Check for the convergence or divergence of the following series

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the convergence or divergence of two series: the first involves the expression sqrt(n)*(1-cos(1/n)), and the second is defined piecewise with different expressions for odd and even n. Participants are exploring various methods to analyze these series.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the use of the integral test and comparison test for the first series but express difficulty in finding suitable comparisons. For the second series, there is consideration of the behavior of terms as n approaches infinity and the applicability of the alternating series test. Some participants question the decreasing nature of the absolute values of the terms.

Discussion Status

There are multiple lines of reasoning being explored, with some participants suggesting specific approaches and hints without reaching a consensus. Guidance has been offered regarding the use of Taylor expansion and trigonometric identities, indicating a productive direction in the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the complexities of convergence tests and the definitions of the series, with some expressing uncertainty about the conditions required for applying certain tests. There is an acknowledgment of the challenges posed by the piecewise nature of the second series.

freshman2013
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Homework Statement


Here are some series I'm completely stuck on.
1.sqrt(n)*(1-cos(1/n))

2. a series in which if n is odd, then an is 1/(n+\sqrt[]{n}) while if n is even, then an is -1/n


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


For 1., I tried integral test which seemed impossible to integrate, and then I tried comparison test but i can't find anything to compare to

For 2. I thought that as n approaches infinity for 1/(n+\sqrt[]{n}), which equals (1/\sqrt{n})/(\sqrt{n}+1), then that expression pretty much looks like 1/n and thus the series is approx (-1)^n/n and is thus conditionally convergent like (-1)^n/n. But I then realized perhaps you can't apply the alternating series test since in the original series, the abs value of it is not decreasing for every term.E.g.1/(100+root(100))=1/110 < 1/101 Anyone have any idea on how to tackle this, or am I right from my original attempt?
 
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freshman2013 said:

Homework Statement


Here are some series I'm completely stuck on.
1.sqrt(n)*(1-cos(1/n))

2. a series in which if n is odd, then an is 1/(n+\sqrt[]{n}) while if n is even, then an is -1/n


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


For 1., I tried integral test which seemed impossible to integrate, and then I tried comparison test but i can't find anything to compare to

For 2. I thought that as n approaches infinity for 1/(n+\sqrt[]{n}), which equals (1/\sqrt{n})/(\sqrt{n}+1), then that expression pretty much looks like 1/n and thus the series is approx (-1)^n/n and is thus conditionally convergent like (-1)^n/n. But I then realized perhaps you can't apply the alternating series test since in the original series, the abs value of it is not decreasing for every term.E.g.1/(100+root(100))=1/110 < 1/101 Anyone have any idea on how to tackle this, or am I right from my original attempt?

Let's start with #1.

Your series is: ##\sum_{n=1}^{∞} \sqrt{n} - \sqrt{n}cos(\frac{1}{n})##

I know this may seem misleading, but this series appears to converge.

Hint: ##|cos(\frac{1}{n})| ≤ 1##
 
Zondrina said:
Let's start with #1.
I know this may seem misleading, but this series appears to converge.

Hint: ##|cos(\frac{1}{n})| ≤ 1##
Yes, it converges, but you need to use a stronger fact about cos of small angles. Freshman2013, do you know the Taylor expansion of cos?
 
For the first problem, this trig identity may be useful: ##2\sin^2(x) = 1 - \cos(2x)##.
 
For problem 2, try adding ##a_n## and ##a_{n+1}##, where ##n## is odd.
 
so for the second one, could I do this:
the first term 1/(n+\sqrt{n}) for all odd n, I rewrite as a separate series 1/(2n-1+\sqrt{2n-1}) and the 2nd term -1/n for all even n I rewrite as -1/(2n)

I combine those two series and I get (1-\sqrt{2n-1})/(4n^2-2n+2n\sqrt{2n-1}) and test for that(which is convergent). And I do the same except with 1/2n instead -1/2n to check for absolute convergence.
 
freshman2013 said:
And I do the same except with 1/2n instead -1/2n to check for absolute convergence.
For absolute convergence, you can do something simpler. I claim that if there is some subsequence ##(n_k)_{k=1}^{\infty}## such that ##\sum_{k=1}^{\infty} |a_{n_k}|## diverges, then ##\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} |a_n|## must also diverge. If you can prove this, then you can apply it immediately to your series.
 

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