# Alternating Series Test

1. Mar 18, 2007

### Gauss177

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
Test the series for convergence or divergence using the Alternating Series test:

1. sum of (-1)^n * n/(ln n)

2. sum of [sin(n*pi/2)]/n!

2. Relevant equations

3. The attempt at a solution
1. lim of n/(ln n) goes to infinity (as n->infinity), so it can't satisfy the Alternating Series test. Then if I take limit of the entire sum, I can't figure out what it comes to. I think the limit doesn't exist so the whole thing is divergent, but I'm not sure how to get it.

2. No clue on this one, it's not in the "proper format" as the examples I've seen.

Thanks

2. Mar 19, 2007

### Gib Z

1. See if the taylor series for ln x helps.

2. Consider the terms of this series in pairs, n=0,1. What do you notice with the sin part?

EDIT: More clues, because i want to be generous :D

Whats zero divided by anything (other than zero)? You should be able to get that sum to now look like

$$\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}} \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} \frac{1}{(2n+1)!}$$ Does that converge :)?

Last edited: Mar 19, 2007
3. Mar 19, 2007

### HallsofIvy

1. One of the first things you learn about series is that if an does NOT go to 0, then $\Sigma a_n$ does NOT converge.

2. Is this an alternating series? What is the "alternating series test"?