# Series problem: given s(sub n), find a(sub n) and sum of a(sub n)

1. Nov 14, 2009

### SpicyPepper

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
This is a problem in my book, and the answer is in the back. Unfortunately I can't solve it.

If the nth partial sum of a series $$\sum a_{n}$$ n=1 to infinity is

$$s_{n} = (n - 1) / (n + 1)$$

find $$a_{n}$$ and $$\Sigma a_{n}$$ n=1 to infinity

2. Relevant equations
$$a_{n} = s_{n} - s_{n-1}$$

3. The attempt at a solution
I used the equation above to get $$a_{n} = 2/(n(n+1))$$

To get the sum, I wrote out the sequence after I figured out:
2/(n(n+1)) = 2/n - 2/(n+1)
so
= lim n->infinity (2/1 - 2/2) + (2/2 - 2/3) + (2/3 - 2/4) + ... + (2/n - 2/(n+1))
= lim n->infty 2/1 - 2(n+1)
= 2

But the answer for the sum is 1.

2. Nov 15, 2009

### clamtrox

Not all a_n follow that formula -- check where it's not applicable.

3. Nov 15, 2009

### HallsofIvy

The sum of an infinite series is, by definition, the limit of the sequence of partial sums. Here it is $\lim_{n\to\infty} (n-1)/(n+1)$.

To find the individual terms, $a_1$ is the first "partial sum": $a_1= (1-1)/(1+1)= 0$. $a_2$ is then given by $a_1+ a_2= (2-1)/(2+1)$ so $0+ a_2= a_2= 1/3$. $a_3$ is given by $a_1+ a_2+ a_3= 0+ 1/3+ a_3$$= (3-1)(3+1)= 2/4= 1/2$ so $a_3= 1/2- 1/3= 1/6$, etc.