Comparison test to determine convergence

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the convergence of the series \(\sum \frac{n+1}{n^2+n+1}\). The user initially simplified the series incorrectly to \(\frac{1}{n+1}\) and compared it to the divergent series \(\sum \frac{1}{n}\). However, through the limit comparison test, it was established that both series diverge, as \(\sum \frac{1}{n}\) diverges. The correct conclusion is that the series \(\sum \frac{n+1}{n^2+n+1}\) also diverges.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of series convergence tests, specifically the comparison test and limit comparison test.
  • Familiarity with the properties of divergent series, particularly the harmonic series \(\sum \frac{1}{n}\).
  • Basic knowledge of inequalities and their application in mathematical proofs.
  • Proficiency in manipulating algebraic expressions involving limits and series.
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  • Study the comparison test for series convergence in detail.
  • Learn about the limit comparison test and its applications in determining series behavior.
  • Explore the properties of divergent series, focusing on the harmonic series and its implications.
  • Practice simplifying complex series and applying inequalities to analyze convergence.
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Mathematics students, educators, and anyone involved in series analysis or calculus, particularly those seeking to understand convergence tests and their applications in series evaluation.

masonm127
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Use a comparison test to determine whether the series \sum (n+1)/(n^{2}+n+1) diverges or converges.

I started out by simplifying the series to 1/n+1 and then from there I compared it to 1/n, which converges. 1/n is greater than 1/n+1 so based on the comparison test, the original series should also converge, is this correct? I also tried a limit comparison test and got n/n+1 which equals 2 which would mean that both Ʃa and Ʃb converge. I am kind of shady on my series and and getting very confused with this question.
thanks!
 
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You could use this inequality n^2+n+1\le n^2+2n+1= (n+1)^2\quad\forall n\in\mathbb{N} so:

\frac{1}{(n+1)^2}\le \frac{1}{n^2+n+1}

multiplying both sides for n+1, we have:

\frac{1}{n+1}\le \frac{n+1}{n^2+n+1}

So

\sum_{n=0}^\infty\frac{1}{n+1}\le \sum_{n=0}^\infty\frac{n+1}{n^2+n+1}

but
\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}\frac{1}{n+1}=\sum_{m=1}^{\infty}\frac{1}{m}=\infty

therefore \sum_{n=0}^\infty\frac{n+1}{n^2+n+1}=\infty
 
Last edited:
First, what do you mean by "simplified the series to 1/n+ 1". "Simplifying" normally reducing to something equal by canceling, say. That is not the case here. Second, the series \sum (1/n) does NOT converge.
 

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