The Method of Differences

Compiled by: Nyasha P. Tarakino (Trockers)

+263772978155/+263717267175

ntarakino@gmail.com

10 MAY 2020

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

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SYLLABUS (6042) REQUIREMENTS
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 use the method of differences to obtain the sum of
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finite series
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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

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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

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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.

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Step 2

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

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

NB:

Question 4

Show that

Hence, or otherwise find a simplified expression for

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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.

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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

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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)

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Now:

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

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NB:

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Question 6

Cambridge Further Mathematics Paper 1

Find

Suggested Solution

Let

When When When

Now

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When :

Now:

Hence deduce the value of

Suggested Solution

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Question 7

Cambridge Further Mathematics Paper 1

Simplify .

Suggested Solution

Hence find

Suggested Solution

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 When: :

Now:

Question 8

Cambridge Further Mathematics Paper 1

Given that find

Suggested Solution

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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

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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

QUESTION 6

a) Show that

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

c) Show that

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QUESTION 7

a) Show that

b) Hence:

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

(ii) Write down the value of

c) Given that

QUESTION 8

a) Show that

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

QUESTION 9

ZIMSEC November 2019 Paper 2

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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

QUESTION 11

Cambridge January 2003 Further Mathematics Paper 4

a) Express [2]

b) Hence prove that

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QUESTION 12

Cambridge June 2019 Further Mathematics Paper 3

a) Use the method of differences to show that

b) Find the limit, as of

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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

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