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

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the convergence or divergence of the series sum[k=1,inf] 2/(k^2-1). Participants are exploring the application of the limit comparison test with the series sum[k=1,inf] 1/k^2, which is known to converge.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the limit comparison test and its application to the series in question. There is a focus on the implications of the k=1 term being undefined and how that affects the convergence assessment. Some participants express confusion regarding the results from Wolfram Alpha.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants questioning the validity of their approaches and the output from Wolfram Alpha. There is a recognition of the undefined nature of the k=1 term, which may be influencing the results. No consensus has been reached regarding the convergence of the series.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the k=1 term is undefined, which raises questions about the proper setup of the series and its implications for convergence testing.

GreenPrint
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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)
 
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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."
 

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