Q: How to get numeric values for infinite sums?



On 2/14/07, RalfGesellensetter <rgx at gmx.de> wrote:
> Dear List,
>
> please forgive my ignorance, as I am quite new to maxima.
> In case I oversaw any matching FAQ or manual, please give me an URL:
>
> How can I make maxima to give me a numeric (or algebraic) result for
>
>   ratsimp(sum(1/k^2,k,1,inf));
>
> ? As the sum equals Zeta(2), I would like to get both:
>
> (%i15) zeta(2);
> (%o15) 1.644934066848226
>

Use the simpsum flag:

(%i1) sum(1/k^2,k,1,inf), simpsum;
(%o1) %pi^2/6

-- 
Andrej