How to Prove the Sum of the Power Series Using the Series for Cotangent?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on proving the sum of the power series $\sum\limits_{n=1}^{\infty}\frac{1}{n^2} = \frac{\pi^2}{6}$ using the series expansion for $(\pi\cot\pi z)'$ at $z = 0$. Participants reference the infinite product representation of $\sin(\pi z)$ and derive the cotangent series expansion, leading to the limit computation necessary for the proof. Key equations include $\pi \cot(\pi z) = \frac{1}{z} + 2z \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{1}{z^{2}-n^{2}}$ and the limit evaluation as $z$ approaches zero.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of power series and convergence
  • Familiarity with trigonometric functions and their series expansions
  • Knowledge of limits and derivatives in calculus
  • Experience with infinite products in mathematical analysis
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the infinite product representation of $\sin(\pi z)$
  • Learn about the properties and applications of the cotangent function in series
  • Explore limit evaluation techniques in calculus, particularly for series
  • Investigate the use of Mathematica for symbolic computation in series and limits
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, students studying calculus and series, and anyone interested in advanced mathematical proofs involving trigonometric functions and infinite series.

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Show $\sum\limits_{n=1}^{\infty}\frac{1}{n^2} = \frac{\pi^2}{6}$ using the series for $(\pi\cot\pi z)'$ at $z = 0$

I know from class that $\sin\pi z = \pi z\prod\limits_{n\in\mathbb{Z} -\{0\}}\left[\left(1-\frac{z}{n}\right)e^{z/n}\right]$

So do I need to use that to rewrite cot as cosine over that product?
 
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A 'very nice' series expansion is...

$\displaystyle \pi \cot (\pi\ z)= \frac{1}{z}+2\ z\ \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{1}{z^{2}-n^{2}}$ (1)

From (1) You derive...

$\displaystyle \frac{{\pi\ \cot(\pi\ z)}-\frac{1}{z}}{2\ z}= \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{1}{z^{2}-n^{2}}$ (2)

Now compute the $\displaystyle \lim_{z \rightarrow 0} $ for both term of (2)...

Kind regards

$\chi$ $\sigma$
 
chisigma said:
A 'very nice' series expansion is...

$\frac{1}{z}+2\ z\ \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{1}{z^{2}-n^{2}}$ (1)

How did you come up with this piece?
 
dwsmith said:
How did you come up with this piece?

Let's start with the 'infinite product'...

$\displaystyle \sin (\pi\ z)= \pi\ z\ \prod_{n=1}^{\infty} (1-\frac{z^{2}}{n^{2}})$ (1)

... and first obtain...

$\displaystyle \ln \sin (\pi z) = \ln (\pi\ z) + \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \ln (1-\frac{z^{2}}{n^{2}})$ (2)

Now if we derive (2) we obtain...

$\displaystyle \frac{d}{d z}\ \ln \sin (\pi\ z)= \pi\ \cot(\pi\ z)= \frac{1}{z} + 2\ z\ \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{1}{z^{2}-n^{2}}$ (3)

Kind regards

$\chi$ $\sigma$
 
chisigma said:
$\displaystyle \frac{{\pi\ \cot(\pi\ z)}-\frac{1}{z}}{2\ z}= \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{1}{z^{2}-n^{2}}$ (2)

Now compute the $\displaystyle \lim_{z \rightarrow 0} $ for both term of (2)...

Kind regards

$\chi$ $\sigma$

I can't figure out how to take the limit of this function without using Mathematica.
 
Last edited:
dwsmith said:
I can't figure out how to take the limit of this function without using Mathematica.

Take into account that is...

$\displaystyle \pi\ \cot (\pi\ z)= \frac{1}{z} - \frac{\pi^{2}}{3}\ z - \frac{\pi^{4}}{45}\ z^{3}-...$

Kind regards

$\chi$ $\sigma$
 

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