Math Problem Statement

Determine the value of the following infinite sum: \( \sum_{n=5}^{\infty} \left( \frac{3n}{n+4} - \frac{3n-3}{n+3} \right) \).

Solution

To solve the given infinite sum, we have:

n=5(3nn+43n3n+3)\sum_{n=5}^{\infty} \left( \frac{3n}{n+4} - \frac{3n - 3}{n+3} \right)

Step-by-Step Solution

  1. Separate Terms: Write the expression as two separate sums: n=53nn+4n=53n3n+3\sum_{n=5}^{\infty} \frac{3n}{n+4} - \sum_{n=5}^{\infty} \frac{3n - 3}{n+3}

  2. Simplify Each Fraction:

    • For 3nn+4\frac{3n}{n+4}, divide the numerator by the denominator: 3nn+4=312n+4\frac{3n}{n+4} = 3 - \frac{12}{n+4}
    • For 3n3n+3\frac{3n - 3}{n+3}, similarly divide: 3n3n+3=39n+3\frac{3n - 3}{n+3} = 3 - \frac{9}{n+3}

    This transforms our sum into: n=5(312n+4)n=5(39n+3)\sum_{n=5}^{\infty} \left( 3 - \frac{12}{n+4} \right) - \sum_{n=5}^{\infty} \left( 3 - \frac{9}{n+3} \right)

  3. Combine the Expressions: Simplify by canceling out the constants 33: n=5(12n+4+9n+3)\sum_{n=5}^{\infty} \left( -\frac{12}{n+4} + \frac{9}{n+3} \right) This reduces to: n=5(9n+312n+4)\sum_{n=5}^{\infty} \left( \frac{9}{n+3} - \frac{12}{n+4} \right)

  4. Recognize it as a Telescoping Series: In a telescoping series, many terms cancel out, leaving only a few terms from the beginning and end. Expanding a few terms will help see the pattern: (98129)+(991210)+(9101211)+\left( \frac{9}{8} - \frac{12}{9} \right) + \left( \frac{9}{9} - \frac{12}{10} \right) + \left( \frac{9}{10} - \frac{12}{11} \right) + \dots

    Most terms will cancel, and as nn \to \infty, the remaining terms approach zero.

  5. Calculate the Remaining Terms: Only the first terms, 98\frac{9}{8} and 129-\frac{12}{9}, remain after cancellation: 98129\frac{9}{8} - \frac{12}{9}

  6. Simplify: Calculate the remaining expression: 98129=819672=1572=524\frac{9}{8} - \frac{12}{9} = \frac{81 - 96}{72} = -\frac{15}{72} = -\frac{5}{24}

Final Answer

The value of the infinite sum is:

524\boxed{-\frac{5}{24}}

Would you like further clarification on any of these steps?

Related Questions

  1. What is a telescoping series, and how does it help in solving sums?
  2. How do we know which terms will cancel in a telescoping series?
  3. How can we simplify fractions like 3nn+4\frac{3n}{n+4} in general?
  4. What are other types of series that converge to a finite value?
  5. How can we verify convergence of an infinite series?

Tip

In telescoping series, always expand the first few terms to identify cancellation patterns effectively.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Infinite Series
Telescoping Series
Algebraic Simplification

Formulas

\( \sum_{n=5}^{\infty} \left( \frac{3n}{n+4} - \frac{3n-3}{n+3} \right) \)

Theorems

Telescoping series theorem

Suitable Grade Level

University Level