Determine whethere the following series is convergent or divergent

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the convergence or divergence of the series \(\frac{1}{2^2}+\frac{2^2}{3^3}+\frac{3^3}{4^4}+\ldots\), which is rewritten as \(\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{n^n}{(n+1)^{n+1}}\). Participants are exploring various convergence tests applicable to this series.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss various convergence tests, including the nth term test, comparison tests, and the ratio and root tests. Some express difficulty in applying these tests effectively. There is a suggestion to rewrite the series in a different form to analyze its behavior as \(n\) approaches infinity.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing insights and suggestions for testing convergence. Some have proposed using the limit comparison test with a known divergent series, while others are questioning the validity of their previous attempts and exploring the implications of their findings.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that certain tests have failed or are inapplicable, and there is a focus on finding upper bounds for the series terms. The conversation reflects a mix of confusion and exploration regarding the appropriate methods to analyze the series.

Ratio Test =)
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Homework Statement


Determine whether the following series is convergent or divergent:
[tex] \frac{1}{2^2}+\frac{2^2}{3^3}+\frac{3^3}{4^4}+...[/tex]
I rewrite it as:
[tex] \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{n^n}{(n+1)^{n+1}}[/tex]

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


I stopped.
I can not do anything.
 
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You do need to show us your attempt at the solution before we can help, so which convergence tests have you tried?
 
jgens said:
You do need to show us your attempt at the solution before we can help, so which convergence tests have you tried?

Its not geometric
not telescoping
nth term test failed
can not use integral test
Ratio & Root failed because its algebric function

There is only the comparison tests
I tried them a lot
but every time i failed :/
 
Write it as (n^n/(n+1)^n)*(1/(n+1)). The first factor approaches a finite limit. What is it?
 
Dick said:
Write it as (n^n/(n+1)^n)*(1/(n+1)). The first factor approaches a finite limit. What is it?

The first one goes to 1/e
the second goes to 0
1/e times 0 = 0


nth term test failed.
 
Alright, I would suggest using the comparison test for this particular series (although I'm sure that there's probably a simpler way to do it). If [itex]n \geq 1[/itex] can you find an upper bound for the following:

[tex]\frac{(n + 1)^{n+1}}{n^{n+1}}[/tex]

Edit: Fixed typo

Edit 2: Fixed another typo. Sorry, I just seem to be mistake prone today.
 
Last edited:
Ratio Test =) said:
The first one goes to 1/e
the second goes to 0
1/e times 0 = 0nth term test failed.

What 'nth term test' are you talking about? You are right the first factor approaches 1/e. So for large values of n a term in the series is approximately 1/(e*(n+1)). What kind of test does that suggest?
 
Dick said:
What 'nth term test' are you talking about? You are right the first factor approaches 1/e. So for large values of n a term in the series is approximately 1/(e*(n+1)). What kind of test does that suggest?

nth terms test = Test for divergence.

hmmm .. I got it .. Limit comparison test with the divergent series [tex]\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{1}{n+1}[/tex]
The limit of the limit comparison test will give 1/e which is positive and finite number
hence, our series diverges.

Right?
 
Last edited:
Ratio Test =) said:
nth terms test = Test for divergence.

hmmm .. I got it .. Limit comparison test with the divergent series [tex]\frac{1}{n+1}[\tex]<br /> The limit of the limit comparison test will give 1/e which is positive and finite number<br /> hence, our series diverges.<br /> <br /> Right?[/tex]
[tex] <br /> Right.[/tex]
 

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