Convergence and Divergence - Calculus 2

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around convergence and divergence of series, particularly focusing on alternating series and various convergence tests in the context of Calculus 2. Participants pose questions about specific problems and seek clarification on the application of convergence tests.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether they can factor out the alternating series to apply convergence tests, suggesting that the alternating portion is constant.
  • Another participant recommends using the comparison test for convergence, particularly when the nth root test and ratio test do not yield results.
  • There is a discussion about the divergence test, with participants suggesting its application to certain series.
  • One participant expresses uncertainty about the convergence of a series involving sin(1/n), noting that the limit does not equal zero, which raises questions about its convergence.
  • Another participant attempts to apply the comparison test to a series involving 1/(n^2 - 1), concluding that it converges based on their calculations.
  • Participants also discuss the implications of the limit of bn for various series and whether they converge or diverge.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the application of convergence tests and the behavior of specific series. There is no consensus on the correct approach to all problems, and multiple competing views remain regarding the convergence of certain series.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention specific tests that may not apply universally, and there are unresolved questions about the limits and behavior of certain series. The discussion reflects a range of assumptions and conditions that are not fully explored.

balloonhf
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Alright, I have my final for Calc 2 on Monday. I am only stuck on two sections of problems because I am terrible at convergence and divergence/alternating series.

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alternating_zpsd0d6dbb8.png


I have questions for each one really. They are as follows:
4)
a. Can I simply factor out the alternating series and apply a test since the alternating portion is constant?
b. Similar to my question from a.
c. Not sure of what test to apply for convergence tests. I have tried both the nth root test and the ratio test and neither work.
d. Similar to my question from c.

5)
a) Again can I factor out the alternating series and say that it is similar to 1/(n)^(1/2) and 1/2<1 so it diverges.
b) and c) - I have literally no idea.
d)Same as a in that I want to know if i can factor out the constant alternating section
e) and f) - No idea

I have a general idea on most problems. Most of my questions are on the same thing that I need confirmed. Also I know the tests for Absolute and Conditionally convergent.

Any sort of help or confirmation on my assumptions is greatly appreciated.
 
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balloonhf said:
a. Can I simply factor out the alternating series and apply a test since the alternating portion is constant?
b. Similar to my question from a.

See this .
c. Not sure of what test to apply for convergence tests. I have tried both the nth root test and the ratio test and neither work.

Here you can use the comparison test .
d. Similar to my question from c.

Try the divergence test .

5)
a) Again can I factor out the alternating series and say that it is similar to 1/(n)^(1/2) and 1/2<1 so it diverges.
b) and c) - I have literally no idea.
d)Same as a in that I want to know if i can factor out the constant alternating section

If the non-alternating part is positive and decreasing , then it is sufficient to test whether it goes to 0 as n goes to infinity.

e) and f) - No idea

Try the divergence test on e , and f can be simplified a little ,see how ?
 
ZaidAlyafey said:
See this .

For a. Can I just state that sin is bounded by -1 to 1 and therefore does not exist?

I went to the link you provided. I set bn=sin(1/n) and the limit does not equal 0, and therefore does not converge?

Also the same with b. Since the lim of bn which would be (1 +4/n)^n would also = 1 and not converge.

edit: reading further and discovered the next step.

Alright so by the divergence test as well I can confirm that both A and B diverge?
 
Last edited:
ZaidAlyafey said:
Here you can use the comparison test .

For C I tried setting bn=1/(n^(2) -1) and took the limit to get that it goes to 0. Since bn is not greater than 0 an also converges.

Yes?
If so then I did the same thing for D and got the same answer.
 
Last edited:
balloonhf said:
For a. Can I just state that sin is bounded by -1 to 1 and therefore does not exist?

I went to the link you provided. I set bn=sin(1/n) and the limit does not equal 0, and therefore does not converge?

Also the same with b. Since the lim of bn which would be (1 +4/n)^n would also = 1 and not converge.

edit: reading further and discovered the next step.

Alright so by the divergence test as well I can confirm that both A and B diverge?

Sorry, the first question is regarding sequences . So you test sin(1/n) as n goes to infinity , what is the limit ?
 
balloonhf said:
For C I tried setting bn=1/(n^(2) -1) and took the limit to get that it goes to 0. Since bn is not greater than 0 an also converges.

Yes?
If so then I did the same thing for D and got the same answer.

$$\frac{\ln (n)}{n^2-1}< \frac{n}{n^2-1}$$

Sine the later converges , by comparison test the previous converges .
 

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