# Math Help - 1/3+1/5+1/7...............=2

1. ## 1/3+1/5+1/7...............=2

hi guy's

i need some help on making a formula for this 1/3+1/5+1/7...............=2
i need to be able to fill in any number e.g 1/3+1/5+1/7...............=45

thanks
kingping

2. Originally Posted by kingping
hi guy's

i need some help on making a formula for this 1/3+1/5+1/7...............=2
i need to be able to fill in any number e.g 1/3+1/5+1/7...............=45

thanks
kingping
There is no formula for the exact sum of the first n terms of this particular series (called a harmonic series). Your best bet is to write a simple program to sum the terms and to terminate after reaching the required sum. The output would be how many terms were summed.

3. And note that usually the sum of the harmonic series will not be an integer. So you should allow input for real numbers

4. Originally Posted by Bacterius
And note that usually the sum of the harmonic series will not be an integer. So you should allow input for real numbers
Yes - in fact, the sum of the first N terms of this series can never be an integer.

5. Yes - in fact, the sum of the first N terms of this series can never be an integer.
Where is that thanks button ?!
Thanks for the precision though Ebaines, I would have thanked your post in normal circumstances