Math Problem Statement

Evaluate the limit by first interpreting the sum as a Riemann sum for a function defined on [0, 4]. lim n→∞ 4 n

4 n +

8 n +

12 n

  • +

4n n

Solution

To evaluate the given limit by interpreting the sum as a Riemann sum, we will follow these steps:

Problem Statement:

limn4n(4n+8n+12n++4nn)\lim_{n \to \infty} \frac{4}{n} \left( \frac{4}{n} + \frac{8}{n} + \frac{12}{n} + \dots + \frac{4n}{n} \right)

Step 1: Rewrite the sum

The sum can be rewritten as: limn4nk=1n4kn.\lim_{n \to \infty} \frac{4}{n} \sum_{k=1}^n \frac{4k}{n}.

Step 2: Interpret as a Riemann sum

  • The term 4n\frac{4}{n} represents the width of the subintervals.
  • The term 4kn\frac{4k}{n} represents the height of the rectangles at the kk-th subinterval.

This sum approximates the integral of a function over the interval [0,4][0, 4], where: f(x)=4x.f(x) = 4x.

Step 3: Set up the integral

The sum corresponds to the Riemann sum for the integral of f(x)=4xf(x) = 4x on [0,4][0, 4]: 044xdx.\int_0^4 4x \, dx.

Step 4: Evaluate the integral

Compute the integral: 044xdx=[2x2]04=2(42)2(02)=2(16)0=32.\int_0^4 4x \, dx = \left[ 2x^2 \right]_0^4 = 2(4^2) - 2(0^2) = 2(16) - 0 = 32.

Final Answer:

limn4nk=1n4kn=32.\lim_{n \to \infty} \frac{4}{n} \sum_{k=1}^n \frac{4k}{n} = 32.


Would you like a detailed breakdown of any specific step? Here are some related questions:

  1. What are the properties of Riemann sums that make them suitable for approximating integrals?
  2. How does the choice of the function f(x)f(x) influence the interpretation of the Riemann sum?
  3. Can we generalize this method for sums involving powers of kk?
  4. What happens if the interval of integration is changed (e.g., to [1,5][1, 5])?
  5. How would this process differ if we used a midpoint or trapezoidal rule instead of left-hand endpoints?

Tip: Riemann sums are a bridge between discrete summation and continuous integration—mastering them helps in understanding the transition from finite sums to integrals.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Calculus
Riemann Sums
Definite Integrals

Formulas

Riemann sum: lim n→∞ Σ f(x_k)Δx = ∫[a,b] f(x) dx
Integral of 4x: ∫ 4x dx = 2x² + C

Theorems

Fundamental Theorem of Calculus
Properties of Riemann Sums

Suitable Grade Level

Undergraduate (Calculus I)