Absolute Convergence of Homework Series: Real Parameter p

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SUMMARY

The series \(\sum_{n=2}^{\infty} \ln \left(1+\frac{(-1)^n}{n^p}\right)\) converges absolutely for \(p > 1\) and non-absolutely for \(1/2 < p \leq 1\). The limit comparison test indicates that the series converges when \(p\) is positive, and the absolute convergence is confirmed by analyzing the limit \(\lim_{n\rightarrow \infty} \frac{\left|\ln \left(1+\frac{(-1)^n}{n^p}\right)\right|}{\frac{1}{n^p}}\), which approaches zero for positive \(p\). The discussion highlights the need to split the series into even and odd components to further analyze convergence.

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  • Understanding of series convergence tests, particularly the limit comparison test.
  • Familiarity with logarithmic functions and their properties.
  • Knowledge of absolute and non-absolute convergence concepts.
  • Basic calculus, specifically limits and series analysis.
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  • Study the limit comparison test in detail to understand its application to alternating series.
  • Explore the properties of logarithmic functions in the context of series convergence.
  • Investigate the criteria for absolute and non-absolute convergence in greater depth.
  • Examine examples of series that converge conditionally versus absolutely.
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Homework Statement


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

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

The Attempt at a Solution



I tried to do the limit \lim_{n\rightarrow \infty} \frac{\ln \left(1+\frac{(-1)^n}{n^p}\right)}{\frac{(-1)^n}{n^p}}, 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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Try to split the series into two parts - the even numbers and the odd ones and see if they both converge.
 
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:
\lim_{n\rightarrow \infty} \frac{\left|\ln \left(1+\frac{(-1)^n}{n^p}\right)\right|}{\frac{1}{n^p}}

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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