Sum of 1/n2 or 61/36: Which is Bigger?

  • Context: MHB 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Albert1
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around comparing the sum of the series $\sum \dfrac{1}{n^2}$ with the fraction $\dfrac{61}{36}$. Participants explore how to determine which of these two values is greater, particularly in the context of not assuming the known result that $\sum \dfrac{1}{n^2} = \dfrac{\pi^2}{6}$.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question how to compare $\sum \dfrac{1}{n^2}$ and $\dfrac{61}{36}$ without the established knowledge of the series' sum.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not appear to reach a consensus on the comparison, as the discussion raises questions without definitive answers.

Contextual Notes

The discussion relies on the assumption that the value of $\sum \dfrac{1}{n^2}$ is not known, which may limit the methods available for comparison.

Albert1
Messages
1,221
Reaction score
0
$\sum \dfrac{1}{n^2}, \,\, and \,\,\,\dfrac{61}{36}$ which one is bigger ?
 
Mathematics news on Phys.org
Albert said:
$\sum \dfrac{1}{n^2}, \,\, and \,\,\,\dfrac{61}{36}$ which one is bigger ?

assumption n is from 0 to infinite
the 1st term = $\dfrac{\pi^2}{6} \lt \dfrac{10}{6}$
$\dfrac{10}{6} = \dfrac{60}{36} \lt \dfrac{61}{36}$
so second term is bigger
 
kaliprasad said:
assumption n is from 0 to infinite
the 1st term = $\dfrac{\pi^2}{6} \lt \dfrac{10}{6}$
$\dfrac{10}{6} = \dfrac{60}{36} \lt \dfrac{61}{36}$
so second term is bigger
very good solution Kaliprasad !
suppose $\sum \dfrac {1}{n^2} =\dfrac{\pi^2}{6} $ is not known yet , how can we compare those two numbers ?
 
Albert said:
very good solution Kaliprasad !
suppose $\sum \dfrac {1}{n^2} =\dfrac{\pi^2}{6} $ is not known yet , how can we compare those two numbers ?
solution:
$\sum \dfrac {1}{n^2}<1+ \dfrac{1}{2^2}+\dfrac {1}{3^2}+\dfrac {1}{3\times 4}+\dfrac {1}{4\times 5}+---+\dfrac {1}{(n-1)\times n}$
$=1+\dfrac {1}{4}+\dfrac{1}{9}+(\dfrac {1}{3}-\dfrac {1}{4})+(\dfrac {1}{4}-\dfrac {1}{5})+------+(\dfrac {1}{n-1}-\dfrac {1}{n})=\dfrac {61}{36}-\dfrac {1}{n}<\dfrac {61}{36}$
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K