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

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the convergence or divergence of the series sum[k=1,inf] 3/(k(k+3)). Participants are exploring the application of the limit comparison test in the context of series convergence, particularly comparing it to the known convergent p-series sum[k=1,inf] 1/k^2.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • One participant describes applying the limit comparison test with 1/k^2 and questions the validity of their result after receiving conflicting information from Wolfram Alpha. Others suggest reconsidering the input to Wolfram Alpha and express skepticism about its reliability.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants sharing their reasoning and questioning the accuracy of external tools like Wolfram Alpha. There is a recognition of potential confusion regarding the input format for the series, and some participants are exploring the implications of their findings.

Contextual Notes

Participants note issues with the indexing in their calculations and the potential for misinterpretation of results from computational tools. There is an emphasis on verifying results independently rather than relying solely on automated systems.

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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