Does the series sum[k=1,inf] 3/(k(k+3)) converge or diverge?

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SUMMARY

The series sum[k=1,inf] 3/(k(k+3)) converges based on the limit comparison test with the convergent p-series sum[k=1,inf] 1/k^2. The limit comparison yields a result of 3, confirming convergence. Initial confusion arose from incorrect input into Wolfram Alpha, which misled the user into thinking the series diverged. Properly entering the series into Wolfram Alpha resolves the discrepancy, affirming the convergence conclusion.

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  • Familiarity with p-series and their convergence criteria
  • Basic knowledge of series notation and limits
  • Experience using computational tools like Wolfram Alpha for mathematical verification
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  • Study the limit comparison test in detail to understand its application
  • Explore other convergence tests such as the ratio test and root test
  • Practice solving various series problems to reinforce understanding of convergence
  • Investigate common pitfalls when using computational tools for mathematical problems
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GreenPrint
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This is a similar question that I have to the other one that I posted.

Determine if the following series converges or diverges.

sum[k=1,inf] 3/(k(k+3))

I applied the limit comparison test with 1/k^2
also k(k+3))=k^2+3k

lim k->inf [ 3/(k^2+3k) ]/[ 1/k^2 ] = lim k->inf (3k^2/(k^2+3k) =H 3

because sum[k=1,inf] 1/k^2 is a convergent p-series than sum[k=1,inf] 3/(k(k+3)) must also converge by the limit comparison test.

I plugged this into wolfram alpha
sum[n=1,inf] of 3/(k(k+3))
and it said that the sum does not converge by the limit comparison test. Am I doing something wrong?

Thanks for any help.
 
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Never trust Wolfram Alpha. Reagan said "trust but verify". Plug this into WA. "sum 3/(k*(k+3)) for k from 1 to infinity". You managed to confuse the poor thing somehow. Probably the [n=1,inf] part again.
 
Last edited:
GreenPrint said:
This is a similar question that I have to the other one that I posted.

Determine if the following series converges or diverges.

sum[k=1,inf] 3/(k(k+3))

I applied the limit comparison test with 1/k^2
also k(k+3))=k^2+3k

lim k->inf [ 3/(k^2+3k) ]/[ 1/k^2 ] = lim k->inf (3k^2/(k^2+3k) =H 3

because sum[k=1,inf] 1/k^2 is a convergent p-series than sum[k=1,inf] 3/(k(k+3)) must also converge by the limit comparison test.

I plugged this into wolfram alpha
sum[n=1,inf] of 3/(k(k+3))
and it said that the sum does not converge by the limit comparison test. Am I doing something wrong?

Thanks for any help.

Wolfram Alpha keeps giving you wrong answers (on this and some other problems). What would you conclude from that?

RGV
 
Dick said:
Never trust Wolfram Alpha. Reagan said "trust but verify". Plug this into WA. "sum 3/(k*(k+3)) for k from 1 to infinity". You managed to confuse the poor thing somehow. Probably the [n=1,inf] part again.

Oh I screwed up the indexes. Entering that actually gives me the right answer. Thanks. You can conclude that woflram alpha isn't the be all end all super calculator.
 

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