Math Problem Statement

Evaluate the limit: lim (n → ∞) (1/n² + 2/n² + ... + (n-1)/n²).

Solution

The given mathematical problem is as follows:

limn(1n2+2n2++n1n2)\lim_{n \to \infty} \left( \frac{1}{n^2} + \frac{2}{n^2} + \dots + \frac{n-1}{n^2} \right)

Solution:

The expression inside the limit is a sum of terms of the form:

Sn=k=1n1kn2S_n = \sum_{k=1}^{n-1} \frac{k}{n^2}

This can be written as:

Sn=1n2k=1n1kS_n = \frac{1}{n^2} \sum_{k=1}^{n-1} k

We know that the sum of the first n1n-1 integers is given by the formula:

k=1n1k=(n1)n2\sum_{k=1}^{n-1} k = \frac{(n-1)n}{2}

Thus, the sum SnS_n becomes:

Sn=1n2(n1)n2=n(n1)2n2S_n = \frac{1}{n^2} \cdot \frac{(n-1)n}{2} = \frac{n(n-1)}{2n^2}

Simplifying this expression:

Sn=n12nS_n = \frac{n-1}{2n}

Now, we take the limit as nn \to \infty:

limnn12n=limnn2n12n=120=12\lim_{n \to \infty} \frac{n-1}{2n} = \lim_{n \to \infty} \frac{n}{2n} - \frac{1}{2n} = \frac{1}{2} - 0 = \frac{1}{2}

Thus, the value of the limit is:

12\boxed{\frac{1}{2}}

Would you like more details on any specific step or clarification?

Here are some related questions you might consider:

  1. What is the general formula for the sum of an arithmetic series?
  2. How does this method relate to Riemann sums and integrals?
  3. Can this type of sum be generalized for different exponents in the denominator?
  4. What if the upper limit of the sum was extended to nn instead of n1n-1?
  5. How would this problem change if the terms inside the sum were squared?

Tip: Simplifying sums using known formulas is a powerful technique in evaluating limits.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Limits
Summation
Arithmetic Series

Formulas

Sum of an arithmetic series: ∑(k=1 to n-1) k = (n-1)n/2
Limit of a sum expression
Simplifying fractions: S_n = (n-1)/2n

Theorems

Summation formulas
Limit properties

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12 (Calculus)