Convergent/divergent series problem

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the convergence or divergence of the series Ʃ (1+2^n)/(3^n) from n=1 to infinity. Participants are exploring the conditions for convergence and the methods to find the sum if it converges.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply the test for divergence but expresses uncertainty about the limit and the pattern of partial sums. They question their approach and seek direction. Other participants question the validity of the convergence conclusion based solely on the limit being zero, discussing the nuances of convergence criteria.

Discussion Status

Some participants have made progress in breaking down the series into components, suggesting that it may involve geometric series. There is ongoing exploration of the remaining summation and its properties, but no consensus has been reached on the final outcome or method.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the complexities of convergence tests and the implications of limits, with some confusion around the conditions under which a series converges or diverges.

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Homework Statement


Determine whether the series is convergent of divergent. If it is convergent find its sum.

Ʃ (1+2^n)/(3^n) as n=1 to infinite.

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution


I'm not exactly sure where to start with this. I tried to test for divergence but I don't know how to solve the limit. I tried to find a pattern with partial sums, but did not find anything relevant. Am I approaching this the wrong way? I kinda need a kick in the right direction.

EDIT: Was looking at the limit for test of divergence incorrectly. So now I know that the limit of an = 0 (after L'Hospital's rule and whatnot). Since an is convergent, I now must find the sum of the series...
 
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How do you know the series converges?
 
I know the series is convergent because the limit of the series = 0. Test for divergence says that the series is divergent if the limit of the series does not exist, or if the series does not equal 0.

I made some more progress:

Ʃ (1 + 2^n)/(3^n)
= Ʃ 1/(3^n) + (2^n)/(3^n)
= Ʃ 1/(3^n) + Ʃ (2^n)/(3^n)
= 1/2 + Ʃ (2^n)/(3^n)
=?

I'm not quite sure how to solve the remaining summation. Is it a geometric series?
 
Ʃ (2^n)/(3^n) = Ʃ (2/3)^n = 2
 
PaleRider said:
I know the series is convergent because the limit of the series = 0. Test for divergence says that the series is divergent if the limit of the series does not exist, or if the series does not equal 0.
You may be misunderstanding. It is true that if the limit of the sequence [itex]\lim_{n\to 0} a_n[/itex] is not 0 then the series [itex]\sum_{n=0}^\infty a_n[/itex] cannot converge. But if the limit of the sequence is 0, then the series may or may not \onverge. [itex]\lim_{n\to 0} 1/n = 0[/itex] but [itex]\sum 1/n[/itex] does NOT converge.

I made some more progress:

Ʃ (1 + 2^n)/(3^n)
= Ʃ 1/(3^n) + (2^n)/(3^n)
= Ʃ 1/(3^n) + Ʃ (2^n)/(3^n)
= 1/2 + Ʃ (2^n)/(3^n)
=?

I'm not quite sure how to solve the remaining summation. Is it a geometric series?
[tex]\frac{2^n}{3^n}= \left(\frac{2}{3}\right)[/tex].
 

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