Determining convergence of series

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    Convergence Series
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SUMMARY

The series defined by the expression (-1)^n / (n^3 - ln(n)) converges absolutely, as established through the Limit Comparison Test with the benchmark series 1/n^3, which is known to converge by the p-series test. The dominant term near infinity is n^3, leading to a limit of 1 when applying the Limit Comparison Test. The Direct Comparison Test was inconclusive, but the analysis confirmed that the series converges due to the behavior of its terms as n approaches infinity.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Alternating Series Test
  • Familiarity with the Direct Comparison Test (DCT)
  • Knowledge of the Limit Comparison Test (LCT)
  • Basic concepts of p-series convergence
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  • Study the application of the Alternating Series Test in depth
  • Explore the Limit Comparison Test with various series
  • Review p-series convergence criteria and examples
  • Investigate the implications of absolute vs. conditional convergence
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Mathematics students, educators, and anyone studying series convergence, particularly those focusing on advanced calculus or real analysis.

calcboi
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I have a question on which test to use for series n=1 to infinity for (-1)^n / (n^3)-ln(n) in order to determine convergence/divergence. I am pretty sure I determined it converges through the Alternating Series Test(correct me if I'm wrong) but I am not sure whether it is conditional or absolute. I tried the Direct Comparison Test but it was inconclusive, and I am stuck now on what to do. I also tried Limit Comparison but the limit goes to infinity so it is also inconclusive. Can you please help?
 
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Yes you are correct.

near infinity the term n^3 is dominant over ln (n).
 
BTW, I used the comparison c(x) = 1/n^3 for DCT and LCT since we know 1/n^3 converges by p-series.
 
calcboi said:
BTW, I used the comparison c(x) = 1/n^3 for DCT and LCT since we know 1/n^3 converges by p-series.

Right, $\displaystyle\lim_{n\to \infty}\left(\frac{1}{n^3-\log n}:\frac{1}{n^3}\right)=\ldots =1\neq 0$, so the series is absolutely convergent.
 
What test did you use to determine absolute convergence? Or was that just analyzing end behavior?
 
calcboi said:
When I tried the Limit Comparison Test, I got infinity as n approaches infinity. How did you get 1?

$\displaystyle\lim_{n\to \infty}\left(\frac{1}{n^3-\log n}:\frac{1}{n^3}\right)=\lim_{n\to \infty}\frac{n^3}{n^3-\log n}=\lim_{n\to \infty}\frac{1}{1-(\log n/n^3)}=\frac{1}{1-0}=1$
 

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