Can Ratio and Root Tests Determine the Convergence of Complex Series?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the convergence of complex series, specifically examining the series \(\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} n \tan \frac{1}{n}\) and \(\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{1 \cdot 3 \cdot 5 \cdots (2n-1)}{n!}\). Participants are exploring the application of the ratio and root tests to determine convergence or divergence.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of the ratio test and root test, questioning the correctness of their application. Some suggest that the terms must approach zero for convergence, while others analyze specific limits related to the series.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing exploration of the series' behavior, with some participants asserting divergence based on their calculations. Others are clarifying the conditions under which the tests apply, and there is no explicit consensus on the correct interpretation of the results yet.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about the application of the tests and whether they have missed any critical steps in their reasoning. The discussion includes references to specific limits and iterative products, indicating a need for careful consideration of the series' structure.

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[tex] 1. \sum_{n=1}^{\infty}ntan\frac{1}{n}[/tex]
dont know where to start here
[tex] 2. \frac{1*3*5*****(2n-1)}{n!}[/tex]
[tex] \frac{2n-1}{n!}[/tex]
[tex] \frac{2(n+1)-1}{(n+1)!}*\frac{n!}{2n-1}[/tex]
[tex] \frac{2n+1}{(n+1)(2n-1)}[/tex]
[tex]->0[/tex]
my book is showing divergence
 
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It doesn't appear you applied the tests correctly?

The ratio test says that the sum [itex]\sum_{n=0}^{\infty} a_n[/itex] converges if [itex]\lim_{n\to \infty} \left|\frac{a_{n+1}}{a_n} \right|[/itex] is less than 1, diverges if it is greater than one, and is inconclusive if it equals exactly 1.

The root test says the sum will converge depending on the result of [itex]\lim_{n\to\infty} (a_n)^{1/n}[/itex] with similar conditions as above.

From what I can see, you didn't apply either. Your book is correct. An easier way to do this is using the fact that the terms must approach zero to converge.
 
(1) This series diverges. Show that

[tex]\lim_{n \rightarrow \infty}\frac{\tan (1/n)}{(1/n)}[/tex]​

is not 0.

(2) I assume you mean the series

[tex]\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}\frac{1 \cdot 3 \cdot 5 \cdots (2n-1)}{n!}[/tex]​

Any series that involves an iterative product (like this one), the ratio test is a good first approach. Note factorials are iterative products.

[tex]\frac{a_{n+1}}{a_n}=\frac{1 \cdot 3 \cdot 5 \cdots (2n-1) \cdot (2n + 1)}{(n+1)!} \cdot \frac{n!}{1 \cdot 3 \cdot 5 \cdots (2n-1)}[/tex]​

Hopefully it is smooth sailing from here.

--Elucidus
 
[tex]\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}\frac{1\cdot3\cdot5\cdot<br /> \cdot\cdot(2n-1)}{n!}[/tex]
this is the first problem I have seem with listed factors
I applied the ratio test the same as if to
[tex]\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}\frac{2n-1}{n!}[/tex]
it seems as if the test has been applied diffrently here forgive me if I am missing somthing obvious but
[tex]a_{n+1}=\frac{1\cdot3\cdot5\cdot<br /> \cdot\cdot(2n-1)(2n+1)}{(n+1)!}[/tex]
are we simply proceeding into the next iteration by listing (2n-1) along with (2n+1)
[tex]\frac{a_{n+1}}{a_{n}}=\frac{1\cdot3\cdot5\cdot<br /> \cdot\cdot(2n-1)(2n+1)}{(n+1)!}\cdot\frac{n!}{1\cdot3\cdot5\cdot<br /> \cdot\cdot(2n-1)}=\frac{2n+1}{n+1}=2[/tex]
to show the series is divergent
for the trig series i see the the limit tending to 1 is this a conditon that must be satisfied
 
Last edited:
The condition for the ratio test is that [tex]|\lim_{n\to \infty}\frac{a_{n+1}}{a_{n}}|<1[/tex] for convergence, >1 for divergence, and =1 for indeterminant. Since the limit converges to a value of 2>1, the series is divergent by ratio test.
 

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