Does the series arctan n converge?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Bazzinga
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Series
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the convergence of the series \(\sum^{\infty}_{n=1} \arctan(n)\). Participants explore various methods to determine convergence, particularly focusing on the behavior of the arctangent function as \(n\) approaches infinity.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants consider using the integral test but note that the function is not decreasing. There is a suggestion to explore proof by induction to establish whether the function is increasing. Questions about the limit of \(\arctan(n)\) as \(n\) approaches infinity are also raised, linking it to convergence.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on applying the test for divergence, indicating that it is a useful first step in analyzing the series. There is a recognition of the limit of \(\arctan(n)\) as \(n\) approaches infinity, which contributes to the discussion on divergence.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the implications of the series' behavior at infinity and the characteristics of the arctangent function in relation to convergence tests.

Bazzinga
Messages
45
Reaction score
0
I'm sure it doesn't, but how do I find out?

\sum^{infinity}_{n=1} arctan (n)

I thought about using the integral test, but it's not decreasing. Any hints?

Could I somehow use proof by induction to show that its an increasing function?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
What is \lim_{n\rightarrow +\infty}{arctan(n)}?? Does this tell you something about convergence?
 
pi/2, so by the test for divergence it must diverge! Ohh
 
Correct! A good advice: Always apply the test for divergence first!
 
Thanks :)
 
micromass said:
Correct! A good advice: Always apply the test for divergence first!
Especially since it's probably the easiest test.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
4K