MHB Solving Limits and Riemann Sums: Tips from Nemo

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To solve a problem involving limits and Riemann sums, it is essential to recognize that the Riemann sum represents a definite integral. The correct approach is to identify the definite integral first, rather than calculating the sum directly. In the example provided, the limit of the Riemann sum leads to the integral from 4 to 9 of the function sqrt(x). Applying the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, the final result of the integral calculation yields approximately 12.67. This method emphasizes the importance of understanding the relationship between Riemann sums and definite integrals.
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Hi Community,

I have the following question:
View attachment 5613

I have done basic solving of limits and also of Riemann sums but never had to do them in the same question.

Would I be correct in saying that I need to solve for the Riemann sum first then take the limit of the integral?

Cheers Nemo
 

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Nemo said:
Hi Community,

I have the following question:I have done basic solving of limits and also of Riemann sums but never had to do them in the same question.

Would I be correct in saying that I need to solve for the Riemann sum first then take the limit of the integral?

Cheers Nemo

No, this entire expression, which is a Riemann Sum, represents a definite integral. You need to figure out what the definite integral is, and then solve the definite integral. You aren't trying to solve this by taking the sum.
 
So after, quite a few days of working thru this one. I think I have it.

$$\lim_{{n}\to{\infty}}\sum_{k=0}^{n-1}\sqrt{4+\frac{5k}{n}}\cdot\frac{5}{n}$$

Using the formula:

$$\int_{a}^{b} f(x)\,dx = \lim_{{n}\to{\infty}}\sum_{i=1}^{n}f(xi)\Delta x$$

Using:

$$\Delta x = \frac{b-a}{n} = \frac{5}{n}$$

$$xi = 4+\frac{5k}{n}$$

$$a = 4$$

$$b = 9$ $from$ $b - 4 = 5$ $solve$ $for$ $b = 9$$

To then get:

$$\lim_{{n}\to{\infty}}\sum_{k=0}^{n-1}\sqrt{{xi}}$ $\Delta x =$$$$ \int_{4}^{9}\sqrt{{xi}} \,dx$$

$$ \int \sqrt{x} \,dx$$ $=$ $$ \int {x^{\frac{1}{2}}} \,dx$$- Power Rule - $$\int x^a$ $dx = \frac{x^{a+1}}{a+1}$ $Where$ $a\ne 1$$

To then get:

$$x^{\frac{1}{2}}\,dx$ $=$ $\frac{x^{\frac{1}{2}+1}}{{\frac{1}{2}}+1}$ $=$ $\frac{2x^{\frac{3}{2}}}{3}+c$$

Using the FTOC.

$$F(b)=\frac{2\cdot9^{\frac{3}{2}}}{3}=18$$ - $$F(a)=\frac{2\cdot4^{\frac{3}{2}}}{3}=\frac{16}{3}$$

To get:

$$\frac{38}{3}$ $\approx12.6667$$

Its been a bit of a long journey of learning but I got there.

Cheers Nemo.
 

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