Convergent Series and Partial Sums

In summary, a convergent series is a series where the terms approach a finite limit as the number of terms increases. A partial sum is the sum of a finite number of terms in a series. To determine if a series is convergent or divergent, various tests can be used. Absolute convergence refers to a series that converges regardless of the order of the terms, while conditional convergence refers to a series that only converges when the terms are arranged in a specific order. A series can have both positive and negative terms and still converge if it is an alternating series with decreasing magnitude of terms.
  • #1
H12504106
6
0

Homework Statement



Let [itex]\sum_{n=1} a_n[/itex] and [itex]\sum_{n=1} b_n[/itex] be convergent series. For each [itex]n \in \mathbb{N}[/itex], let [itex]c_{2n-1} = a_n[/itex] and [itex]c_{2n} = b_n[/itex]. Prove that [itex]\sum_{n=1} c_n[/itex] converges.





Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



Not sure whether the following solution is correct or not.
Let [itex]S_n, T_n, R_n[/itex] be the partial sums of the series [itex]\sum_{n=1} a_n, \sum_{n=1} b_n, \sum_{n=1} c_n[/itex] respectively. Now [itex](R_{2n-1}) = c_1 + c_2 +...+ c_{2n-1} = (a_1 +...+ a_n)+ (b_1 +...+b_{n-1}) = S_n +T_{n-1}[/itex]. Similarily, [itex](R_{2n}) = c_1 + c_2 +...+ c_{2n-1} + c_{2n} = (a_1 +...+ a_n)+ (b_1 +...+b_n) = S_n +T_n[/itex]. Since [TEX]\sum_{n=1} a_n[/itex] and [itex]\sum_{n=1} b_n[/itex] converges, the sequence [itex](S_n)[/itex] and [itex](T_n)[/itex] converges. Since [itex](R_{2n-1})[/itex] and [itex](R_{2n})[/itex] converges to the same value, [itex](R_n)[/itex] converges. Hence, the series [itex]\sum_{n=1} c_n[/itex] converges.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
H12504106 said:

Homework Statement



Let [itex]\sum_{n=1} a_n[/itex] and [itex]\sum_{n=1} b_n[/itex] be convergent series. For each [itex]n \in \mathbb{N}[/itex], let [itex]c_{2n-1} = a_n[/itex] and [itex]c_{2n} = b_n[/itex]. Prove that [itex]\sum_{n=1} c_n[/itex] converges.

The Attempt at a Solution



Not sure whether the following solution is correct or not.
Let [itex]S_n, T_n, R_n[/itex] be the partial sums of the series [itex]\sum_{n=1} a_n, \sum_{n=1} b_n, \sum_{n=1} c_n[/itex] respectively. Now [itex](R_{2n-1}) = c_1 + c_2 +...+ c_{2n-1} = (a_1 +...+ a_n)+ (b_1 +...+b_{n-1}) = S_n +T_{n-1}[/itex]. Similarily, [itex](R_{2n}) = c_1 + c_2 +...+ c_{2n-1} + c_{2n} = (a_1 +...+ a_n)+ (b_1 +...+b_n) = S_n +T_n[/itex]. Since [TEX]\sum_{n=1} a_n[/itex] and [itex]\sum_{n=1} b_n[/itex] converges, the sequence [itex](S_n)[/itex] and [itex](T_n)[/itex] converges. Since [itex](R_{2n-1})[/itex] and [itex](R_{2n})[/itex] converges to the same value, [itex](R_n)[/itex] converges. Hence, the series [itex]\sum_{n=1} c_n[/itex] converges.

The assertions you make look to be all true. But I think you need to give a more complete explanation for the last two sentences, because proving it carefully is essentially the same as the original problem. I would think along the lines if Σ an = S and Σbn = T, you should be able to show directly that the c series converges to S + T with an ε, N argument.
 

1. What is a convergent series?

A convergent series is a series in which the terms of the sequence approach a finite limit as the number of terms increases. In other words, the sum of the terms in the series approaches a specific value as more terms are added.

2. What is a partial sum?

A partial sum is the sum of a finite number of terms in a series. It is the sum of all terms from the first term to the nth term, where n is any positive integer.

3. How do you determine if a series is convergent or divergent?

To determine if a series is convergent or divergent, you can use various tests such as the comparison test, the ratio test, or the integral test. These tests compare the given series to a known series with a known convergence or divergence behavior to determine if the given series has a similar behavior.

4. What is the difference between absolute convergence and conditional convergence?

Absolute convergence refers to a series that converges regardless of the order of the terms, while conditional convergence refers to a series that only converges when the terms are arranged in a specific order. In other words, rearranging the terms of an absolutely convergent series will not affect its convergence, while rearranging the terms of a conditionally convergent series may change its convergence behavior.

5. Can a series have both positive and negative terms and still converge?

Yes, a series can have both positive and negative terms and still converge. This type of series is called an alternating series, where the signs of the terms alternate between positive and negative. However, for an alternating series to converge, the terms must decrease in magnitude as the series progresses, otherwise, it will diverge.

Similar threads

  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
409
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
249
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
380
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
707
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
14
Views
1K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
17
Views
1K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
1K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
1K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
778
Back
Top