Absolute Convergence of Homework Series: Real Parameter p

In summary, the conversation discusses the convergence of the series \sum_{n=2}^{\infty} \ln \left(1+\frac{(-1)^n}{n^p}\right), where p is a real parameter. The attempt at a solution involves using the limit comparison test to determine the convergence and absolute/non-absolute convergence of the series. It is found that the series converges absolutely for p>1, but the proof for non-absolute convergence for 1/2 < p <= 1 is not provided.
  • #1
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Homework Statement


[tex]\sum_{n=2}^{\infty} \ln \left(1+\frac{(-1)^n}{n^p}\right)[/tex]

p is a real parameter, determine when the series converges absolutely/non-absolutely

The Attempt at a Solution



I tried to do the limit [tex]\lim_{n\rightarrow \infty} \frac{\ln \left(1+\frac{(-1)^n}{n^p}\right)}{\frac{(-1)^n}{n^p}}[/tex], which is equal to one and this suggests that the series coverges if p is positive (limit comparison test). But then I'm not sure how to determine the absolute/non-absolute convergence. Could you help me please? Thanks very much in advance!
 
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  • #2
Try to split the series into two parts - the even numbers and the odd ones and see if they both converge.
 
  • #3
i made a mistake in the first post, the limit comparison test is applicable only to non-negative series. then the limit should be like:
[tex]\lim_{n\rightarrow \infty} \frac{\left|\ln \left(1+\frac{(-1)^n}{n^p}\right)\right|}{\frac{1}{n^p}}[/tex]

which is equal to zero when p is positive. However, the lower series converges when p>1. Therefore, the original logarithm series converges absolutely for p>1.

The textbook then says that the series converges non-absolutely also for 1/2 < p <= 1. But I can't prove it - do you have any ideas?
 
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