Finding a and b in an infinite series limit comparison test

In summary, the conversation discusses the process of identifying "a_n" and "b_n" in an infinite series limit comparison test. The "a_n" is the initial function, while the "b_n" is obtained by taking the term with the highest degree in the numerator and denominator and dropping the rest. For large values of "n", the difference between "n" and "n+2" becomes negligible, making the square roots approximately equal. This approach can be applied to any problem where "b_n" needs to be found for a rational function.
  • #1
MillerGenuine
64
0
Finding "a" and "b" in an infinite series limit comparison test

Homework Statement



[tex]
\sum_{n=1}^\infty \frac{\sqrt{n+2}}{2n^2+n+1}
[/tex]

How do I identify my a_n and my b_n?
In this particular problem you need to use the Limit comparison test which is your "a_n" divided by your "b_n". I know how to solve the problem once these variables are identified, but for each question i attempt to do, i am not seeing a pattern in how to identify your a and b.
 
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  • #2


You can show that the term of this sum is smaller than:
1/( n sqrt(n+2))
which is in return smaller than 1/(n sqrt n)

and if I recall correctly the sum of 1/n^a converges for a>1.
 
  • #3


for this problem they get
[tex]
a_n= \frac{\sqrt(n+2)}{2n^2+n+1}
b_n= \frac{1}{n^(3/2)}
[/tex]

how are these values obtained?
I realize a_n is just the initial function..but how did they get b_n?
I know to divide them, & i know how to get the answer from this point, i just have no idea how they got their "b_n" value
 
  • #4


For large n, [itex]\sqrt{n + 2} \approx \sqrt{n}[/itex], and [itex]2n^2 + n + 1 \approx 2n^2[/itex], so the whole expression can be compared to 1/(2n3/2), which is close to what MathematicalPhysicist said.
 
  • #5


Is there some kind of equation to find b_n?
Im not sure the terminology of "large n". why can you approximate n+2 to be just n, and 2n^2 + n + 1 to be just 2n^2. ?
 
  • #6


If you're looking for some formula that you can use instead of thinking, no, there isn't. "Large n" simply means in the limit as n goes to infinity.

For n + 2:
If n = 10, n + 2 = 12
If n = 100, n + 2 = 102
If n = 1000, n + 2 = 1002
The larger n gets, the closer n and n + 2 are, relatively speaking. The difference is always 2, but the relative difference gets smaller and smaller.

In a polynomial in n, the dominant term when n is large is the term of highest degree. That's why I can say that n + 2 [itex]\approx[/itex] n, for large n, hence their square roots are approximately equal as well.

That's also why I can say that for large n, 2n2 + n + 1 is about equal to 2n2. The larger n is, the smaller the effect of the lower degree terms.
 
  • #7


So would it be safe to say that for any problem where i must find my b_n, such as the one above, i essentially take the term with the highest degree (in the numerator and denom) and drop the rest? because n becomes so large as it approaches infinity the rest of the polynomial is negligible?
 
  • #8


When i had said "equation" in my previous post i meant a method to always find b_n. like i asked in the above post, taking the term with highest degree and dropping the rest.
 
  • #9


MillerGenuine said:
So would it be safe to say that for any problem where i must find my b_n, such as the one above, i essentially take the term with the highest degree (in the numerator and denom) and drop the rest? because n becomes so large as it approaches infinity the rest of the polynomial is negligible?
If you're dealing with a series whose general term is a rational function, yes.

MillerGenuine said:
When i had said "equation" in my previous post i meant a method to always find b_n. like i asked in the above post, taking the term with highest degree and dropping the rest.
You understand of course that an equation and a method are completely different things?
 
  • #10


You understand of course that an equation and a method are completely different things?
Of course. I wasnt sure quite how to word my question so I had to make a stretch. I tend to miss the smallest details (such as this b_n issue) yet can understand everything else magnificently. Go figure. I appreciate the help though, it makes much more sense.
 
  • #11


Sure, glad to help.
 

1. What is the purpose of the infinite series limit comparison test?

The infinite series limit comparison test is used to determine whether a given series converges or diverges by comparing it to a known series with known convergence or divergence behavior.

2. How do you determine whether a given series converges or diverges using the infinite series limit comparison test?

To determine convergence or divergence, you must first compare the given series to a known series using the limit comparison test. If the limit of the ratio of the two series is a positive, finite number, then both series will have the same convergence or divergence behavior. If the limit is 0 or infinity, then the two series will have opposite convergence or divergence behavior.

3. What is the formula for the infinite series limit comparison test?

The formula is:
lim n→∞ |an/bn| = L, where an and bn are the terms of the two series being compared and L is the limit of the ratio.

4. What are the necessary conditions for the infinite series limit comparison test to be applicable?

The series being compared must have positive terms and the limit of the ratio of the terms must exist and be a positive, finite number.

5. Can the infinite series limit comparison test be used to determine the exact value of a series?

No, the infinite series limit comparison test can only determine whether a series converges or diverges. It cannot determine the exact value of a series, which may require other methods such as the integral test or the ratio test.

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