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The Method of Differences Notes by Trockers

The document discusses the method of differences for solving finite series. It provides examples of using partial fractions to find sums of series. The examples demonstrate setting up differences to create telescoping series and obtain simplified expressions.

Uploaded by

Dakarirayi Mutenherwa
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© © All Rights Reserved
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104 views25 pages

The Method of Differences Notes by Trockers

The document discusses the method of differences for solving finite series. It provides examples of using partial fractions to find sums of series. The examples demonstrate setting up differences to create telescoping series and obtain simplified expressions.

Uploaded by

Dakarirayi Mutenherwa
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 25

The Method of Differences

Compiled by: Nyasha P. Tarakino (Trockers)

+263772978155/+263717267175

ntarakino@gmail.com

08 MARCH 2020

Tarakino N.P. (Trockers) ~ 0772978155/ 0717267175


Page 1


SYLLABUS (6042) REQUIREMENTS




 use the method of differences to obtain the sum of

finite series







Tarakino N.P. (Trockers) ~ 0772978155/ 0717267175


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The Method of Differences

o When working with sequences and series, sometimes partial fractions are needed to
solve the problem.
o The first step is to recognize what types of sequence or series problems require the
use of partial fractions.
o Solving the partial fraction will help set up a new series that enables to solve using
limits.
o The first two examples require the use of partial fractions.

Solved Problems
Question 1

Find

Suggested Solution

Step 1

Express into Partial Fractions.

Let

When

When

Tarakino N.P. (Trockers) ~ 0772978155/ 0717267175


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NB: Sum of constants should give zero i.e.

Step 2

o Write out the first few terms of the series and notice what is happening with the
values.
o The second value is always cancelling with the exception of the last term, along with
the first value after the initial term.
o This is a Telescoping Series.

Now

Tarakino N.P. (Trockers) ~ 0772978155/ 0717267175


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st
o After performing relevant cancelling ( See the illustration on the two and the last
two lines) we should obtain

Question 2

Find if the series converges or diverges. If convergent then find its sum.

Suggested Solution

o Since it is possible to solve for the limit, it is known that the series converges, and the
sum of the series is .

Question 3

ZIMSEC November 2018 Paper 2

a) Find

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b) Hence, or otherwise deduce the value of

Suggested Solution

a)

Step 1

Express into Partial Fractions.

Let

When

When

When

NB: Sum of constants should give zero i.e.

Step 2

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o Express terms as differences using Step 1 and we should do this for at least first 4
terms and at least last 3 terms so that we can show relevant cancelling clearly.

Now

st
o After performing relevant cancelling ( See the illustration on the three and the last
three lines) we should obtain

Tarakino N.P. (Trockers) ~ 0772978155/ 0717267175


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NB:

Question 4

Show that

Hence, or otherwise find a simplified expression for

NB: This question is similar to ZIMSEC November 2018 Question.

Tarakino N.P. (Trockers) ~ 0772978155/ 0717267175


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NOTES
o There is no need for partial fractions as we must show the difference between the two
fractions is the SINGLE fraction given.
o Partial fractions would be needed if working the other way round.
o Show that the single fraction can be written as the difference between the two
fractions

Suggested Solution

a)

b)

Notes
o Write out the first few terms of the series and notice what is happening with the
values.
o The second value is always cancelling with the exception of the last term, along with
the first value after the initial term.
o This is a Telescoping Series.

Tarakino N.P. (Trockers) ~ 0772978155/ 0717267175


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st
o After performing relevant cancelling ( See the illustration on the two and the last
two lines) we should obtain

Now

Question 5

Cambridge June 2006 Further Mathematics Paper 1

Given that for all the real values of

Tarakino N.P. (Trockers) ~ 0772978155/ 0717267175


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where and are constants.

a) Find the value of and the value of . [2]


b) Hence or otherwise prove that

c) Calculate

Suggested Solution

a)

b)

Tarakino N.P. (Trockers) ~ 0772978155/ 0717267175


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Now:

st
o After performing relevant cancelling ( See illustration on the two and last two
lines) we should obtain

Tarakino N.P. (Trockers) ~ 0772978155/ 0717267175


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NB:

Tarakino N.P. (Trockers) ~ 0772978155/ 0717267175


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Question 6

Cambridge Further Mathematics Paper 1

Find

Suggested Solution

Let

When When When

Now

Tarakino N.P. (Trockers) ~ 0772978155/ 0717267175


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When :

Now:

Hence deduce the value of

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Suggested Solution

Question 7

Cambridge Further Mathematics Paper 1

Simplify .

Suggested Solution

Hence find

Suggested Solution

Tarakino N.P. (Trockers) ~ 0772978155/ 0717267175


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When: :

Now:

Question 8

Cambridge Further Mathematics Paper 1

Given that find

Tarakino N.P. (Trockers) ~ 0772978155/ 0717267175


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Suggested Solution

When :

Hence deduce the value of

Answer

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PRACTICE QUESTIONS
QUESTION 1

a) Show that

b) Hence show that

c) Find the value of

QUESTION 2

a) Show that

b) Hence show that

QUESTION 3

a) Show that

b) Hence find an expression, in terms of , for

c) Given that

Tarakino N.P. (Trockers) ~ 0772978155/ 0717267175


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QUESTION 4

a) Show that

b) Hence find an expression, in terms of , for

c) Find the value of

QUESTION 5

a) Show that

b) Hence find an expression, in terms of , for

c) Find the value of

Tarakino N.P. (Trockers) ~ 0772978155/ 0717267175


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QUESTION 6

a) Show that

b) Hence find an expression, in terms of , for

c) Show that

QUESTION 7

a) Show that

b) Hence:

(i) Find an expression, in terms of , for

(ii) Write down the value of

c) Given that

Tarakino N.P. (Trockers) ~ 0772978155/ 0717267175


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QUESTION 8

a) Show that

b) Hence find an expression, in terms of , for

QUESTION 9

ZIMSEC November 2019 Paper 2

a) Express [2]

b) Hence show that

c) Deduce the value of

QUESTION 10

ZIMSEC November 2019 Additional Mathematics Paper 1

a) Show that

b) Hence, or otherwise, find

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QUESTION 11

Cambridge January 2003 Further Mathematics Paper 4

a) Express [2]

b) Hence prove that

QUESTION 12

Cambridge June 2019 Further Mathematics Paper 3

a) Use the method of differences to show that

b) Find the limit, as of

Tarakino N.P. (Trockers) ~ 0772978155/ 0717267175


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ASANTE SANA

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*******THERE IS A LIGHT AT THE END OF EVERY TUNNEL *******

CONSTRUCTIVE COMMENTS ON THE FORM


OF THE PRESENTATION, INCLUDING ANY
OMISSIONS OR ERRORS, ARE WELCOME.

***ENJOY***

Nyasha P. Tarakino (Trockers)

+263772978155/+263717267175

ntarakino@gmail.com

Tarakino N.P. (Trockers) ~ 0772978155/ 0717267175


Page 25

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