Does the series of 1/n^(1+a) converge or diverge

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SUMMARY

The infinite series defined by the sum of 1/n^(1+a) converges for values of 'a' greater than or equal to 1, and diverges for values of 'a' less than 1. The Ratio Test was initially applied but yielded an inconclusive result of 1. The Comparison Test indicated that the series is bounded between the divergent series 1/n and the convergent series 1/n^2, complicating direct comparisons. The Integral Test confirmed convergence for specific values of 'a', particularly when 'a' is set to 0.1, leading to the conclusion that the series converges for 'a' values above this threshold.

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Homework Statement



I have to determine whether the infinite sum (from n=1) of 1/n^(1+a) converges or diverges. Where 0 < a < 1


Homework Equations



Ration Test

Comparison / Integral test


The Attempt at a Solution



I have tried using the ratio test but it gives me 1, so it cannot determine convergence or divergence.

I then tried using comparision test, comparing it to 1/n (which diverges) and 1/n^2 (which converges). But since 1/n^(1+a) is smaller than 1/n and greater than 1/n^2 I cannot make such comparison.

Then I used integral test where I let a=0.1 . This method tells me that for (a) greater than or equal to 0.1 the series converges. But how do I show that it converges (I think it converges) for (a) less than 0.1?

Thanks
 
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Why "a= 0.1"? Why not just leave it as "a"?
 


Hi thanks for the reply.

Leaving it as (a), I got the answer as

(1/(-2-a)).((1/n^(2+a)) - 1)

If this is right, then it will converge to 1.

So am does this mean that the series will converge to 1 as well?

thanks again
 

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