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How to Evaluate Complex Alternating Cosine Series with Parametric Exponents

MathSeries Summation
Explained on January 11, 2026
📚 Grade 9-12🔴 Hard⏱️ 20+ min
Problem

Problem

1 + ∑(n=1 to 20000) [(-1)^n * cos(nπx/10000) / n^p], where r = 1.0001

🎯 What You'll Learn

  • Understand infinite series convergence
  • Apply advanced mathematical manipulation
  • Analyze complex mathematical patterns

Prerequisites: Calculus, Series summation techniques, Trigonometric functions

💡 Quick Summary

This problem asks us to compute a complex Fourier-type series that combines alternating signs, cosine functions, and a power decay term summed over 20,000 terms. The key approach involves recognizing this as a series that builds up a wave-like function by adding together many oscillating cosine components, where each term gets smaller due to the 1/n^p factor and alternates in sign due to the (-1)^n term. To solve it, you need to identify the missing parameters (p and x), then systematically compute each term and sum them up, adding 1 at the end. The main insight is understanding how the alternating signs help with convergence while the cosine terms create the periodic behavior that makes this series so mathematically rich. Without the specific values of p and x though, we can't arrive at a numerical answer, so clarifying those parameters would be the essential first step!

Step-by-Step Explanation

Hello! Let's Tackle This Series Together! 🌟

What We're Solving:

We need to compute the series: 1 + ∑(n=1 to 20000) [(-1)^n * cos(nπx/10000) / n^p]

Wait! I notice something important - you've given us r = 1.0001, but I don't see the value of p (the exponent) or x in your problem statement. These are crucial for getting a numerical answer!

The Approach:

This is a Fourier-type series with alternating signs. Here's why this type of problem is fascinating:
  • The (-1)^n creates alternating positive and negative terms
  • The cosine function adds periodic behavior
  • The 1/n^p term controls how quickly the series converges
  • We're essentially building a wave-like function from simpler pieces!

Step-by-Step Solution:

Step 1: Understand Each Component

  • (-1)^n: When n is odd, this equals -1; when n is even, this equals +1
  • cos(nπx/10000): This oscillates between -1 and 1, with frequency depending on n
  • 1/n^p: This makes terms get smaller as n increases (assuming p > 0)
Step 2: Recognize the Pattern This looks similar to a Fourier series expansion! The general form resembles: f(x) = a₀ + ∑ [aₙcos(nπx/L) + bₙsin(nπx/L)]

Step 3: Analyze Convergence

  • If p > 1, this series will converge nicely
  • If p ≤ 1, we need to be more careful about convergence
  • The alternating signs ((-1)^n) can help with convergence
Step 4: Computational Strategy For numerical evaluation, you would:
  • 1. Choose specific values for p and x
  • 2. Compute each term: (-1)^n * cos(nπx/10000) / n^p
  • 3. Sum from n=1 to n=20000
  • 4. Add 1 to get your final answer

The Answer:

I can't give you a specific numerical answer without knowing the values of p and x!

Could you clarify:

  • What is the value of p?
  • What is the value of x?
  • How does r = 1.0001 relate to the problem?
Once you provide these, I can help you compute the exact numerical result!

Memory Tip:

Think of this series as building a complex wave by adding up many simple cosine waves, each getting weaker (due to 1/n^p) and alternating in sign. It's like constructing a symphony from individual notes that get quieter as they get higher in pitch! 🎵

You're doing great working with advanced series! Once we have those missing values, we'll get that final number together! 💪

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Incorrectly handling alternating series
  • Misapplying convergence criteria
  • Computational errors in complex summations

This explanation was generated by AI. While we work hard to be accurate, mistakes can happen! Always double-check important answers with your teacher or textbook.

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📷 Problem detected:

Solve: 2x + 5 = 13

Step 1:

Subtract 5 from both sides...

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