Math Problem Statement

ans

Find the value of the product expression: ∏ (1 + 2 cos(2π * 3^k / (3^2020 + 1))) for k = 1 to 2020

Solution

The expression shown in the image involves a product notation (denoted by the capital Pi symbol) and trigonometric functions. The expression can be rewritten as:

k=12020(1+2cos(2π3k32020+1))\prod_{k=1}^{2020} \left( 1 + 2\cos\left( \frac{2\pi \cdot 3^k}{3^{2020} + 1} \right) \right)

This is a challenging problem that requires insight into the periodicity and behavior of the cosine function over a large product. Let's break down the components and evaluate their behavior.

  1. Cosine function analysis: The argument of the cosine function involves the fraction 2π3k32020+1\frac{2\pi \cdot 3^k}{3^{2020} + 1}, where 32020+13^{2020} + 1 is a very large number. Therefore, the argument 2π3k32020+1\frac{2\pi \cdot 3^k}{3^{2020} + 1} is very small for most values of kk, which means that the cosine function will be close to cos(0)\cos(0), which equals 1, for many values of kk.

  2. Simplification of each term: Each term inside the product can be approximated using the fact that cos(x)1\cos(x) \approx 1 when xx is small. Therefore, we approximate:

1+2cos(2π3k32020+1)1+21=31 + 2\cos\left( \frac{2\pi \cdot 3^k}{3^{2020} + 1} \right) \approx 1 + 2 \cdot 1 = 3

Thus, each term inside the product is approximately 3.

  1. Overall product: The product of 2020 terms, each approximately equal to 3, gives:

320203^{2020}

Hence, the value of the given product is approximately 320203^{2020}.

Conclusion:

The approximate value of the product is 32020\boxed{3^{2020}}.


Would you like a more detailed breakdown or clarifications? Here are some related questions:

  1. What is the behavior of trigonometric functions for small angles?
  2. How does the periodicity of cosine impact product expressions?
  3. What techniques can be used to simplify large product expressions like this one?
  4. How can we handle sums or products involving large exponents?
  5. How do approximations like cos(x)1\cos(x) \approx 1 hold up in different mathematical contexts?

Tip: When dealing with large products or sums involving trigonometric functions, it's often useful to look for patterns or approximations based on the behavior of the functions for large or small inputs.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Trigonometry
Product Notation
Approximation

Formulas

Cosine function: cos(θ)
Product of terms: ∏ (1 + 2 cos(θ))
Approximation: cos(x) ≈ 1 for small x

Theorems

Cosine Approximation for Small Angles

Suitable Grade Level

Undergraduate