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

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In summary, the sum of 1/n2 is a converging infinite series that has a value of approximately 1.6449. It was first solved by Leonhard Euler in the 18th century and is known as the Basel problem. The sum of 61/36, on the other hand, is a finite number with a value of 1.6944. While the sum of 1/n2 is bigger than 61/36 in terms of its converging value, 61/36 is a finite number and can be considered bigger in terms of absolute value. The sum of 1/n2 is calculated using a mathematical formula and has significance in the study of calculus, number theory, and its applications in physics and
  • #1
Albert1
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$\sum \dfrac{1}{n^2}, \,\, and \,\,\,\dfrac{61}{36}$ which one is bigger ?
 
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  • #2
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
 
  • #3
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 ?
 
  • #4
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:
$\sum \dfrac {1}{n^2}<1+ \dfrac{1}{2^2}+\dfrac {1}{3^2}+\dfrac {1}{3\times 4}+\dfrac {1}{4\times 5}+---+\dfrac {1}{(n-1)\times n}$
$=1+\dfrac {1}{4}+\dfrac{1}{9}+(\dfrac {1}{3}-\dfrac {1}{4})+(\dfrac {1}{4}-\dfrac {1}{5})+------+(\dfrac {1}{n-1}-\dfrac {1}{n})=\dfrac {61}{36}-\dfrac {1}{n}<\dfrac {61}{36}$
 

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

What is the sum of 1/n2?

The sum of 1/n2 is an infinite series that converges to approximately 1.6449. It is known as the Basel problem and was first solved by Leonhard Euler in the 18th century.

What is the sum of 61/36?

The sum of 61/36 is a finite number, specifically 1.6944. This can be calculated by dividing 61 by 36 using basic arithmetic.

Which is bigger, the sum of 1/n2 or 61/36?

The sum of 1/n2 is bigger than 61/36, as it converges to a larger value. However, since 61/36 is a finite number, it can be considered bigger in terms of absolute value.

How is the sum of 1/n2 calculated?

The sum of 1/n2 is calculated using a mathematical formula known as the Basel problem, which involves summing an infinite series of fractions. This can also be approximated using numerical methods such as integration.

Why is the sum of 1/n2 important in mathematics?

The sum of 1/n2 is significant because it is one of the first infinite series to be solved and has led to advancements in the study of calculus and number theory. It also appears in various mathematical concepts and has implications in physics and engineering.

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