Absolutely Convergent, Conditionally Convergent, or Divergent?

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SUMMARY

The series in question is represented as Σ (-1)n-1 n/(n² + 4) from n=1 to ∞. The ratio test was ineffective due to the limit equaling 1, while the comparison test indicated convergence. However, confusion arose regarding the distinction between absolute and conditional convergence. Clarification was provided that if the series is interpreted correctly as t_n = (-1)^(n-1) n/(n² + 4), it changes the analysis significantly, as the series is divergent when incorrectly interpreted.

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  • Familiarity with concepts of absolute and conditional convergence in series.
  • Knowledge of limits and their application in series analysis.
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NEXT STEPS
  • Study the Ratio Test and its limitations in series convergence analysis.
  • Learn about the Comparison Test and its application in determining series convergence.
  • Research the differences between absolute convergence and conditional convergence in detail.
  • Practice interpreting complex mathematical expressions to avoid miscommunication in series notation.
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Students studying calculus, particularly those focusing on series and convergence tests, as well as educators seeking to clarify concepts of convergence in mathematical analysis.

belvol16
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Homework Statement



Σ (-1)n-1 n/n2 +4
n=1

Homework Equations


lim |an+1/an| = L
n→∞
bn+1≤bn
lim bn = 0
n→∞

The Attempt at a Solution


So I tried multiple things while attempting this solution and got inconsistent answers so I am thoroughly confused. My work is on the attached photo.
I found that the ratio test did not work because the limit equaled 1.
Then I used the comparison test and found that the series was convergent...which I'm really confused about because one can compare n/n2 +4 to n/n2 which is 1/n and is divergent.
Then I compared values of the function to its absolute function and the values were the same...but I'm not sure what that means...
I'm also really not sure what the difference is between being absolutely convergent vs conditionally convergent.
Any help is greatly appreciated.
 

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belvol16 said:

Homework Statement



Σ (-1)n-1 n/n2 +4
n=1

Homework Equations


lim |an+1/an| = L
n→∞
bn+1≤bn
lim bn = 0
n→∞

The Attempt at a Solution


So I tried multiple things while attempting this solution and got inconsistent answers so I am thoroughly confused. My work is on the attached photo.
I found that the ratio test did not work because the limit equaled 1.
Then I used the comparison test and found that the series was convergent...which I'm really confused about because one can compare n/n2 +4 to n/n2 which is 1/n and is divergent.
Then I compared values of the function to its absolute function and the values were the same...but I'm not sure what that means...
I'm also really not sure what the difference is between being absolutely convergent vs conditionally convergent.
Any help is greatly appreciated.

If you mean what you wrote, the series is obviously divergent, since the nth term is
$$t_n = (-1)^{n-1}\frac{n}{n^2} + 4$$
(according to you) and ##\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} 4## is divergent.
However, if you meant to write
$$t_n = (-1)^{n-1} \frac{n}{n^2+4},$$
then that is a different matter entirely.

Use parentheses to clarify the meaning: a/b+c means ##\frac{a}{b} + c##, while a/(b+c) means ##\frac{a}{b+c}##.
 
I mean tn=(-1)n-1 * n/(n2 +4)
I am new to the fourm and am still learning how to format things.
 

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