I don't recognize this limit of Riemann sum

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In summary, we discussed the limit of Riemann Sum and the definition of the limit of the General Riemann Sum. The doubts were regarding the expression for the limit and how to bridge the gap. The key is to be specific and provide a specific example rather than a general definition. For instance, the difference between a definition of weather forecast and an actual forecast.
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mcastillo356
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I look at the limit, and I look at the definition, and I don't match both concepts, though I should.
Hi, PF, I hope the doubts are going to be vanished in a short while:

This is the limit of Riemann Sum
##\displaystyle\lim_{n\rightarrow{\infty}}\displaystyle\frac{1}{n}\displaystyle\sum_{j=1}^{n}\cos\Big(\displaystyle\frac{j\pi}{2n}\Big)##

And this is the definition of the limit of the General Riemann Sum:
Let ##P=\{x_0,x_1,x_2,...,x_n\}## where ##a=x_0<x_1<x_2<\cdots{<x_n=b}##, be a partition of ##[a,b]## having norm ##||P||=\mbox{max}_{1\leq i\leq\n}\,Deltax_i##. In each subinterval of ##P## pick a point ##c_i## (called a tag). Let ##c=(c_1,c_2,...,c_n)## denote the set of these tags. The sum ##R(f,P,c)=\displaystyle\sum_{i=1}^n\,f(c_i)\Delta{x_i}=f(c_1)\Delta{x_1}+f(c_2)\Delta{x_2}+f(c_3)\Delta{x_3}+\cdot{f(c_n)\Delta{x_n}}## is called the Riemann sum of ##[a,b]## corresponding to partition ##P## and tags ##c##.

Doubts: On the expression ##\displaystyle\lim_{n\rightarrow{\infty}}\displaystyle\frac{1}{n}\displaystyle\sum_{j=1}^{n}\cos\Big(\displaystyle\frac{j\pi}{2n}\Big)##, how must I manage to bridge the gap?

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The answer is specificity. In this case, it means the difference between a general definition and a specific example.

For example, the definition of a weather forecast is very different from an actual forecast.
 
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Hi, PF, @PeroK, thanks a lot!

PeroK said:
The answer is specificity. In this case, it means the difference between a general definition and a specific example.

For example, the definition of a weather forecast is very different from an actual forecast.

Greetings.
 

FAQ: I don't recognize this limit of Riemann sum

What is a Riemann sum?

A Riemann sum is a method for approximating the definite integral of a function over a certain interval. It involves dividing the interval into smaller subintervals, calculating the function's value at specific points within those subintervals, and then summing the products of these values and the widths of the subintervals.

What does it mean to not recognize a limit of a Riemann sum?

Not recognizing a limit of a Riemann sum typically means that one is unable to identify the function or the interval being approximated by the sum, or that the limit does not match known integral forms. This can occur due to unfamiliarity with the function being analyzed or the specific approach taken to evaluate the limit.

How can I identify the limit of a Riemann sum?

To identify the limit of a Riemann sum, you should first analyze the structure of the sum, including the function being evaluated, the interval of integration, and the partitioning of the interval. Then, apply the definition of a definite integral, recognizing that as the number of subintervals increases, the Riemann sum approaches the exact value of the integral.

What are common mistakes when evaluating limits of Riemann sums?

Common mistakes include incorrect partitioning of the interval, miscalculating the function values at chosen points, and failing to take the limit as the number of subintervals approaches infinity. Additionally, confusing the types of Riemann sums (left, right, midpoint) can lead to errors in evaluation.

How does understanding Riemann sums help with calculus?

Understanding Riemann sums is fundamental to grasping the concept of definite integrals in calculus. They provide a concrete way to visualize and compute the area under curves, helping to bridge the gap between discrete approximations and continuous analysis, which is essential for further studies in calculus and analysis.

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