Math Problem Statement

What number does this series evaluate to: (-1)^n/(n!2^n)

Solution

The series in question is:

n=0(1)nn!2n\sum_{n=0}^{\infty} \frac{(-1)^n}{n! \cdot 2^n}

This is a convergent series and can be simplified by recognizing that it resembles the Taylor series expansion for the exponential function exe^x, which is:

ex=n=0xnn!e^x = \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} \frac{x^n}{n!}

If we set x=12x = -\frac{1}{2}, the series becomes:

n=0(12)nn!=e12\sum_{n=0}^{\infty} \frac{\left(-\frac{1}{2}\right)^n}{n!} = e^{-\frac{1}{2}}

The given series has an additional factor of (1)n(-1)^n which is a sign alternation:

n=0(1)nn!2n=e12n=0(12)nn!=e12e12=e1\sum_{n=0}^{\infty} \frac{(-1)^n}{n! \cdot 2^n} = e^{-\frac{1}{2}} \cdot \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} \frac{\left(-\frac{1}{2}\right)^n}{n!} = e^{-\frac{1}{2}} \cdot e^{-\frac{1}{2}} = e^{-1}

So, the series evaluates to e1e^{-1}, which is approximately 1e\frac{1}{e}.

Would you like more details on how this series is related to the exponential function or any other questions?

Here are some related questions you might consider:

  1. How can the Taylor series expansion be used to approximate other functions?
  2. What are the convergence properties of the series for different values of xx in exe^x?
  3. What is the significance of the factor 2n2^n in the original series?
  4. How can the value of e1e^{-1} be estimated numerically?
  5. What other series expansions are related to the exponential function?

Tip: Understanding the relationship between series and functions like exe^x can greatly simplify the evaluation of complex series.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Series
Taylor series
Exponential function

Formulas

Taylor series expansion for exponential function

Theorems

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Suitable Grade Level

Advanced High School to College