Infinite series of trigonometric terms

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the construction and approximation of an infinite series involving trigonometric terms, specifically cosine and sine half-angle fractions. Participants explore the potential for expressing this series in a compact form and seek mathematical identities related to its limit as the series progresses to infinity.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a series constructed from cosine and sine terms and questions whether it exhibits a repeating pattern or can be expressed in an exact form.
  • Another participant suggests that there exists an infinite set of series that can meet the criteria of having the initial terms provided and being expressible in a compact form.
  • A later reply seeks clarification on which specific set of series is being referenced and emphasizes the desire for both the limit of the series and a compact representation of its terms.
  • One participant points out that the lack of constraints on the series allows for the possibility that all subsequent terms could be zero, which would trivialize the evaluation of the limit.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not appear to reach a consensus on the nature of the series or the specific identities that could be applied. Multiple competing views remain regarding the structure and evaluation of the series.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the absence of constraints on the series, which may affect the evaluation of its limit. There are also unresolved questions regarding the specific mathematical identities that could be applicable.

DeathbyGreen
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I'm trying to make an approximation to a series I'm generating; the series is constructed as follows:
Term 1:
<br /> \left[\frac{cos(x/2)}{cos(y/2)}\right]<br />

Term 2:
<br /> \left[\frac{cos(x/2)}{cos(y/2)}-\frac{sin(x/2)}{sin(y/2)}\right]<br />

I'm not sure yet if the series repeats itself or forms a pattern; but if it continues to add terms proportional to sine and cosine half angle fractions, are there any series I could use to express an infinite number of these types of terms as an exact form? I've looked at a Fourier series but I'm not sure it would work. Thank you!
 
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There is an infinite set of series that (a) have these two initial terms, (b) have a relatively compact way to write down their terms and (c) have an exact and compact way to write down their limit. I'm not sure if you ask for (b) or (c), but both together are possible as well.

What is your actual problem that you want to solve?
 
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Thanks for the quick reply! The problem I'm trying to solve is complicated, but I'm just looking for mathematical identities. Which set of series are you referring to? I'm looking for (c), the limit as the series goes to infinity, but a nice compact way to write down the terms (b) would be nice too!
 
You don't constrain your series at all. All following terms could be zero. That makes it trivial to evaluate the limit.
 

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