Determine whethere the following series is convergent or divergent

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SUMMARY

The series defined by the expression \(\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{n^n}{(n+1)^{n+1}}\) is determined to be divergent. The nth term test for divergence was initially applied but failed. The limit comparison test with the divergent series \(\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{1}{n+1}\) was successfully utilized, yielding a limit of \(1/e\), which is positive and finite, confirming the divergence of the original series.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of series convergence tests, specifically the nth term test and limit comparison test.
  • Familiarity with the concept of divergent series in calculus.
  • Knowledge of limits and their properties, particularly in the context of sequences.
  • Basic algebraic manipulation of series expressions.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the Limit Comparison Test in detail to understand its application in series convergence.
  • Explore other convergence tests such as the Ratio Test and Root Test for different types of series.
  • Investigate the properties of exponential functions and their limits, particularly \(e\).
  • Practice solving various series problems to reinforce understanding of convergence and divergence.
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators in calculus, particularly those focusing on series and sequences, as well as anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of convergence tests in mathematical analysis.

Ratio Test =)
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Homework Statement


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

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 n \geq 1 can you find an upper bound for the following:

\frac{(n + 1)^{n+1}}{n^{n+1}}

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 \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{1}{n+1}
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 \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?
<br /> <br /> Right.
 

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