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

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the relationship between the series ∑(n=1) to (n=∞) of 1/n² and the series ∑(n=1) to (n=∞) of 1/(2n-1)². Participants are tasked with using the known result of the first series to demonstrate the result for the second series.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between the two series by writing out terms and considering substitutions. Some question how the odd-numbered terms relate to the original series, while others express uncertainty about proving the connection to π²/8.

Discussion Status

Several participants have attempted to express the series in terms of known results, with some suggesting that the difference between the two series could lead to further insights. There is an ongoing exploration of the terms involved and how they contribute to the overall proof.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that they are unsure about techniques for summing series like Σ1/(2n)², indicating a potential gap in their prior learning. There is also a focus on the importance of understanding the terms that are included or excluded in the series comparisons.

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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
[tex]\sum_{n = 1}^{\infty}\frac{1}{(2n - 1)^2}[/tex]? 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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