Can the Limit Comparison Test Determine the Convergence of this Series?

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion centers on the convergence of the series \(\sum_{n=2}^{\infty}\frac{1}{n\sqrt{n^2-1}}\) using the Limit Comparison Test. The user initially attempted the Direct Comparison Test against \(\frac{1}{n^{3/2}}\), which is a known convergent p-series. The conclusion reached is that the Limit Comparison Test with \(\sum \frac{1}{n^2}\) is appropriate, as it confirms the original series converges based on the established relationship between the terms.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Limit Comparison Test
  • Familiarity with the Direct Comparison Test
  • Knowledge of p-series convergence criteria
  • Basic algebraic manipulation of inequalities
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the Limit Comparison Test in detail, focusing on its application in series convergence.
  • Review the Direct Comparison Test and its limitations compared to the Limit Comparison Test.
  • Explore p-series and their convergence properties, specifically for \(p > 1\).
  • Practice algebraic techniques for manipulating inequalities in series comparisons.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for students in calculus or advanced mathematics courses, particularly those studying series convergence tests, as well as educators teaching these concepts.

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Homework Statement


[tex]\sum_{n=2}^{\infty}\frac{1}{n\sqrt{n^2-1}}[/tex]


Homework Equations


direct comparison test
limit comparison test

The Attempt at a Solution


so i kind of cheated and looked at the back of my book and it says to compare with [itex]\frac{1}{n^{3/2}}[/itex]
so i tried using the direct comparison test and tried to show that the original series converges if [tex]\frac{1}{n\sqrt{n^2-1}}<\frac{1}{n^{3/2}}[/tex] since [tex]\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}\frac{1}{n^{3/2}}[/tex] is a convergent p-series test
i just don't know how to actually show [tex]\frac{1}{n\sqrt{n^2-1}}<\frac{1}{n^{3/2}}[/tex]
or am i using the wrong test? limit comparison? by the way the only tests I've covered in my class are the divergence, p-series, integral, direct comparison, limit comparison tests and geometric and telescoping series
 
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you know that [itex]n^{3/2} =n\sqrt{n}[/itex], right?
now
[tex] n \sqrt{n} < n \sqrt{n^2-1}[/tex]
[tex] \sqrt{n} < \sqrt{n^2-1}[/tex]
[tex] n < n^2-1[/tex]

which is valid for all n >= 2
 
Since [itex]n\sqrt{n^2-1}[/itex] is of order [itex]n^2[/itex] this suggests the very easy limit comparison test with [itex]\sum\frac 1 {n^2}[/itex].
 

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