Finding the general term of the series

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on finding the general term of two series and determining their convergence. The first series, 1/3 + 2/15 + 2/35 + ..., leads to the conclusion that the nth term can be expressed as TERM(N) = TERM(N-1) * (N/(2N+1)), with the series being convergent. The second series, 1/4 + (1)(5)/(4)(8) + (1)(5)(9)/(4)(8)(12) + ..., has a denominator represented by 4^n (n!), while the numerator involves a more complex pattern of products. The discussion emphasizes the need for simplification techniques to derive the general term accurately.

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smart_worker
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Homework Statement



Find the general term and test the nature(convergent/divergent) of:
1/3 + 2/15 + 2/35 + ...

The Attempt at a Solution


If I simplify I get ,
1/3 + (1)(2)/(3)(5) + (1)(2)(3)/(3)(5)(7) +....

I found that,
TERM(N) = TERM(N-1)((N)/(2N+1)

After this I am struck.
 
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You see, I suspect, that the numerator of the nth term is n! The denominator is something like a factorial except that it involves only odd integers- okay, make it a factorial by inserting the even integers:
\frac{1}{3*5*7}= \frac{2*4*6}{2*3*4*5*6*7}= \frac{2*4*6}{7!}

Now, factor a 2 out of each term in the numerator: 2*4*6= 2(1)*2(2)*2*3= 2^3(3!).

So \frac{1}{3*5*7}= \frac{2*4*6}{2*3*4*5*6*7}= \frac{2^3(3!)}{7!}

Your term \frac{1*2*3}{3*5*7}= \frac{2^3(3!)^2}{7!}.

Can you write the nth term now?

Do you see n
 
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HallsofIvy said:
Can you write the nth term now?

Do you see n

yeah... i can write the nth term and i found that the series is convergent.

But this series:
1/4 + (1)(5)/(4)(8) + (1)(5)(9)/(4)(8)(12) + ...

The general term for the denominator is 4^n (n!)

but the numerator terms are tricky : 1*5*9

==> 1*2*3*4*5*6*7*8*9/2*3*4*6*7*8

==>9!/2*3*4*6*7*8

how do i simplify this part : 2*3*4*6*7*8 ?
 

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