How Do You Solve a Complex Infinite Series?

  • Thread starter Thread starter wilcofan3
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Series
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the evaluation of the infinite series \(\sum_1^{\infty} \frac{1}{n^3+n+4}\). Participants are exploring the convergence of the series and the calculation of its sum to a specified precision.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are questioning whether the goal is to find the sum of the series or simply to determine its convergence. There is also mention of using the comparison test to assess convergence and a suggestion to compute the sum by adding terms until a desired precision is achieved.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants clarifying the problem requirements and exploring different methods for convergence and summation. Some guidance has been provided regarding the use of the comparison test and the approach to summing the series.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of the need to calculate the sum correct to six decimal places, which may impose specific constraints on the approach taken.

wilcofan3
Messages
27
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



[tex]\sum_1^{\infty} (1)/(n^3+n+4)[/tex]

Homework Equations



I have only done problems where I've been finding whether the series converges or if I have been calculating, it's always been a factorable problem.

The Attempt at a Solution



Once again, I just need a few steps, I'm not asking anyone to solve it completely for me, but I would appreciate some sort of step-by-step breakdown of what to do. Thank you so much guys!
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
What are you supposed to do, find the sum or just determine if it converges?
 
I'm supposed to calculate the sum correct to six decimal places.

Sorry about that, I was in a hurry to get it posted and forgot to actually put what the question wanted.
 
It's easy to show by the comparison test that the series converges (compare with [itex]\sum 1/n^3[/itex]).

For the approximate sum, just start adding terms in the series. When you get two successive partial sums that are the same in the first 6 decimal places, you're home free.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
14
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K