# Covergence/Divergence of an Infinite Series

## Homework Statement

Does the infinite series $$\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}(\frac{1}{n^(1 + (\frac{1}{n}))})$$ converge?

## Homework Equations

Power series $$\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}\frac{1}{n^p}$$

## The Attempt at a Solution

I used the fact that for a power series, if p>1 the series will converge.
Since $${n^(1+\frac{1}{n})}$$ will always be greater than n, the series will converge.

Is this correct? If not, can someone lead me in the right direction please?

## Answers and Replies

gabbagabbahey
Homework Helper
Gold Member
What does $$\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}\frac{1}{n+1}$$ become when you make the substitution $m=n+1$ (and hence $n=m-1$)?

Sorry if the text isn't clear - the denominator is n^(1 + 1/n).

gabbagabbahey
Homework Helper
Gold Member
Sorry if the text isn't clear - the denominator is n^(1 + 1/n).

In that case, your argument is invalid since the exponent depends on the summation index (It's true that $1+\frac{1}{n}\geq 1$, but it isn't a constant value like the $p$ in your power series convergence test).

You will have to find another convergence test to use instead.

Sorry but do you have any in mind? The only ones I know are the comparison, ratio, and integral tests, and the function makes these tests impractical (at least I think so).

gabbagabbahey
Homework Helper
Gold Member
I think the comparison test is your best bet here.

I thought about that, as in the power series. Since the exponent on n is between 1 and 2, the series sits right in between a diverging (exponent 1) and a converging (exponent 2) series. Wouldn't that be inconclusive?

Sorry for the double post, but if I use the limit comparison test, letting the series {a_n} be the series of the question and {b_n} be 1/n, then the limit as n approaches infinity of a_n/b_n would = 1, but since the series {b_n} does not converge, then {a_n} does not converge as a series either. Is that it?

Gib Z
Homework Helper
If the ratio exists and is non zero, then a_n and b_n converge or diverge together. You limit is 1 (non zero) so your deduction is correct.

Thank you guys so much!