How Does Setting x=0 and x=π Simplify the Series to Prove a Summation Identity?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on proving the summation identity by substituting x=0 and x=π in the equation x²=π²/3 + 4∑(1/n²)cos(nx)cos(nπ). The conclusion drawn is that the correct identity is π²/8 = ∑(1/(2n+1)²), with the clarification that the final summation must start from n=0 to avoid an incorrect result of π²/8 - 1. The participants emphasize the importance of eliminating even elements from the series to arrive at the correct summation.

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Homework Statement



Prove that, by putting x=0 x=∏ in x^{2}=\frac{\pi^{2}}{3}+4 \sum\limits_{n=1}^\infty \frac{1}{n^{2}} cos(nx) cos(n \pi), that \frac{\pi^{2}}{8}= \sum\limits_{n=1}^\infty \frac{1}{(2n+1)^{2}}

The Attempt at a Solution



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This a solved problem, I've understood the first two parts, and how the even elements of the series were eliminated, but what about \frac{\pi^{2}}{6} and \frac{\pi^{2}}{8}?
 
Last edited:
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JasonHathaway said:

Homework Statement



Prove that, by putting x=0 x=∏ in x^{2}=\frac{\pi^{2}}{3}+4 \sum\limits_{n=1}^\infty \frac{1}{n^{2}} cos(nx) cos(n \pi), that \frac{\pi^{2}}{8}= \sum\limits_{n=1}^\infty \frac{1}{(2n+1)^{2}}


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



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This a solved problem, I've understood the first two parts, and how the even elements of the series were eliminated, but what about \frac{\pi^{2}}{6} and \frac{\pi^{2}}{8}?

The answer is actually incorrect. The correct answer is ##\frac{\pi^2}{8}-1##.

Rewrite series 2 in the following way:
$$\frac{\pi^2}{3}=4\left(\left(\frac{1}{1^2}+\frac{1}{3^2}+\frac{1}{5^2}+\cdots \right)-\left(\frac{1}{2^2}+\frac{1}{4^2}+\frac{1}{6^2}+\cdots \right)\right)$$
$$\Rightarrow \frac{\pi^2}{3}=4\left(1+\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{1}{(2n+1)^2} -\frac{1}{2^2}\left(\frac{1}{1^2}+\frac{1}{2^2}+\frac{1}{3^2}+\cdots \right)\right)\,\,\,\,\,\,(*)$$
From (3), you have ##\frac{\pi^2}{6}=\frac{1}{1^2}+\frac{1}{2^2}+\frac{1}{3^2}+\cdots##, put this in ##(*)## and you should be able to reach the correct answer.
 
You can turn the equation (2) into an expression for ##\frac{\pi^2}{12}## easily enough, and then ##\frac{\pi^2}{12}+\frac{\pi^2}{6}=\dots##

(and I disagree with Pranav-Arora - ##\frac{\pi^2}{8}## is correct)

Edit - Ah I see now what Pranav-Arora meant - the final summation should run from n=0, otherwise, indeed, the LHS should be ##\frac{\pi^2}{8}-1##
 
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