Alternating series

1. Aug 5, 2008

vigintitres

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

E(n = 1) to infinity ((-1)^n+1)/n^6

2. Relevant equations
This needs to be in the proper form with the exponent on an being n - 1 not n + 1

3. The attempt at a solution

I don't know how to get the problem into the proper for to evaluate it as an alternating series

2. Aug 5, 2008

foxjwill

I don't know what you mean by "standard form". If you're just trying to prove that the sum converges, the alternating series test requires that you show

(1) $$a_n$$ is strictly alternating (i.e. $$a_{n+1}=-a_n$$)

(2) $$\lim_{n \to \infty} a_n = 0$$

(3) $$|a_{n+1}| \leq |a_n|$$

EDIT: You could also use direct comparison to show that the sum is absolutely convergent.

3. Aug 5, 2008

snipez90

I don't see why you need a "proper form". I mean it is alternating signs after all. If you wanted the exponent to be n-1 you could just replace n+1 with n-1 since you're just dividing by (-1)^2 = 1. But there really is no point in doing that.

Use the absolute convergence test first when dealing with alternating series. You'll see that in some cases such as this one, using it determines convergence/divergence easily.

4. Aug 6, 2008

HallsofIvy

Staff Emeritus
But if you really must have "proper form", (-1)n+1= (-1)n-1+ 2= (-1)n+1(-1)2= (-1)n-1 because (-1)2= 1.