Hyperbola Fermat, Geometric Infinite Sum

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the mathematical concepts related to hyperbolas, specifically focusing on the geometric infinite sum and its implications in calculus. Participants are examining the areas represented by the equations (1/ar) and (r/a), as well as Fermat's proof regarding the area being 1/a.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion over the infinite sum in the context of the areas (1/ar) and (r/a), questioning why the area ultimately is stated as 1/a according to Fermat's proof.
  • Another participant points out a misprint in the link provided for reference material, suggesting a corrected link for further reading.
  • A participant proposes a possible solution using the formula for summing infinite terms of a geometric series, indicating an approach to resolve the confusion.
  • Another participant claims to have solved the problem by simplifying a specific expression, leading to the conclusion that the area is indeed 1/ar.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion contains multiple competing views regarding the correct interpretation and calculation of the areas. There is no consensus on the resolution of the initial confusion about the infinite sum and its relation to Fermat's proof.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference specific mathematical steps and formulas, but there are unresolved aspects regarding the assumptions made in the calculations and the definitions of the terms involved.

petroljose
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Hello everybody,

I'm trying to understand some steps in the evolution of calculus, and in a .pdf found in the internet I read the document: http://www.ugr.es/~mmartins/old_web/Docencia/Old/Docencia-Matematicas/Historia_de_la_matematica/clase_3-web.pdf , in pags. 14-15. I want to solve the to equations of the two areas (1/ar) and (r/a), but I when I try solving the infinite sum inside the symbols: Ʃ, for example, with the first term for 1/r^k for k=0 equal to 1, I don't reach the same resoult (1/ar). So anybody can help me to understand this, and why lastly the area isn't 1/ar nor r/a, but 1/a as Fermat proved.

Thank you all.
 
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Posible solution

With the formula to sum the infinite terms of a geometric series, I solve as in the figure attached.
 

Attachments

  • sum.jpg
    sum.jpg
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Solved:

Only simplifying:( (r-1)/(a*r^2 ) )*(1-1/r) by multiplying the sum 1/(1-1/r) by r so: r/(r-r/r)=r/(r-1) and then:
((r-1)/(a*r^2))*(r/(r-1))=1/ar
 

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