Is this Series Convergent or Divergent Using Comparison Tests?

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This conversation discusses using the comparison tests to determine if a given series is convergent or divergent. The speaker tries to compare the given series to another series, but is unsure how to do so. The expert summarizes the steps taken to compare the series and concludes that the original series is convergent. In summary, the conversation discusses using comparison tests to determine convergence or divergence of a series by comparing it to another series. The expert concludes that the original series is convergent.
  • #1
zandbera
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Homework Statement


I have to determine whether the given series is convergent or divergent using the comparison tests:
[tex]\sum[/tex] from n = 1 to infinity of (n + 4n / (n + 6n)


Homework Equations


If bn is convergent and an [tex]\leq[/tex] bn then an is also convergent

liimit of an/bn as n goes to infinity = c, if c > 0, then both are either convergent or divergent

The Attempt at a Solution



I tried saying that bn was (4/6)^n but i don't know how to compare that to the original series
 
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  • #2
Certainly [itex](n+4^n)/(n+ 6^n)< (n+ 4^n)/6^n[/itex] because the left side has a larger denominator. It is also true that n< 4^n for any positive integer n. That means that [itex]n+ 4^n< 4^n+ 4^n< 2(4^n)[/itex] and so [itex](n+4^n)/(n+6^n)< (n+4^n)/6^n< 2(4^n)/6^n)[/itex].
 
  • #3
so then because 2(4/6)^n is convergent, the original series is convergent, correct?
 
  • #4
Correct.
 

1. What is a convergent series?

A convergent series is a sequence of numbers that approaches a definite value as the number of terms increases. In other words, the sum of the terms in the series approaches a finite number as more terms are added.

2. What is a divergent series?

A divergent series is a sequence of numbers that does not approach a definite value as the number of terms increases. In other words, the sum of the terms in the series either approaches infinity or oscillates between different values as more terms are added.

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

There are several tests that can be used to determine the convergence or divergence of a series, such as the comparison test, the ratio test, and the integral test. These tests involve analyzing the behavior of the terms in the series and can help determine if the series will approach a finite value or not.

4. Why are convergent and divergent series important in mathematics?

Convergent and divergent series are important in mathematics because they are used to represent and approximate various mathematical functions. They also have applications in fields such as physics, engineering, and economics, where series are used to model real-life phenomena.

5. Can a series be both convergent and divergent?

No, a series cannot be both convergent and divergent. By definition, a series can only be either convergent or divergent. However, some series may have subseries that are convergent and others that are divergent. In these cases, we say that the series is conditionally convergent.

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