# Math Help - prove that series

1. ## prove that series

prove that :
$\sum_{n=1}^{\infty }(\frac{1}{n^{2}})=\frac{\pi ^{2}}{6}$

2. Originally Posted by dhiab
prove that :
$\sum_{n=1}^{\infty }(\frac{1}{n^{2}})=\frac{\pi ^{2}}{6}$

Consider $\sin(x) = x \prod_{n=1}^{\infty} \left ( 1 - \frac{x^2}{(n\pi)^2} \right )$

Then compare the coefficient of $x^2$ with its Taylor's series .

3. Originally Posted by simplependulum
Consider $\sin(x) = x \prod_{n=1}^{\infty} \left ( 1 - \frac{x^2}{(n\pi)^2} \right )$

Then compare the coefficient of $x^2$ with its Taylor's series .
... $x^2$ or $x^3$? ...

Kind regards

$\chi$ $\sigma$

4. Oh , yes

If i say comparing with the series , it should be $x^3$ , but not $x^2$ .

Or say compare the coefficient of $x^2$ after dividing the factor $x$

5. Originally Posted by dhiab
prove that :
$\sum_{n=1}^{\infty }(\frac{1}{n^{2}})=\frac{\pi ^{2}}{6}$

Take a peek at this very nice paper: http://www.math.titech.ac.jp/~inoue/...lder/zeta2.pdf
You have there no less than 14 different proofs of the result $\zeta(2)=\sum\limits_{n+1}^{\infty}\frac{1}{n^2}=\ frac{\pi^2}{6}$, from rather basic ones to those that require more knowledge....enjoy!

Tonio

6. I believe the OP mostly posts challenge problems but places them in the regular forums. This thread has been answered many times over and I am going to PM the OP about using the Challenge Problems forum to save everyone time.