Boost your skills in A Level Further Mathematics Core Pure. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question is followed by hints and explanations. Get prepared for your exam with confidence!

Multiple Choice

Compute the value of the telescoping series ∑_{n=1}^∞ (1/n - 1/(n+1)).

This is a telescoping series. When you form the partial sum S_N = sum from n=1 to N of (1/n - 1/(n+1)), the terms cancel in sequence: (1 - 1/2) + (1/2 - 1/3) + ... + (1/N - 1/(N+1)) leaves just 1 - 1/(N+1). So S_N = 1 - 1/(N+1). As N grows, 1/(N+1) → 0, hence the sum to infinity is 1. The option that equals 1 is the correct choice.

This is a telescoping series. When you form the partial sum S_N = sum from n=1 to N of (1/n - 1/(n+1)), the terms cancel in sequence: (1 - 1/2) + (1/2 - 1/3) + ... + (1/N - 1/(N+1)) leaves just 1 - 1/(N+1). So S_N = 1 - 1/(N+1). As N grows, 1/(N+1) → 0, hence the sum to infinity is 1. The option that equals 1 is the correct choice.