n². So 1+1/4+1/9+1/16+...+1/n² = π²/6.

I then just tried to simply substituted (2n-1) into the previous summation in place of just n to somehow show that ∑(n=1) to (n=∞) of 1/(2n-1)² = π²/8... but I have no idea how to accurately demonstrate the rest of the proof.
Any additional help would be appreciated.
 
What are the first few terms of
\sum_{n = 1}^{\infty}\frac{1}{(2n - 1)^2}? How does this series relate to the other series?
 
When writing out the first few terms of Σ1/(2n-1)², I noticed that this represents the terms when n is some odd number from the first summation, ∑1/n², but I'm stuck as to the proof with setting that equal to 8.
 
Last edited:
Show me the first five terms of Σ1/(2n-1)².
Show me the first five terms of Σ1/n².

Pretend for the time being that you don't what the answer is supposed to be. It seems to me that you are too focused on the pi^2/8 result, and not focused enough on how to get there.
 
Σ1/(2n-1)²: 1+1/9+1/25+1/49+1/81+...

Σ1/n²: 1+1/4+1/9+1/16+1/25+...
 
And which terms are missing from the first series that are in the second series? What is Σ1/n² - Σ1/(2n-1)² ?
 
  • #10
1/4+1/16+1/36+...

Σ1/n² - Σ1/(2n-1)² then equals Σ1/(2n)² from n=1 to infinity
 
  • #11
bcucinel said:
1/4+1/16+1/36+...

Σ1/n² - Σ1/(2n-1)² then equals Σ1/(2n)² from n=1 to infinity
Now, can you manipulate this series--Σ1/(2n)²--to get to something you know?
 
  • #12
Thank you, I understand all of that perfectly... The issue I am having with the problem, however, is that I don't recall ever being taught in my calculus class exactly how to determine the Sn of a series like Σ1/(2n)²... If there is some technique that I could use please let me know.
 
  • #13
bcucinel said:
Thank you, I understand all of that perfectly... The issue I am having with the problem, however, is that I don't recall ever being taught in my calculus class exactly how to determine the Sn of a series like Σ1/(2n)²... If there is some technique that I could use please let me know.

Just simplify 1/(2n)²
 
  • #14
How exactly?
 
  • #15
Write 1/(2n)² in a different way. C'mon, this ain't rocket science...
 

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