Does the Series $\sum\frac{2}{2^{n}}$ Converge or Diverge?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the convergence of the series \(\sum \frac{2}{2^{n}}\) and later shifts to \(\sum \frac{n}{2^{n}}\). Participants are exploring the behavior of these series as \(n\) approaches infinity.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the use of the ratio test, with some expressing confusion over obtaining a limit of 1, which is inconclusive. Others suggest simplifying the series by factoring out constants and recognizing notable summations.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants questioning the application of the ratio test and suggesting alternative methods, such as comparison tests. There is no explicit consensus on the convergence of the series, and multiple interpretations are being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the bounds on the running index \(n\) are from 1 to infinity, and there is mention of the behavior of terms diminishing towards zero, which is relevant to convergence considerations.

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Does the series [tex]\sum\frac{2}{2^{n}}[/tex]


converge??

(Note that bounds on the running index n are from 1 to infinity)

I have tried ratio test but it returned a value of 1 (showing nothing).

I can see from the table function on my calulator that the term eventually diminsh to (not including zero).

Any help would be appreciated.
 
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Can you show how you did the ratio test? The ratio is NOT 1.
 
Rememer, you can pull anything not involving an "n" out of the summation. So the 2 in the numerator can come out. Then you have

2 (SUM) 1/2^n

This can also be written as

2 (SUM) (1/2)^n

You should be able to recognize the SUM as a notable one, and use the rules pertaining to that kind of summation to determine whether or not it converges. And if it converges, does multiplying by 2 change any of that?
 
Sorry fellas the question should read

Does the series [tex]\sum\frac{n}{2^{n}}[/tex]


converge??

(Note that bounds on the running index n are from 1 to infinity)

I have tried ratio test but it returned a value of 1 (showing nothing).

I can see from the table function on my calulator that the term eventually diminsh to (not including) zero.

Any help would be appreciated
 
Ratio test should still not give you a value of 1. Can you show how you got that?
 
What comes to my mind would be doing a comparison test with the integral of x*exp(-x).
 
What Dick said. The ratio test is definitely the test to use. If you got a limit of 1, you're doing something wrong.
 

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