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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Convergence of $\sum \frac{\ln n}{n^2 -3n}$

Does $\sum_{n=4} \frac{\ln n}{n^2 -3n}$ converge? My "gut feeling" tells me that it converges since $n^2$ grows faster than $\ln(n)$. But I cannot come up with an argument. I feel that comparison test is the way to go. I tried $$\sum \frac{\ln…
3x89g2
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Summation of a non trivial series

$$\sum_{m=2}^{10^6}\ \sum_{n=1}^{\infty}\dfrac{m^{\{n\}}+m^{-{\{n\}}}}{m^n}$$ Where $\{n\}=\text{ integer nearest to the } \sqrt{n} $. Looks like a non-trivial summation. How to properly approach this problem?
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Can anyone find any rhyme or reason to these sequences?

In the following sequence of fractions, $$21/8,273/32,1333/72,4161/128,10101/200,20881/288$$ the denominators are simply $8n^2$, but can't figure out what the numerator is. It's not in OEIS. Also need help with this one if…
ben
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Simple sum of finite exponential series

Imagine I have a series such as: $$(1 + n)^0 + (1 + n)^1 + (1 + n)^2 + (1 + n)^3 + ... (1+n)^x$$ Is there a simple way to summarize this as a function of $n$ and $x$?
enderland
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straight line distance $1+ \frac{i}{2}- \frac{1}{4}- \frac{i}{8}+ \frac{1}{16}+ \frac{i}{32}$

From Wunsch Complex Analysis 5.2, 1 From home, you walk one mile east, turn 90° and walk 1/2 mile north, then turn 90° and walk 1/4 mile west, then turn 90° and walk 1/8 mile south, then turn 90° and go 1/16 th mile east. You continue on this…
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How to show the convergence or divergence of a series of arbitrary terms?

I am not sure if the title I have given is appropriate. Please edit it if you find necessary. Can someone please help me about the convergence of this series…
KON3
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How to find k term in a series.

I've a series in which the nth term repeats n times. For example see this : 1, 2, 2, 3, 3, 3, 4, 4, 4, 4, ... So the question which I want to ask is that is there any way (like a formula) to get the kth term from the series (say 2000th term)…
Mayank M.
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General formula for two sequences

Please help me to find general 'analytical' formula fot these two sequences $\{x_n\}$, $n=1,2,3,\ldots$. I. $0, 1, 2, 2, 3, 6, 6, 7, 14, 14, \ldots$ This meens the following. $x_{1}=0$, $x_{2}=x_{1}+1$, $x_{3}=2x_{2}$, $x_{4}=x_{3}$, $\ldots$,…
ann810
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How to find first term and common ratio when the only given hints is the sum of terms

In a geometric series, the sum of the first three terms is $304$ and the sum of the first six terms is $1330$. Find the sum of the first seven terms. $S_3=304$ $S_6=1330$ So how do I find $a$ and $r$? Is there any possible simple way to solve this?…
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Use the Cauchy product to find the sum of $\sum_{n=1}^\infty \frac{n}{3^n}$

I proved that the serie $\displaystyle{\sum_{n = 1}^{\infty}{n \over 3^{n}}}$ is convergent, but I want to find the value of the sum using the Cauchy product. Any suggestion ?.
coolsv
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Finding the sum of this alternating series with factorial denominator.

What is the sum of this series? $$ 1 - \frac{2}{1!} + \frac{3}{2!} - \frac{4}{3!} + \frac{5}{4!} - \frac{6}{5!} + \dots $$
Legendre
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Zero-based numbering vs. one-based numbering for sequences

What are the advantages of using one over the other? I mean this in the context of sequences and series. For example, should we let the geometric sequence start from $n=0$ or $n=1$ to get $a_n = a_0r^n$ or $a_n = a_1r^{n-1}$, respectively? Another…
Wesley
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Proving $\lim e^{-n}(1+n+n^2/2!+\cdots +n^n/n!) = 1/2$

In my probability class we saw an amazing proof using the CLT (central limit theorem), I'm wondering what's a more straightforward way to do this.
user157036
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How to find whether the sum of a geometric series is prime or divisible by 3, 13 or 125?

Let $A = 1+5+5^2+\dots+5^{99}$, then $A$ is: A prime number not divisible by 3 divisible by 13 divisible by 125 I know this is a sum of a Geometric Progression, so $ A = (5^{100}-1)/4$ but I cannot find $5^{100}$ So I thought of finding a pattern…
Matt
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Question about a double summation

Suppose you have two arbitrary sequences of real numbers, say $\{ \gamma_n \}$ and $\{ c_{n,m} \}$. Suppose also that $c_{n,m}$ is not identically 0 for all pairs $(m,n)$, and also that for fixed $n$, $\sum_{m=0}^n c_{n,m} \neq 0$.…
Rellek
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