The sum of the first terms of a sequence, , is given by .
- (a)
Find in terms of , for , expressing your answer as a single algebraic fraction.
- (b)
Show that for all .
- (c)
Explain why is a convergent series.
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Worked solution
2(a)
1. Apply the relationship between the $n$th term and the sum of the first $n$ terms.
2. Find a common denominator to combine the terms into a single fraction.
3. Simplify the numerator to express the answer as a single algebraic fraction.
2(b)
1. Express the required sum as the difference of two sums starting from the first term.
2. Substitute the given sum formula to evaluate and simplify the expression.
3. Conclude the proof by showing the subtracted term is always strictly positive.
Since , and .
Therefore, .
Subtracting a strictly positive number from yields a value strictly less than .
Thus, for all .
Shown
2(c)
1. Evaluate the limit of the sum to $n$ terms as $n$ approaches infinity and state the conclusion.
As , .
Since the limit of the sum to terms approaches a finite constant () as , the series is convergent.
As , . Thus , which is a finite constant, so the series converges.
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