Convergence of sin(2n)/(n*ln(n)^2): Comparison Test or Integral Test?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the convergence or divergence of the series \(\Sigma \frac{\sin(2n)}{n \ln(n)^2}\) from \(n=2\) to \(\infty\). Participants are exploring various methods to analyze the series, including the Comparison Test and the Integral Test.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are considering the use of the Comparison Test and the Integral Test to determine convergence. Some express uncertainty about how to initiate the analysis, while others suggest comparing the series to known convergent series.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants sharing different perspectives on the applicability of the Comparison Test and the Integral Test. There is acknowledgment of the need to clarify assumptions regarding convergence and divergence, but no consensus has been reached on a specific approach.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note the importance of ensuring that the series consists of nonnegative terms for the Comparison Test to be applicable. There is also mention of potential confusion regarding the tests for convergence and divergence.

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Homework Statement



[tex]\Sigma[/tex] sin(2n)/(n*ln(n)^2) from n=2 to [tex]\infty[/tex] Determine if the summation converges or diverges.

Homework Equations



I cannot even figure out where to start. Should I use the Comparison Test?

The Attempt at a Solution



I thought that I could compare it to sin(2x)/2x but when n=2, sin(2x)/2x is too small.
Where am I messing up?
 
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The comparison test among others only tests whether the sum converges. If you have to find the limit of the sequence, you need to try something else, probably with L'hopital's rule.
 
oops, I meant find whether the summation converges or diverges. Thanks.
 
Then I think the easiest would be finding another series with which to compare the original one and then use the integral test.
 
Bohrok said:
The comparison test among others only tests whether the sum converges.
This is not true. The comparison test can be used also to test a series that diverges.

The key to using the comparison test is to have a good idea first whether a series converges or diverges.

In the following, I'm assuming that you're dealing with a series of nonnegative terms. If you are reasonably sure that [itex]\sum a_n[/itex] converges, and cn is the general term in a convergent series, and an <= cn, then your series converges.

On the other hand, if you believe that [itex]\sum a_n[/itex] diverges, and dn is the general term in a divergent series, and an >= dn, then your series diverges.
 
You're right, and I've no excuse for not remembering to include that they test for divergence. :redface:
 
This is easy, because the series is absolutely convergent. By the triangle inequality, the absolute value of a summation is equal to or less than the summation of the absolute values. Then you can use that |sin(2n)| < 1. Since the summation of 1/[n ln^2(n)] converges (e.g. use the integral test), you find that the summation converges.
 

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