What is the solution to evaluating this fraction series?

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    2016
In summary, a fraction series is a sequence of fractions that follow a specific pattern or rule. To evaluate a fraction series, the sum of all the fractions needs to be found using a common denominator or a specific formula. The solution to evaluating a fraction series is a single number representing the sum. Some common patterns in fraction series include geometric and arithmetic series. Fraction series can be applied in real-life situations, such as calculating interest rates, predicting population growth, and analyzing stock market trends.
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anemone
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Here is this week's POTW:

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Evaluate $\dfrac{7}{1^2\cdot 6^2}+\dfrac{17}{6^2\cdot 11^2}+\dfrac{27}{11^2\cdot 16^2}+\cdots$-----

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  • #2
Congratulations to the following members for their correct solution::)

1. greg1313
2. Opalg
3. kaliprasad

Solution from Opalg:
We need to evaluate \(\displaystyle \sum_{k=1}^\infty \frac{10k-3}{(5k-4)^2(5k+1)^2}.\)

In fact, \(\displaystyle \sum_{k=1}^n \frac{10k-3}{(5k-4)^2(5k+1)^2} = \frac15\Bigl(1 - \frac1{(5n+1)^2}\Bigr).\)

To prove that by induction, check first that when $n=1$ that formula gives $\frac15\Bigl(1 - \frac1{36}\Bigr) = \frac{36-1}{5\times 36} = \frac7{1^2\cdot6^2}$, which is the first term of the series.

For the inductive step, we have to add the $(n+1)$th term of the series, which is \(\displaystyle \frac{10n+7}{(5n+1)^2(5n+6)^2}.\) So if the sum of the first $n$ terms is \(\displaystyle \frac15\Bigl(1 - \frac1{(5n+1)^2}\Bigr)\) then the sum of the first $n+1$ terms will be $$ \frac15\Bigl(1 - \frac1{(5n+1)^2}\Bigr) + \frac{10n+7}{(5n+1)^2(5n+6)^2} = \frac15\Bigl(1 - \frac1{(5n+1)^2} + \frac{50n+35}{(5n+1)^2(5n+6)^2}\Bigr).$$ But $$ \begin{aligned}- \frac1{(5n+1)^2} + \frac{50n+35}{(5n+1)^2(5n+6)^2} &= \frac{-(5n+6)^2 + 50n+35}{(5n+1)^2(5n+6)^2} \\ &= \frac{-25n^2 - 60n - 36 + 50n + 35}{(5n+1)^2(5n+6)^2} \\ &= \frac{-25n^2 - 10n - 1}{(5n+1)^2(5n+6)^2} \\ &= \frac{-(5n+1)^2}{(5n+1)^2(5n+6)^2} = -\frac1{(5n+6)^2}.\end{aligned}$$ Hence the sum of the first $n+1$ terms of the series is \(\displaystyle \frac15\Bigl(1-\frac1{(5n+6)^2}\Bigr),\) which is what the claimed formula gives.

That completes the inductive proof. Finally, as $n\to\infty$ the formula gives the sum of the whole series as \(\displaystyle \boxed{\frac15}\).
 

FAQ: What is the solution to evaluating this fraction series?

What is a fraction series?

A fraction series is a sequence of fractions, where each fraction is related to the previous one by a specific pattern or rule.

How do you evaluate a fraction series?

To evaluate a fraction series, you need to find the sum of all the fractions in the series. This can be done by either finding a common denominator and adding the fractions, or by using a formula specific to the series.

What is the solution to evaluating a fraction series?

The solution to evaluating a fraction series is a single number, which represents the sum of all the fractions in the series.

What are some common patterns in fraction series?

Some common patterns in fraction series include geometric series, where the ratio between consecutive terms is constant, and arithmetic series, where the difference between consecutive terms is constant.

How can fraction series be used in real-life situations?

Fraction series can be used in various real-life situations, such as calculating interest rates, predicting population growth, and analyzing stock market trends.

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