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FM Nov 2024 p12 q05
4147
It is given that \(S_n = \sum_{r=1}^{n} u_r\), where \(u_r = x^{f(r)} - x^{f(r+1)}\) and \(x > 0\).
(a) Find \(S_n\) in terms of \(n, x\) and the function \(f\).
(b) Given that \(f(r) = \ln r\), find the set of values of \(x\) for which the infinite series \(u_1 + u_2 + u_3 + \ldots\) is convergent and give the sum to infinity when this exists.
(c) Given instead that \(f(r) = 2 \log_x r\) where \(x \neq 1\), use standard results from the List of formulae (MF19) to find \(\sum_{n=1}^{N} S_n\) in terms of \(N\). Fully factorise your answer.
Solution
(a) The series \(S_n = \sum_{r=1}^{n} (x^{f(r)} - x^{f(r+1)})\) telescopes to \(x^{f(1)} - x^{f(n+1)}\).
(b) With \(f(r) = \ln r\), the series becomes \(\sum_{r=1}^{\infty} (x^{\ln r} - x^{\ln(r+1)})\). For convergence, \(0 < x \leq 1\). If \(x < 1\), the series converges to \(1\). If \(x = 1\), the series converges to \(0\).