11.6.8 determine convergent or divergence by Ratio Test

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Discussion Overview

The discussion focuses on using the Ratio Test to determine the convergence or divergence of two series: $$\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}\dfrac{(-2)^n}{n^2}$$ and $$\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{(2n)!}{9^n n!}$$. Participants explore the application of the Ratio Test, including calculations and interpretations of limits.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation, Mathematical reasoning, Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • Post 1 introduces the first series and expresses uncertainty about identifying the terms of the series.
  • Post 2 reiterates the first series and provides the expressions for \(a_{n+1}\) and \(a_n\), leading to the calculation of \(\dfrac{a_{n+1}}{a_n}\).
  • Post 2 also presents the second series and begins the process of applying the Ratio Test, providing the expressions for \(a_{n+1}\) and \(a_n\) for this series as well.
  • Post 3 calculates the limit for the first series, concluding that \(L=2\) indicates divergence. It also calculates the limit for the second series, concluding that \(L=\infty\) also indicates divergence.
  • Post 4 expresses gratitude for the assistance received in the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the application of the Ratio Test and the resulting conclusions of divergence for both series, although the process and calculations leading to these conclusions involve some uncertainty and exploration.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty in identifying terms and performing calculations, indicating that the discussion may involve incomplete steps or assumptions in the application of the Ratio Test.

karush
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Use the Ratio Test to determine whether the series is convergent or divergent
$$\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}\dfrac{(-2)^n}{n^2}$$
If $\displaystyle\lim_{n \to \infty}
\left|\dfrac{a_{n+1}}{a_n}\right|=L>1
\textit{ or }
\left|\dfrac{a_{n+1}}{a_n}\right|=\infty
\textit{ then the series } \sum_{n=1}^{\infty}a_n \textit{ is divergent}$

ok I spent about half hour trying to do this but not sure what a is

also this one if can...

$$\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{(2n)!}{9^n n!}$$
 
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karush said:
Use the Ratio Test to determine whether the series is convergent or divergent
$$\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}\dfrac{(-2)^n}{n^2}$$
If $\displaystyle\lim_{n \to \infty}
\left|\dfrac{a_{n+1}}{a_n}\right|=L>1
\textit{ or }
\left|\dfrac{a_{n+1}}{a_n}\right|=\infty
\textit{ then the series } \sum_{n=1}^{\infty}a_n \textit{ is divergent}$

ok I spent about half hour trying to do this but not sure what a is

also this one if can...

$$\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{(2n)!}{9^n n!}$$

$a_{n+1} = \dfrac{(-2)^{n+1}}{(n+1)^2}$
$a_n = \dfrac{(-2)^n}{n^2}$

$\dfrac{a_{n+1}}{a_n} = \dfrac{(-2)^{n+1}}{(n+1)^2} \cdot \dfrac{n^2}{(-2)^n} = \dfrac{-2n^2}{(n+1)^2}$

$$\lim_{n \to \infty} \bigg|\dfrac{-2n^2}{(n+1)^2} \bigg| = \lim_{n \to \infty} \dfrac{2}{1 + \frac{2}{n} + \frac{1}{n^2}}$$

so ... what next?

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

$a_{n+1} = \dfrac{[2(n+1)]!}{9^{n+1} \cdot (n+1)!}$

$a_n = \dfrac{(2n)!}{9^n \cdot n!}$$$\lim_{n \to \infty} \bigg|\dfrac{[2(n+1)]!}{9^{n+1} \cdot (n+1)!} \cdot \dfrac{9^n \cdot n!}{(2n)!} \bigg| = $$

$$\lim_{n \to \infty} \bigg|\dfrac{(2n+2)!}{9^{n+1} \cdot (n+1)!} \cdot \dfrac{9^n \cdot n!}{(2n)!} \bigg|$$

$$\lim_{n \to \infty} \bigg|\dfrac{(2n+2)(2n+1)}{9 \cdot (n+1)} \bigg|$$

now what ... ?
 
$\displaystyle\lim_{n \to \infty} \dfrac{2}{1 + \frac{2}{n} + \frac{1}{n^2}}=\dfrac{2}{1+0+0}=2$
so $L>1$ divergent.and$\displaystyle\lim_{n \to \infty} \bigg|\dfrac{(2n+2)(2n+1)}{9 \cdot (n+1)} \bigg|
=\bigg|\dfrac{2(n+1)(2n+1)}{9(n+1)}\bigg|=\dfrac{4n+2}{9}=\infty$
so $L=\infty$ divergent.
 
Last edited:
Mahalo much...:cool:
 

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