Convergence/Divergence of series

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the convergence or divergence of the series \(\sum\frac{(2n)!}{n^n}\). Participants are exploring the application of the ratio test and other methods to analyze the series, with a focus on understanding potential mistakes in calculations and the implications of Stirling's approximation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant applies the ratio test and concludes that the series diverges, but expresses confusion since they believe the series should converge.
  • Another participant suggests rewriting the last half of the terms in the series, indicating a potential approach to analyze the series further.
  • A participant mentions using Stirling's approximation to argue that the series diverges, questioning the source of the finite sum found online.
  • There is a request for clarification on how the previous contributions relate to the original question about the ratio test and potential algebra mistakes.
  • Further elaboration is provided on splitting the series and analyzing the terms, suggesting that each term in the series is greater than one, which raises doubts about convergence.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the convergence of the series, with some asserting divergence based on their calculations and others questioning the validity of those conclusions. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the correct determination of convergence or divergence.

Contextual Notes

Participants note potential algebra mistakes and the limitations of the ratio test in this context, but do not resolve these issues. The discussion includes various assumptions about the behavior of the series terms and the application of approximations.

Thomas_
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Hello,

I have to prove conv/div. for the following series:

[tex]\sum\frac{(2n)!}{n^n}[/tex]

I use the "ratio-test" and get the following:

[tex]\lim_{n\to\infty} \frac{a_{n+1}}{a_{n}} = \lim_{n\to\infty} \frac{(2n+2)!}{(2n)!} \frac{n^n}{(n+1)^{n+1}} = \lim_{n\to\infty} \frac{(2n+2)(2n+1)}{(n+1)} (\frac{n}{1+n})^n = \infty \frac{1}{e} = \infty[/tex]

This means the series diverges, however, the series should converge (I could find the finite sum online).

Where is my mistake?

Thank you!
 
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The last half terms can be written as {(n+l)/n}{(n+2)/n}{(n+3)/n}...{2n/n}, and the first n terms are just n!.
 
robert Ihnot said:
The last half terms can be written as {(n+l)/n}{(n+2)/n}{(n+3)/n}...{2n/n}, and the first n terms are just n!.
Sorry, I do not quite understand what you mean or how this helps me. Could you elaborate on that?

Also, I am interested in why the test I am using does not work out like it should or if I made an algebra mistake somewhere along the way.
 
Using stirlings approximation to replace the factorial, I get the series diverges. Where did you find online its sum?
 
Thomas_ said:
Sorry, I do not quite understand what you mean or how this helps me. Could you elaborate on that?

Also, I am interested in why the test I am using does not work out like it should or if I made an algebra mistake somewhere along the way.

What he's saying is that if you split it up, you get 1/n*1/n*1/n...*(2n)(2n-1)(2n-2)...(n+1)*n!

So you put one n under each 2n-k and get

2n/n*(2n-1)/n*(2n-2)/n...*(n+1)/n*n!

As each (2n-k)/n>1, and n!>1, each term in the series is >1. So there's very little reason why it would converge
 

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