Help with sum of infinite series using the root test.

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the convergence or divergence of the infinite series defined by the sum from n=0 to infinity of (n/(n+1))^(n^2). Participants are exploring the application of the root test in this context.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to apply the root test but are encountering difficulties in evaluating the limit as n approaches infinity. There are questions about the behavior of the term (n/(n+1))^n and its limit, with some suggesting that it approaches 1/e.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on evaluating limits, particularly suggesting the use of logarithms and L'Hopital's rule. There is an ongoing exploration of the implications of the root test and the behavior of the series, but no consensus has been reached yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants are also discussing potential issues with LaTeX syntax in the forum's preview mode, indicating a concern about the clarity of mathematical expressions in the discussion.

iluvphysics
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Homework Statement

Does it converge or diverge?

Sum n=0 to infinity : (n/(n+1))^(n^2)

The attempt at a solution

I know I need to use the root test.
But what I get is ...

Limit to infinity : (n/(n+1))^n

It seems that the n/(n+1) would go to 1 because when you multiply the top and bottom by n^-1 to get 1/(1+1/n) the 1/n goes to zero and you have 1/1. 1^n is 1, and according to the root test, it is inconclusive. However, the series converges and apparently the limit goes to 1/e, but I'm not sure how.

Also, does the latex syntax not work in preview mode or something?
 
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To evaluate

[tex]\lim_{n\rightarrow\infty} (1+1/n)^n[/tex]

try finding the limit of the log of the function.
 
vela said:
To evaluate

[tex]\lim_{n\rightarrow\infty} (1+1/n)^n[/tex]

try finding the limit of the log of the function.

I have no idea how.
 
Are you saying that you do not know how to find a logarithm??

If [itex]y= (1+ 1/n)^n[/itex], then [itex]log(y)= n log(1+ 1/n)[/itex]. What is the limit of that as n goes to infinity? Perhaps L'Hopital's rule or writing log(1+ 1/n) as a Taylor's series will help.
 
iluvphysics said:
Homework Statement

Does it converge or diverge?

Sum n=0 to infinity : (n/(n+1))^(n^2)

The attempt at a solution

I know I need to use the root test.
But what I get is ...

Limit to infinity : (n/(n+1))^n

It seems that the n/(n+1) would go to 1 because when you multiply the top and bottom by n^-1 to get 1/(1+1/n) the 1/n goes to zero and you have 1/1. 1^n is 1, and according to the root test, it is inconclusive. However, the series converges and apparently the limit goes to 1/e, but I'm not sure how.

Also, does the latex syntax not work in preview mode or something?

[tex]\lim_{n\to\infty} \left( \frac{n}{n+1} \right)^n = \lim_{n\to\infty} \left( 1 + \frac{1}{n} \right)^{-n} = ?[/tex]

Recall:
[tex]\lim_{n\to\infty} \left( 1 + \frac{a}{n^k} \right)^{bn^k} = e^{ab}[/tex]
 

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