What is the limit of a special sum at the point (1,1)?

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In summary, a special sum is a mathematical expression denoted by S that involves adding a series of terms together in a specific way. The limit of a special sum is the value that the expression approaches as the number of terms increases towards infinity. This can be calculated using techniques such as the ratio test, comparison test, or integral test. The coordinates (1,1) represent the point at which the limit is being evaluated and can provide valuable information about the behavior of the sum. The limit of a special sum is important because it can give insight into the overall behavior of the expression and is useful in various fields of mathematics and science.
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Ackbach
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Here is this week's POTW:

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Let $A=\{(x,y):0\leq x,y<1\}$. For $(x,y)\in A$, let
\[S(x,y) = \sum_{\frac{1}{2}\leq \frac{m}{n}\leq 2} x^m y^n,\]
where the sum ranges over all pairs $(m,n)$ of positive integers satisfying the indicated inequalities. Evaluate
\[\lim_{(x,y)\rightarrow (1,1), (x,y)\in A} (1-xy^2)(1-x^2y)S(x,y).\]

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Remember to read the http://www.mathhelpboards.com/showthread.php?772-Problem-of-the-Week-%28POTW%29-Procedure-and-Guidelines to find out how to http://www.mathhelpboards.com/forms.php?do=form&fid=2!
 
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  • #2
Re: Problem Of The Week # 256 - Mar 18, 2017

This was Problem B-3 in the 1999 William Lowell Putnam Mathematical Competition.

No one answered this week's POTW. The solution, attributed to Kiran Kedlaya and his associates, follows:

We first note that
\[
\sum_{m,n > 0} x^m y^n = \frac{xy}{(1-x)(1-y)}.
\]
Subtracting $S$ from this gives two sums, one of which is
\[
\sum_{m \geq 2n+1} x^m y^n = \sum_n y^n \frac{x^{2n+1}}{1-x}
= \frac{x^3y}{(1-x)(1-x^2y)}
\]
and the other of which sums to $xy^3/[(1-y)(1-xy^2)]$. Therefore
\begin{align*}
S(x,y) &= \frac{xy}{(1-x)(1-y)} - \frac{x^3y}{(1-x)(1-x^2y)} \\
&\qquad - \frac{xy^3}{(1-y)(1-xy^2)} \\
&= \frac{xy(1+x+y+xy-x^2y^2)}{(1-x^2y)(1-xy^2)}
\end{align*}
and the desired limit is
\[
\lim_{(x,y) \to (1,1)} xy(1+x+y+xy-x^2y^2) = 3.
\]
 

FAQ: What is the limit of a special sum at the point (1,1)?

What is a special sum?

A special sum is a mathematical expression that involves adding a series of terms together in a specific way. It is often denoted by the symbol S and can have a variable number of terms.

What is the limit of a special sum?

The limit of a special sum is the value that the expression approaches as the number of terms in the sum increases towards infinity. It is a way of determining the overall behavior of the sum and can provide valuable information about the expression.

How is the limit of a special sum calculated?

The limit of a special sum can be calculated using mathematical techniques such as the ratio test, comparison test, or integral test. These methods involve evaluating the terms of the sum and determining if they approach a specific value or if they diverge.

What do the coordinates (1,1) represent in the context of a special sum?

In the context of a special sum, the coordinates (1,1) represent the point at which the limit is being evaluated. This point is often referred to as the "limit point" and is used to determine the behavior of the sum as it approaches this specific value.

Why is the limit of a special sum important?

The limit of a special sum is important because it can provide insight into the overall behavior of the expression. It can help determine if the sum converges to a specific value or if it diverges to infinity. This information is useful in various fields of mathematics and science, such as calculus, statistics, and physics.

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