MHB How do telescoping solutions work in summation?

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The discussion focuses on the concept of telescoping series, specifically analyzing the sum S from n=3 to infinity of the function 1/((2n-3)(2n-1)). Through partial fraction decomposition, the summation is rewritten to reveal its telescoping nature. The series simplifies to S = 1/2 * (1/3 + 0), confirming that the series converges to 1/6. Participants express a mix of understanding and confusion, emphasizing the need for review before advancing to Calculus III. The conversation highlights the importance of mastering telescoping series in calculus.
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$\tiny(10.r.19)$
I got this answer from W|A

but is this a telescoping solution

\begin{align*}\displaystyle
S_{19}&=\sum_{n=3}^{\infty}\frac{(1)}{(2n-3)(2n-1)}=\frac{1}{6}\\
\end{align*}
 
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Using partial fraction decomposition on the summand, we may write:

$$S=\frac{1}{2}\sum_{n=3}^{\infty}\left(\frac{1}{2(n-1)-1}-\frac{1}{2n-1}\right)$$

Now, let's re-index...

$$S=\frac{1}{2}\left(\frac{1}{3}+\sum_{n=3}^{\infty}\left(\frac{1}{2n-1}-\frac{1}{2n-1}\right)\right)$$

So yes, this is a telescoping series, and what we're left with is:

$$S=\frac{1}{2}\left(\frac{1}{3}+0\right)=\frac{1}{6}$$
 
big Mahalo again ...

I was close to that but got lost again

next week class is over... next fall Calc III :(

Review... Review... Review
 
There are probably loads of proofs of this online, but I do not want to cheat. Here is my attempt: Convexity says that $$f(\lambda a + (1-\lambda)b) \leq \lambda f(a) + (1-\lambda) f(b)$$ $$f(b + \lambda(a-b)) \leq f(b) + \lambda (f(a) - f(b))$$ We know from the intermediate value theorem that there exists a ##c \in (b,a)## such that $$\frac{f(a) - f(b)}{a-b} = f'(c).$$ Hence $$f(b + \lambda(a-b)) \leq f(b) + \lambda (a - b) f'(c))$$ $$\frac{f(b + \lambda(a-b)) - f(b)}{\lambda(a-b)}...

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