Calculus II - Series and Convergence

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the convergence of the series defined by the summation of n/(2n+1) from n=1 to infinity. Participants are exploring the application of the divergence test in the context of series convergence.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of the divergence test, questioning the implications of the limit of the series' terms as n approaches infinity. There is confusion regarding the relationship between the limit and convergence.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided clarifications regarding the divergence test and its implications, while others express confusion about the terminology and concepts involved. There is an ongoing exploration of the definitions and the correct application of the tests for convergence.

Contextual Notes

There appears to be some misunderstanding regarding the distinction between sequences and series, as well as the conditions under which the divergence test can be applied. Participants are navigating these concepts without reaching a definitive conclusion.

GreenPrint
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Homework Statement



Determine if the series

inf
Sigma n/(2n+1)
n=1

converges

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



When i did this I originally I thought I would just apply the divergence test

lim n/(2n+1) =/= 0
n->inf

there fore I thought by the divergence test the series diverges but I guess sense the limit is defined to be 1/2 it converges...

I'm confused... I think I may be over complicating this but by the divergence test shouldn't this series diverge sense the limit does not equal zero?

Thanks for any help
 
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GreenPrint said:
... but by the divergence test shouldn't this series diverge sense the limit does not equal zero?

Yes, that's correct. It's more commonly called the nth term test for divergence.
 
GreenPrint said:

Homework Statement



Determine if the series

inf
Sigma n/(2n+1)
n=1

converges

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



When i did this I originally I thought I would just apply the divergence test

lim n/(2n+1) =/= 0
n->inf

there fore I thought by the divergence test the series diverges but I guess sense the limit is defined to be 1/2 it converges...

I'm confused... I think I may be over complicating this but by the divergence test shouldn't this series diverge sense the limit does not equal zero?
Thanks for any help

The bolded part is correct. Since you took the limit of the summand and received 1/2, the limit diverges. If the sum converges its limit is equal to 0.

However, the converse of the statement is not true. Don't fall into the trap of thinking the sum converges if the limit is equal to 0. If you obtain a limit of 0, you need to resort to a different method to determine if the sum converges.
 
hm thanks i think i got it mixed up and it asked me if the sequence converges which it does lol
 
GreenPrint said:
hm thanks i think i got it mixed up and it asked me if the sequence converges which it does lol

No it doesn't. It diverges. You just showed this using your test. Or was that a typo?

And it's a series, not a sequence.
 
ya i got it and understand now i got a different part mixed up and stuff
 

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