Does the series sum[k=1,inf] 2/(k^2-1) converge or diverge?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The series sum[k=1,inf] 2/(k^2-1) diverges due to the undefined k=1 term. The limit comparison test was applied with the convergent p-series sum[k=1,inf] 1/k^2, leading to a conclusion of convergence. However, the initial application was flawed because the k=1 term is undefined, which caused Wolfram Alpha to indicate divergence. Therefore, the correct interpretation is that the series does not converge.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of series convergence tests, specifically the limit comparison test.
  • Familiarity with p-series and their convergence criteria.
  • Basic knowledge of mathematical notation for infinite series.
  • Experience with computational tools like Wolfram Alpha for series evaluation.
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the limit comparison test in detail to avoid misapplications.
  • Study the properties of p-series and their convergence behavior.
  • Learn how to handle undefined terms in series to prevent errors in evaluation.
  • Explore alternative computational tools for series convergence analysis.
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, students studying calculus, and anyone interested in series convergence analysis.

GreenPrint
Messages
1,186
Reaction score
0
Determine weather or not the following series converges or diverges.

sum[k=1,inf] 2/(k^2-1)

I applied the limit comparison test with 1/k^2

2* lim k->inf [ 1/(k^2-1) ] /(1/k^2) = 2*lim k->inf k^2/(k^2-1) =H 2

then because

sum[k=1,inf] 1/k^2 is a convergent p-series then sum[k=1,inf] 2/(k^2-1) must also converge by the limit comparison test.

I plugged this into wolfram alpha and it said that the sum does not converge. Am I doing something wrong? Thanks for any help.

This is what I put into wolfram alpha
sum[n=1,inf] of 2/(k^2-1)
 
Physics news on Phys.org
GreenPrint said:
Determine weather or not the following series converges or diverges.

sum[k=1,inf] 2/(k^2-1)

I applied the limit comparison test with 1/k^2

2* lim k->inf [ 1/(k^2-1) ] /(1/k^2) = 2*lim k->inf k^2/(k^2-1) =H 2

then because

sum[k=1,inf] 1/k^2 is a convergent p-series then sum[k=1,inf] 2/(k^2-1) must also converge by the limit comparison test.

I plugged this into wolfram alpha and it said that the sum does not converge. Am I doing something wrong? Thanks for any help.

This is what I put into wolfram alpha
sum[n=1,inf] of 2/(k^2-1)

Oh, I see what you are doing. Do you really mean [n=1,inf]?? n?? And the k=1 term of your series is undefined. Skip it.
 
so I changed it to
sum[k=1,inf] of 2/(k^2-1)
and it says the sum does not converge
 
GreenPrint said:
so I changed it to
sum[k=1,inf] of 2/(k^2-1)
and it says the sum does not converge

I told you. The k=1 term is undefined. That's probably WA's problem with that one.
 
Dick said:
I told you. The k=1 term is undefined. That's probably WA's problem with that one.

Oh. Thanks.
 
Dick said:
I told you. The k=1 term is undefined. That's probably WA's problem with that one.
Might be a case of GIGO, or "garbage in, garbage out."
 

Similar threads

Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
29
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
16
Views
4K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
5K