Questions tagged [sequences-and-series]

For questions concerning sequences and series. Typical questions concern, but are not limited to: identifying sequences, identifying terms, recurrence relations, $\epsilon-N$ proofs of convergence, convergence tests, finding closed forms for sums. For questions on finite sums, use the (summation) tag instead.

Sequences and series are often considered as a main part of part of calculus, in addition to limits, continuity, differentiation and integration.

A sequence is an enumerated collection of objects in which repetitions are allowed. There are special types of sequences, such as arithmetic sequences (or arithmetic progressions), where the next term is a constant more than the previous; harmonic progressions, which is formed by taking the reciprocal of each term of an arithmetic progression; logarithmic progression, which is formed from a series whose progression getting smaller; and geometric progressions, where the next term is a constant multiplied by the previous term.

A sequence can be given by a direct formula (e.g. $a_n = 2^n + 3$), or by a recurrence relation. In a recurrence relation, the relation between the next term and the earlier terms is given. An example is the recurrence relation $F_{n+2}=F_{n+1}+F_n, n \geq 0.$ Together with the initial terms $F_0=0$ and $F_1=1$, this recurrence relation defines the famous Fibonacci sequence.

A series is formed by summing a sequence. A typical question is: When the number of summed terms goes to infinity, does the sum approach a finite limit? In other words, is it convergent? Several tests, such as the ratio test, the root test, the limit comparison test, the integral test, etc. can help to answer these questions.

Important note. Questions about guessing the next number in a sequence, with no explicit mathematical context, will usually be quickly closed. Consider posting these questions at Puzzling Stack Exchange instead.

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Is there a closed form for $\sum1/(n2^n(2^n)!)$?

A while ago I had a dream, the series you see below appeared in front of my eyes $$\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{1}{n 2^n (2^n)! }$$ Do you think it is possible to find a closed form of it?
user 1591719
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Test the convergence of the series $\sum\limits_nn^p(\sqrt{n+1}-2\sqrt n + \sqrt{n-1})$

I am trying to test the convergence of the series $$\sum_{n=1}^\infty n^p(\sqrt{n+1}-2\sqrt n + \sqrt{n-1})$$ $p$ is a fixed real number. I tried the ratio test and the integral test without success. Now, I am stuck with the quantity between the…
Charlie
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Find the sum of a convergent series using a well-known function

I found this series in my calculus book: $$\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}(-1)^{n+1} \frac{1}{5^nn}$$ The directions are in the title of this question, but I can't think of any functions whose power series looks anything like that when evaluated at a point.…
Matt R.
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$(a_n)$ is bounded $\implies \sum a_n \frac{1}{n^2}$ converges

Show that if $(a_n)$ is a bounded sequence, then $$\sum \frac{1}{n^2} a_n $$ converges I only could prove that this sequence is bounded, but not its convergence. Thanks in advance.
Giiovanna
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Evaluation of the series $S(\omega)=\sum\limits_{k=0}^\infty (-1)^k {\alpha \choose k}\cos(k\omega)$

I had a problem evaluating the series \begin{equation} S(\omega)=\sum_{k=0}^\infty (-1)^k {\alpha \choose k}\cos(k\omega),\quad 0<\alpha<2,\quad \omega\in(-\pi,\pi) \end{equation} where \begin{equation} {\alpha \choose…
ecook
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How prove this sequence $u_{m}=v_{m}$

Question: Assume that $m$ is a positive integer, define the sequence $$\{u_{k}\},\{v_{k}\},u_{0}=v_{0}=u_{1}=v_{1}=1$$ and for any real number $a_{i},i=\{1,2,\cdots,m-1\}$, …
math110
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Convergence of $\sum \frac{1}{\ln n}(\sqrt{n+1} - \sqrt{n})$

Show that $$ \sum\frac{1}{\ln n}(\sqrt{n+1} - \sqrt{n})$$ Converges. I've tried the telescopic property or even write it as $$\sum \frac{1}{\ln n (\sqrt{n+1}+\sqrt{n})}$$ But didnt help. Thanks in advance!
Giiovanna
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Finding the sum to infinity

Question: Find the sum to infinity for the following series $$1, -\frac{1}{2}, \frac{1}{2^2}, -\frac{1}{2^3},\cdots$$ What would be the technique used to find such a sum?
Gummy bears
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Sum of the series $\frac{2}{5\cdot10}+\frac{2\cdot6}{5\cdot10\cdot15}+\frac{2\cdot6\cdot10}{5\cdot10\cdot15\cdot20 }+\cdots$

How do I find the sum of the following infinite series: $$\frac{2}{5\cdot10}+\frac{2\cdot6}{5\cdot10\cdot15}+\frac{2\cdot6\cdot10}{5\cdot10\cdot15\cdot20 }+\cdots$$ I think the sum can be converted to definite integral and calculated but I don't…
Kalpan
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General term of sequence $a_0=2$ and $a_{n+1}=2a_n^2-1$

Is it possible to find general term of this sequence? $a_0=2$ and $a_{n+1}=2a_n^2-1$
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tough sum/product series involving reciprocal of ln

I ran across an interesting series. I looked at it and must admit, I do not even know where to begin. I tried playing around with it, but to no avail. Here it is. Perhaps it isn't doable. $$\displaystyle…
Cody
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Determine if the alternating series converges absolutely, conditionally or diverges

Trying to determine if this alternating series converges absolutely or conditionally. ATS criteria has been met (terms are positive [ignoring signs] & decreasing, and the lim n->inf = 0, assuming I haven't made a mistake) so I know it's at least…
joe schmoe
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if $a>1$, Prove that $\lim a^{1\over n}=1$

if $a>1$, Prove that $\lim a^{1\over n}=1$ Is the result true if $0\frac{n(n-1)h^2}{2}$ or, $|h|<\sqrt{\frac{2a}{n}}$ for given…
Aman Mittal
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How to find the nth term of tribonacci series

I want to know the nth term of tibonacci series, given by the recurrence relation $$ a_{n + 3} = a_{n + 2} + a_{n + 1} + a_n $$ with $a_1 = 1, a_2 = 2, a_3 = 4$, so the first few terms are $$ 1,2,4,7,13,24,44, \ldots $$ I am more interested in…