Does the Integral Test Result Indicate the Series Sum?

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The integral test indicates whether a series converges, but the result of the integral does not represent the actual sum of the series. Instead, it provides a first approximation of the sum. For example, when estimating log(n!), the integral of log(k) from 0 to n gives an approximation related to the series sum. Other integrals can also be utilized for more accurate approximations. Understanding this distinction is crucial for analyzing series convergence and estimating their sums effectively.
rick906
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Hi all,
I just want to know a little something:
When doing the integral test in order to find a sum, when might get a result (integral) of a certain number. As we know, getting a number as result an integral test means that this serie converges...but does that mean that the serie converges to this (the result of the integral...number we just found)?
I don't think so, but I'm not sure either.

Thanks for the info
 
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No it does not.
 
Thanks for the fast reply dude!

If that number is not the sum, does it represent something?
(just outta curiosity)
Thank you
 
Last edited:
rick906 said:
If that number is not the sum, does it represent something?
(just outta curiosity)
It is a first approximations of the sum.
For example say we desired to know
log(n!)=sum[log(k),{k,1,n}]~Integral[log(k),{k,0,n}]~n*log(n)-n
other integrals can be used for better approximations
 

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