[Calc2] Question about convergence of series.

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    Convergence Series
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the convergence of the series E(n=3) = (4n+3) / (7n-1) as n approaches infinity. Participants explore methods for determining convergence, including the comparison test and the divergence test, while clarifying the series' limit behavior.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes using the comparison test to analyze the series, suggesting a comparison with (5/6)^n.
  • Another participant seeks clarification on the series and questions the limit as n approaches infinity, indicating it is 4/7.
  • There is confusion regarding the suggestion to use (5/7)^n, with participants expressing uncertainty about its relevance.
  • One participant mentions that if the limit of the terms is 4/7, it implies something about the series' convergence.
  • A later reply discusses the divergence test, stating that since the limit does not approach 0, the series diverges.
  • Another participant suggests using the p-series test to conclude that the series diverges, referencing the comparison with (4n)/(7n).

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the limit of the series terms is 4/7, but there is disagreement on the appropriate method for determining convergence and the implications of the limit. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best approach to analyze the series.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express confusion about the interpretation of the series and the application of various convergence tests, indicating potential misunderstandings or missing assumptions in their reasoning.

gflores
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I have this series
E(n=3) = (4n+3) / (7n-1)... going to infinity. I'm not quite sure how I would go about solving this. Do I use the comparison test? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
 
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Yes use direct comparison. I suggest something like (5/6)^n or something.
 
I'm not totally clear on what your series is. is it:

[tex]\sum_{n=3}^{\infty}\frac{4n+3}{7n-1}[/tex]

if so, what is [tex]\lim_{n\rightarrow\infty}\frac{4n+3}{7n-1}[/tex]?
 
Yes, it is this: I don't know how to do that.
https://www.physicsforums.com/latex_images/35/356726-0.png

Why would I use 5/7^n? I'm confused.

The limit as n-> infinity of (4n+3) / (7n-1) is 4/7, correct?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
gflores said:
Yes, it is this: I don't know how to do that.
https://www.physicsforums.com/latex_images/35/356726-0.png

Hit the "reply" button to my post above and you can see how it was done. You can use LaTex on this board, there's a quick guide kicking around somewhere.

gflores said:
Why would I use 5/7^n? I'm confused.

I don't understand vsage's suggestion either. I'm guessing he interpreted the question differently?

gflores said:
The limit as n-> infinity of (4n+3) / (7n-1) is 4/7, correct?

Yes, that is correct. What does it say about the series if the limit of the terms is 4/7?
 
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Wow I'm sorry I wrote that way past my bedtime :\. To use the comparison test on a series [tex]a_n[/tex] to show that [tex]b_n[/tex] diverges, [tex]b_n \geq a_n \forall n[/tex]. By the p test the series you gave doesn't converge. That would be the easest way to go or use what shmoe suggested that since the limit of the terms of the series don't go to 0 that the series can't converge but to use comparison you know by the p series test that [tex]\sum \frac{4n}{7n}[/tex] diverges so using [tex]\frac{4n}{7n} \leq \frac{4n+3}{7n-1} \forall n[/tex] therefore the series diverges. Again very sorry for misreading it. I saw it as [tex]\frac {(4n+3)^n}{(7n-1)^n}[/tex]
 
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Just use the divergence test like it was mentioned before.

The limit as you take n to inf. is 4/7 meaning as n gets bigger, your still adding more numbers and they don't get to 0. So the series diverge.
 

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