How Accurate Is the Ninth Partial Sum of an Alternating Series?

In summary, to find a bound for the truncation error of approximating the series ∑(n=1, goes to infinity) (-1)^n/(n^3) by its ninth partial sum, we can use the Alternating Series Estimation Theorem which states that the error is less than the first unused term and has the same sum as that term. Therefore, the truncation error is less than 1/1000.
  • #1
syeh
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Homework Statement


if the series ∑(n=1, goes to infinity) (-1)^n/(n^3)
is approximated by its ninth partial sum, find a bound for truncation error

Homework Equations


Alternating Series Estimation Thm:
If alternating series is CONVERGENT, then truncation error for nth partial sum is less than U(sub(n+1)) and has the same sum as the first unused term:

|error|< U(sub(n+1))

The Attempt at a Solution


|error|< U(sub10)
U(sub10) = 1/10^3
|error|< 1/1000

is this right..?

Homework Statement


Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution

 
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  • #2
I think that 'third partial sum' means
[tex] \sum_{n=1}^3 (-1)^n \frac{1}{n^3} = -1 + \frac{1}{2^3} - \frac{1}{3^3}. [/tex]
 

FAQ: How Accurate Is the Ninth Partial Sum of an Alternating Series?

What is the bound of error of an alternating series?

The bound of error of an alternating series is the maximum possible difference between the sum of the infinite series and the sum of a partial sum of the series. It is also known as the remainder term.

How is the bound of error calculated for an alternating series?

The bound of error can be calculated using the absolute value of the next term in the series, multiplied by the alternating series test, which is 1 or -1 depending on the terms of the series.

Why is the bound of error important in alternating series?

The bound of error allows us to determine how close the partial sum of an alternating series is to the actual sum of the infinite series. This is useful in evaluating the overall accuracy of our calculations.

Can the bound of error be negative?

No, the bound of error can never be negative. It represents the absolute difference between the partial sum and the infinite sum, so it is always a positive value.

How does the bound of error relate to the convergence of an alternating series?

The bound of error is directly related to the convergence of an alternating series. If the bound of error approaches 0 as the number of terms in the series increases, then the series is said to converge. If the bound of error does not approach 0, then the series diverges.

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