Does the Series \(\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{5+n \cos n}{n^2+2^n}\) Converge?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the convergence of the series \(\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{5+n \cos n}{n^2+2^n}\). Participants explore various methods and tests for determining convergence, including the ratio test and comparison tests, while considering the behavior of the terms involved.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question whether the series \(\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{5+n \cos n}{n^2+2^n}\) converges.
  • One participant suggests using the ratio test as a potential method for determining convergence.
  • Another participant discusses the conditions under which two series can be compared for convergence, noting the need for a suitable comparison series \(\{b_n\}\).
  • A later reply proposes a specific comparison by bounding the series and suggests using the ratio test on a related series \(\sum_{n=1}^\infty \frac{5+n}{2^n}\) to draw conclusions about the original series.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the application of the ratio test and the appropriate comparison series. There is no consensus on the convergence of the original series, and the discussion remains unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully established the necessary conditions for the comparison series, and there are unresolved aspects regarding the limits and behavior of the terms as \(n\) approaches infinity.

maxkor
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\sum_{n=1}^{ \infty } \frac{5+n cosn}{n^2+2^n} is convergent?
 
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maxkor said:
\sum_{n=1}^{ \infty } \frac{5+n \cos n}{n^2+2^n} is convergent?
Have you tried using the ratio test?
 
If $\left \{ a_n \right \}, \left \{ b_n \right \} > 0$, and the limit $ \lim_{n \to \infty} \frac{a_n}{b_n}$ exists, is finite and is not zero, then $\sum_{n=1}^\infty a_n$ converges if and only if $\sum_{n=1}^\infty b_n converges.$
But $\left \{ b_n \right \} =??$
 
maxkor said:
\sum_{n=1}^{ \infty } \frac{5+n cosn}{n^2+2^n} is convergent?

Hi maxkor,

While I agree with the suggestion posted by Opalg, I think it should be used indirectly. More precisely, since

$$\left|\frac{5 + n\cos n}{n^2 + 2^n}\right| \le \frac{5 + n}{n^2 + 2^n} < \frac{5 + n}{2^n},$$

use the ratio test to show that $\sum\limits_{n = 1}^\infty \frac{5 + n}{2^n}$ converges, then conclude by comparison that $\sum\limits_{n = 1}^\infty \frac{5 + n\cos n}{2^n}$ converges.
 
Last edited:

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