Does the Series Converge with Conditionally Convergent Multipliers?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the convergence of a series involving conditionally convergent sequences. The original poster presents a statement regarding the convergence of the series \(\sum_{k=1}^{\infty} a_k b_k\) under certain conditions for \(a_k\) and \(b_k\).

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to demonstrate that the statement is false by providing a specific example of \(a_k\) and \(b_k\). Other participants question the correctness of the initial setup and the algebraic manipulations involved.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the original poster's example, with some questioning the accuracy of the terms and their implications for convergence. There is a focus on clarifying the algebraic relationships between the sequences.

Contextual Notes

There is a discussion about the conditions under which the series converges and the implications of the alternating nature of the sequences involved. Participants are examining the definitions and properties of conditionally convergent series.

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Homework Statement



If [tex]a_k[/tex] is decreasing and it's limit is 0 as [tex]k \to \infty[/tex] and [tex]\sum_{k+1}^{\infty} b_k[/tex] converges conditionally, then [tex]\sum_{k=1}^{\infty} a_k b_k[/tex] converges


Homework Equations


This is true or false.


The Attempt at a Solution


I think it is false because if we let [tex]a_k = \frac{1}{\sqrt{k}}, b_k= \frac{(-1)^k}{\sqrt{k}}[/tex] we satisfy our initial conditions but [tex]a_k \cdot b_k = \frac{1}{k}[/tex] so [tex]\sum_{k=1}^{\infty} a_k b_k[/tex] diverges.
Is this correct?
 
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i think you missed a (-1)^k in the a_k term?
 
that would make [tex]a_k b_k = \frac{(-1)^{2k}}{k}[/tex] which is convergent, I think. I meant what I put but apparently it does not work?
 
isn't it
[tex]a_k b_k = \frac{(-1)^{2k}}{k} = \frac{((-1)^2)^k}{k} = \frac{1}{k}[/tex]

i wasn't sure where the alternating negative went in your 1st post...
 
lanedance said:
isn't it
[tex]a_k b_k = \frac{(-1)^{2k}}{k} = \frac{((-1)^2)^k}{k} = \frac{1}{k}[/tex]

i wasn't sure where the alternating negative went in your 1st post...
You are right, I owned my self by basic algebra :-p
 

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