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

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around 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 explore various series expansions and mathematical manipulations related to cotangent and sine functions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant introduces the series for $\pi \cot(\pi z)$ and suggests deriving the limit as $z$ approaches 0 to prove the sum.
  • Another participant provides a series expansion for $\pi \cot(\pi z)$ and indicates how to manipulate it to derive a relevant series.
  • There is a focus on the infinite product representation of sine and its logarithmic form to derive cotangent's series expansion.
  • Participants express uncertainty about taking limits of the derived expressions without computational tools.
  • One participant questions the origin of a specific series expansion presented earlier in the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the method to take the limit or the specific steps required to prove the series sum. Multiple approaches and expressions are presented, but no agreement on a definitive method is established.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include unresolved steps in the derivation of limits and dependencies on specific series expansions that may not be universally accepted or understood among participants.

Dustinsfl
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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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