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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Simple algebra/limits question

The following expression $$\lim_{n\to\infty} \sum_{i=1}^{n} \frac{4}{n}\cdot \frac{4+4i}{n}$$ can (according to the book I'm reading, and I'm sure it's correct) be simplified to $$\lim_{n\to\infty} \sum_{i=1}^{n}\frac{16(n+i)}{n^2}.$$ Where is the…
Alex
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Evaluate $\sum_{n=1}^\infty \frac1{n(2n-1)}$

The question is to evaluate $$\sum_{n=1}^\infty \frac1{n(2n-1)}$$ I have done this: $$\sum_1^\infty\frac1{n(2n-1)}=\sum_{n=1}^\infty\frac2{2n-1}-\frac1n=\frac21-\frac11+\frac23-\frac12+\cdots\\=1-\frac12+\frac13-\frac14+\cdots=\log 2$$ But…
dialog
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Given the result, follow de sequence

I am trying to figure out several sequences about simple numbers. Given simple sequences following x^2 T times. 2^2(6 times) => 002 004 008 016 032 064 3^2(5 times) => 003 009 027 081 243 Then, I have to transform it into a sequence of sums of the…
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Iterative sequence converging

Consider the sequence $$1^4,2^4,3^4,\ldots,k^4,\ldots$$ Form a new sequence, whose terms consist of the difference of the above sequence. $$2^4-1^4,3^4-2^4,4^4-3^4,\ldots$$ Repeat the process with the terms of this new sequence. When this is…
Trogdor
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Find the sum of series

Does there exist an explicit formula for the sum of the series $$ \sum_{n=1}^\infty \frac{1}{n^2-z^2}? $$
deltuva
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Sum of series $\frac{1}{2 \cdot 3 \cdot 4} + \frac{1}{4 \cdot 5 \cdot 6} + \frac{1}{6 \cdot 7 \cdot 8} + \cdots $

What is the limit of series $\frac{1}{2 \cdot 3 \cdot 4} + \frac{1}{4 \cdot 5 \cdot 6} + \frac{1}{6 \cdot 7 \cdot 8} + \cdots $? The $n$th summand is $\frac{1}{(2n)(2n + 1)(2n+2)} = \frac{1}{4} \frac{1}{n(2n+1)(n+1)}$. I have tried expressing this…
Anu
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Sum of series $\frac {4}{10}+\frac {4\cdot7}{10\cdot20}+ \frac {4\cdot7\cdot10}{10\cdot20\cdot30}+\cdots$

What is the sum of the series $$\frac {4}{10}+\frac {4\cdot7}{10\cdot20}+ \frac {4\cdot7\cdot10}{10\cdot20\cdot30}+\cdots?$$ I know how to check if a series is convergent or not.Is there any technique to find out the sum of a series like this where…
jimm
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Series of positive terms

I want to show that $\displaystyle 1+\frac{1}{2!}+\frac{1}{4!}+\frac{1}{6!}+\cdots$ converges. I know that by using D'Alembert ratio test I easily show that this series converges but I am doing in this…
Kns
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To find the sum of $1+\frac13-\frac12-\frac14-\frac16+\frac15+\frac{1}{7}-\frac{1}{8}-\frac{1}{10}-\frac{1}{12}+\ldots$

I have to find the sum of: $$1+\frac13-\frac12-\frac14-\frac16+\frac15+\frac{1}{7}-\frac{1}{8}-\frac{1}{10}-\frac{1}{12}+\ldots$$ My attempt: $$\left(…
PiGamma
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How can i calculate the height of number in this triangular?

Given this triangular: $$1$$ $$2,3$$ $$4,5,6$$ $$7,8,9,10$$ $$.............$$ Now, how can i calculate the height of number of some number in this triangular? (Namely, how can i find formula for the height of $n$?)
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Involving Catalan numbers

$$(x+m+1)\sum_{j=0}^{m}(-1)^jC_j{x+j\choose m-j}=F(x,m)\tag1$$ $C_n:=(1,1,2,5,14,42,132,...)$ this is the Catalan numbers Claiming that $$F(x,m)=2(x-m){x\choose m}-(x-m-1){x-1\choose m}\tag2$$ Is the closed form to $(1)$ correct? Can $(2)$ be…
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Smallest $\lambda$ such that $\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{n}{\sum_{k=1}^{n}a_k} \le \lambda \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{1}{a_n}$

Find the smallest possible value of $\lambda$ such that for all sequences $(a_n)_{ n \in \mathbb{N}}$ of positive reals such that $\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{1}{a_n}$ converges, the following inequality holds: $\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}…
math_lover
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Number Sequence Announcer

I would like to ask if anyone could please suggest me accurate ( ! ) sequence number announcer tool. It can be web based application, working within website, or desktop software. It can be free of charge (preferable) or paid. Would be willing to pay…
Puppy00
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Müller series : solving a recursive sequence

I came across this recursive sequence (often called the Müller sequence) defined as follows : $U_{n+2} = 111 - \frac{1130}{U_{n+1}}+\frac{3000}{U_{n+1}\times U_{n}} $, with $U_{0} = 2$ and $U_{1} = -4$ and I want to find the expression of $U_{n}$…
anaslim
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Concerning Ratio and Root tests when the limit goes to plus infinity or minus infinity

For ratio test and nth root test : If the limit is more than 1 , then we say that the series diverges . If the limit is less than 1 , then we say that the series converges. If the limit is 1 , we say that the test fails . My questions : 1- What if…
MCS
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