What is a closed form solution?

  • #1
docnet
Gold Member
672
307
TL;DR Summary
What is the definition of a closed form solution in math? Where did the term originate? When is it preferred?
Hi friends, I was wondering if you could give the definition of 'closed form', with examples of closed form solutions and open? form solutions.

Foe example, is this a closed form solution?
$$\sum_{k=1}^\infty \frac{1}{2^k}$$

Or this?
$$\sum_{k=1}^5 \frac{1}{2^k}$$

Thanks.
 
Last edited:
Mathematics news on Phys.org

Similar threads

Replies
4
Views
260
  • General Math
Replies
1
Views
133
  • General Math
Replies
19
Views
842
  • General Math
Replies
4
Views
984
  • General Math
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
957
Replies
3
Views
582
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
429
Replies
6
Views
914
  • General Math
Replies
3
Views
699
Back
Top