PROOF (Sequences & Series); Can anyone help me out?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around proving a statement related to the sum of an infinite series defined by the sequence \( a_n = \frac{n}{(n+1)!} \). Participants are exploring the equality \( \sum \frac{n}{(n+1)!} = 1 - \frac{1}{(n+1)!} \) for natural numbers \( n \).

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are questioning the summation index and exploring the relationship between the terms in the series. Some suggest using the telescoping series property to derive the sum, while others express confusion regarding the expressions involved.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with various approaches being proposed. Some participants are attempting to clarify the structure of the series, while others are suggesting potential methods for deriving the sum. There is no explicit consensus yet, but the exploration of different interpretations is ongoing.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of a negative sign in one of the expressions, which may indicate a misunderstanding or a point of confusion among participants. The nature of the series and the assumptions about the summation index are also under scrutiny.

sdrmybrat
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Prove that:
∀ n€N [(the) sum of an (infinite?) series (a1,+a2,...+,an)] (where a_{n}=\frac{n}{(n+1)!})
\sum \frac{n}{(n+1)!} (is equal to/gives/yields) = 1 - \frac{1}{(n+1)!}

Prove that:
∀ n \in N \sum \frac{n}{(n+1)!} = 1 - \frac{1}{(n+1)!}

THX in advance
 
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What is the summation index?
 
how it can be
\sum\frac{n}{n+1!}=\sum\frac{1}{n!}\frac{1}{n+1!}
there is a negative sign between last two expessions in n
e-1-(e-2)=1
 
Last edited:
Hey there,

A possible derivation of the sum requested uses the telescoping series property.
Note that for every j, Aj can be expended to -

Aj = j / ( j + 1 )! = 1 / j! - 1 / ( j + 1)!

Summing over 1,...,n would then yield the desired result.
 

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