Re: Sum of infinite series - 1/n^2

In summary, the formula for the sum of infinite series 1/n^2 is ∑(1/n^2) = π^2/6, famously solved by Leonhard Euler in 1734. An infinite series is a sum of an infinite number of terms, represented as ∑(a_n). Euler's proof for the Basel problem involves using the Euler product formula and the gamma function. The sum of infinite series 1/n^2 is convergent, approaching a finite value of π^2/6. It has various applications in mathematics and is used in the study of harmonic functions, Fourier series, and the Casimir force in physics, as well as in engineering and science.
  • #1
obelu
2
0
Please I have a similar problem, how can I compute the sum of this infinite series:

SUM(X / (Y^X) ); where X(i)>0
 
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  • #2
Is this your series?

[tex]\sum\frac{X}{Y^X}[/tex] X(i)>0, what is X, what is Y?
 
  • #3
Y is a constant, while the X's are increasing from zero to infinity
 
  • #4
Knowing only that Xn is "some" increasing sequence there is no way to find the sum.
 

FAQ: Re: Sum of infinite series - 1/n^2

1. What is the formula for the sum of infinite series 1/n^2?

The formula for the sum of infinite series 1/n^2 is ∑(1/n^2) = π^2/6. This is known as the Basel problem and was famously solved by Leonhard Euler in 1734.

2. What is an infinite series?

An infinite series is a sum of an infinite number of terms, with each term being added to the previous one. It can be represented as ∑(a_n), where n represents the number of terms and a_n represents the value of each term.

3. How do you prove the sum of infinite series 1/n^2 is π^2/6?

Euler's proof for the Basel problem involves using the Euler product formula and the gamma function. He showed that ∑(1/n^2) can be expressed as ∏(1 - 1/p^2), where p represents all prime numbers. This can then be simplified to ∏(1 - 1/p^2) = (1 - 1/2^2)(1 - 1/3^2)(1 - 1/5^2)... = π^2/6.

4. Is the sum of infinite series 1/n^2 convergent or divergent?

The sum of infinite series 1/n^2 is convergent. This means that the sum of all the terms approaches a finite value as the number of terms increases. In this case, the sum approaches π^2/6 as the number of terms goes to infinity.

5. What are some real-world applications of the sum of infinite series 1/n^2?

The sum of infinite series 1/n^2 has several applications in mathematics, including in the study of harmonic functions and Fourier series. It is also used in physics to calculate the Casimir force, which is a quantum mechanical effect between two parallel plates. Additionally, the value of π^2/6 is used in various calculations and equations in engineering and science.

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