TITLE: Calculate $\sum\limits_{k=0}^{\infty}\frac{1}{{2k \choose k}}$
QUESTION [21 upvotes]: Calculate $$\sum \limits_{k=0}^{\infty}\frac{1}{{2k \choose k}}$$
I use software to complete the  series is  $\frac{2}{27} \left(18+\sqrt{3} \pi \right)$
I have no idea about it.  :|

REPLY [12 votes]: Recall the Euler Beta integral
$$\beta(a, b) = \int_0^1 x^{a-1} (1-x)^{b-1} dx$$
and Euler's formula for it in terms of the Gamma function,
$$\beta(a, b)  = \frac{\Gamma(a)\Gamma(b)}{\Gamma(a+b)}.$$
In particular, since ${2n \choose n} = (2n!)/(n!)^2$, we have
$$\beta(n+1, n+1) = \frac{1}{(2n+1){2n \choose n}}.$$
Thus, 
$$\sum_{n=0}^\infty \frac{1}{2n \choose n} = \int_0^1 \sum_{n=0}^\infty {(2n+1) (x(1-x))^{n}} dx$$
and we have the series $\sum_{n\geq 0} (2n+1)y^n = (y+1)/(y-1)^2$. Therefore,
$$\sum_{n=0}^\infty \frac{1}{2n \choose n} = \int_0^1 \frac{x(1-x)+1}{(x(1-x)-1)^2} dx$$
and by routine integration (partial fractions or your favorite standard method), this equals $\frac{2}{27}(18+\sqrt 3 \pi)$.