Evaluating Summation Problem: Floor Function Solution

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In summary, the sum of the series $\sum\limits_{n=1}^{\infty} \sum\limits_{k=2}^{2014} \frac{1}{n^k}$ can be written as $\sum\limits_{k=2}^{2014} \zeta(k)$, which is equal to $2013$ plus the sum of $\zeta(k)-1$ from $k=2$ to $k=\infty$, which has been shown to be equal to $1$. Therefore, the floor of this sum is $2013$.
  • #1
Saitama
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Problem:
Evaluate:
$$\left[\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \sum_{k=2}^{2014} \frac{1}{n^k}\right]$$
where $[x]$ denotes the floor function.Attempt:
I can see that the above can be written as:
$$\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{1}{n^2}+\frac{1}{n^3}+\frac{1}{n^4}+\cdots + \frac{1}{n^{2014}}$$
$$=\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{1}{n^2}\left(\frac{1-1/n^{2013}}{1-1/n}\right)$$
$$=\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{1}{n^{2014}}\left(\frac{n^{2013}-1}{n-1}\right)$$

How do I proceed after this? :confused:

I am not sure if this belongs to the Algebra section.

Any help is appreciated. Thanks!
 
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  • #2
Pranav said:
Problem:
Evaluate:
$$\left[\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \sum_{k=2}^{2014} \frac{1}{n^k}\right]$$
where $[x]$ denotes the floor function.Attempt:
I can see that the above can be written as:
$$\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{1}{n^2}+\frac{1}{n^3}+\frac{1}{n^4}+\cdots + \frac{1}{n^{2014}}$$
$$=\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{1}{n^2}\left(\frac{1-1/n^{2013}}{1-1/n}\right)$$
$$=\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{1}{n^{2014}}\left(\frac{n^{2013}-1}{n-1}\right)$$

How do I proceed after this? :confused:

I am not sure if this belongs to the Algebra section.

Any help is appreciated. Thanks!

In...

http://mathhelpboards.com/challenge-questions-puzzles-28/not-too-challenge-question-562.html

... it has been demonstrated that...

$\displaystyle \sum_{k=2}^{\infty} \{ \zeta(k) -1\} = 1\ (1)$

... so that we can write...

$\displaystyle S = \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \sum_{k=2}^{2014} \frac{1}{n^k} = \sum_{k=2}^{2014} \zeta(k) = 2013 + \sum_{k=2}^{2014} \{ \zeta(k) -1\} < 2014\ (2) $

... so that is $\displaystyle \left[ S \right] = 2013$...

Kind regards

$\chi$ $\sigma$
 
  • #3
chisigma said:
In...

http://mathhelpboards.com/challenge-questions-puzzles-28/not-too-challenge-question-562.html

... it has been demonstrated that...

$\displaystyle \sum_{k=2}^{\infty} \{ \zeta(k) -1\} = 1\ (1)$

... so that we can write...

$\displaystyle S = \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \sum_{k=2}^{2014} \frac{1}{n^k} = \sum_{k=2}^{2014} \zeta(k) = 2013 + \sum_{k=2}^{2014} \{ \zeta(k) -1\} < 2014\ (2) $

... so that is $\displaystyle \left[ S \right] = 2013$...

Kind regards

$\chi$ $\sigma$

Nice!

And it's not a $B, \Gamma, W, $ or $A$ function! ;)

If we expand the proof for $\sum\limits_{k=2}^{\infty} \{ \zeta(k) -1\} = 1$, there is not even a zeta function.
 
  • #4
We need only prove that

\(\displaystyle \sum_{k=2} \zeta(k)-1 = 1\)

which can be done by interchanging the two sums.

It is clear that $\zeta(k)>1$ for all $k\geq 2$

so it must be the case that $ \sum_{n=2}^k \{\zeta(n) \} $ is less than $1$ .
 
  • #5
chisigma said:
In...

http://mathhelpboards.com/challenge-questions-puzzles-28/not-too-challenge-question-562.html

... it has been demonstrated that...

$\displaystyle \sum_{k=2}^{\infty} \{ \zeta(k) -1\} = 1\ (1)$

... so that we can write...

$\displaystyle S = \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \sum_{k=2}^{2014} \frac{1}{n^k} = \sum_{k=2}^{2014} \zeta(k) = 2013 + \sum_{k=2}^{2014} \{ \zeta(k) -1\} < 2014\ (2) $

... so that is $\displaystyle \left[ S \right] = 2013$...

Kind regards

$\chi$ $\sigma$

Thank you chisigma! :)
 

FAQ: Evaluating Summation Problem: Floor Function Solution

What is the floor function and how does it relate to summation problems?

The floor function, denoted by the symbol ⌊x⌋, takes a real number as its input and returns the largest integer less than or equal to the input. It is often used in summation problems to account for rounding down to the nearest integer.

How do you evaluate a summation problem using the floor function solution?

To evaluate a summation problem using the floor function solution, you first need to determine the range of values for the variable in the summation. Then, use the floor function to round down each integer in the summation to the nearest integer. Finally, plug in the rounded values into the summation formula and solve.

Can the floor function be used in all summation problems?

No, the floor function can only be used in summation problems where rounding down to the nearest integer is necessary. It is commonly used in problems involving discrete quantities, such as counting the number of items, but not in problems with continuous quantities.

Are there any other ways to solve summation problems besides using the floor function?

Yes, there are various methods for evaluating summation problems, such as using formulas, manipulating the summation expression, or using mathematical properties. The floor function solution is just one approach that is commonly used in specific types of problems.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when using the floor function solution in summation problems?

One common mistake is forgetting to round down all the integers in the summation, which can result in an incorrect solution. Another mistake is not considering the range of values for the variable in the summation, which can lead to an incomplete or incorrect solution. It is important to carefully follow the steps for using the floor function to avoid these errors.

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