Does the series with increasing numerators converge?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the convergence of a series with increasing numerators, specifically the series represented by the terms $$\frac{5}{3}+2+\frac{12}{5}+...$$ Participants explore the structure of the series, propose formulas for the terms, and analyze the behavior of the series as the number of terms approaches infinity.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested, Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that the series diverges based on the observation that the terms increase in size.
  • Another participant proposes a quadratic function for the $n$th term of the series, leading to a derived formula for the sum of the series.
  • There is a mention of a different series that also diverges, indicating that the terms do not approach zero.
  • Multiple participants express uncertainty about setting up the series for summation and the implications of the increasing numerators.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the series diverges, but there are competing views on the specific structure and formulation of the terms. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the exact nature of the series and the implications of its divergence.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the assumptions made about the series, particularly regarding the behavior of the terms and the mathematical steps involved in deriving the sum. The discussion reflects a range of interpretations and approaches to the series.

karush
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Find the sum for the series

$$\frac{5}{3}+2+\frac{12}{5}+...$$
This equals

$$\frac{25}{15}+\frac{30}{15}+\frac{36}{15}+...$$

So the numerator increases by 4+k from the previous numerator
But unable to set up
$$\sum_{k+1}^{\infty}f(x)$$
The series should go to $\infty$ since the terms only increase in size
 
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Correct, the series diverges.
 
karush said:
Find the sum for the series

$$\frac{5}{3}+2+\frac{12}{5}+...$$
This equals

$$\frac{25}{15}+\frac{30}{15}+\frac{36}{15}+...$$

So the numerator increases by 4+k from the previous numerator
But unable to set up
$$\sum_{k+1}^{\infty}f(x)$$
The series should go to $\infty$ since the terms only increase in size

Given that the numerator increases linearly, we know it will be a quadratic function and so the $n$th term in the series will have the form:

$$a_n=\frac{an^2+bn+c}{15}$$

Using the given initial values, the following 3X3 linear system arises:

$$a+b+c=25$$

$$4a+2b+c=30$$

$$9a+3b+c=36$$

Solving this system, we obtain:

$$(a,b,c)=\left(\frac{1}{2},\frac{7}{2},21\right)$$

And so we have the $n$th term:

$$a_n=\frac{n^2+7n+42}{30}$$

Hence, the $n$th sum of the series is given by:

$$S_n=\sum_{k=1}^n\left(a_k\right)=\frac{1}{30}\left(\sum_{k=1}^n\left(k^2+7k+42\right)\right)=\frac{1}{30}\left(\sum_{k=1}^n\left(k^2\right)+7\sum_{k=1}^n(k)+42\sum_{k=1}^n(1)\right)$$

Now, using the following formulas:

$$\sum_{k=1}^n\left(k^2\right)=\frac{n(n+1)(2n+1)}{6}$$

$$\sum_{k=1}^n\left(k\right)=\frac{n(n+1)}{2}$$

$$\sum_{k=1}^n\left(1\right)=n$$

We may now state:

$$S_n=\frac{1}{30}\left(\frac{n(n+1)(2n+1)}{6}+\frac{7n(n+1)}{2}+42n\right)=\frac{n}{180}\left((n+1)(2n+1)+21(n+1)+252\right)$$

Expanding, combining like terms and factoring, we finally obtain:

$$S_n=\frac{n}{90}\left(n^2+12n+137\right)$$

And so we find:

$$S_{\infty}=\lim_{n\to\infty}\left(S_n\right)=\infty$$
 
karush said:
Find the sum for the series: \frac{5}{3}+2+\frac{12}{5}+ \cdots
This equals: \frac{25}{15}+\frac{30}{15}+\frac{36}{15}+\cdots
So the numerator increases by 4+k from the previous numerator , but unable to set up \sum_{k+1}^{\infty}f(x)
The series should go to $\infty$ since the terms only increase in size

I saw a different series.

\frac{5}{3} + 2 + \frac{12}{5} + \cdots \;=\;\frac{5}{3} + \frac{8}{4} + \frac{12}{5} + \cdots \;=\;\sum^{\infty}_{n=1} \frac{n^2+3n+6}{2(n+2)} . . . which also diverges.

 
You should see immediately that the individual terms do not go to 0 so the series does not converge.
 

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