Homework: Investigating Infinite Series Convergence

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the convergence of various infinite series, specifically focusing on the properties and behaviors of the series given in the homework statement. The subject area includes concepts from calculus, particularly dealing with infinite series and convergence tests.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the nth partial sums of the first series and question the convergence of these sums. There is an exploration of the ratio test applied to the second series to determine convergence conditions for real numbers x. The third series is noted for its convergence by the comparison test, although details are not fully elaborated.

Discussion Status

Some participants express agreement with the assessments of the first and third series, while there is a clarification sought regarding the convergence of the second series for all real numbers. The conversation indicates a productive exchange of ideas, though consensus on the specifics of the second series is still being explored.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of the ratio test and its application, with some participants noting the need to clarify the bounds for convergence in the context of the second series. The discussion reflects an ongoing examination of assumptions and interpretations related to the series.

squaremeplz
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Homework Statement



a) consider the infinite series (k=1) sum (inf) [(k+1)^(1/2) - (k)^(1/2)]
expand and simplify the nth partial sum. determine wether the oartial sums S_n converge as n-> inf

b) determine all the numbers x in R so that the infinite series

(k=0) sum (inf) [x^(k)/(k!)]

converges.

c) determine wheter the series

(k=1) sum (inf) [k/(k^3 + 1)] converges or diverges.




Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



a) I wrote out the terms of the nth partial sums

S_1 = (2)^(1/2) - 1
S_2 = (2)^(1/2) - 1 + (3)^(1/2) - (2)^(1/2) = (3)^(1/2) - 1
S_3 = (2)^(1/2) - 1 + (3)^(1/2) - (2)^(1/2) + (4)^(1/2) - (3)^(1/2) = (4)^(1/2) - 1

therefore, the nth partial sum simplifies down to

S_n = (n+1)^(1/2) - 1

and converges to infinity as n-> inf

b) (k=0) sum (inf) [x^(k)/(k!)]

looking for all x in R so it converges

I used the ratio test to get

| [(x)^(k+1)/(k+1)!] / [x^(k)/(k!)] | < 1

then I get -(k+1) < x < (k+1)

so if x is between those values, the series converges.

c) Converges by the comparison test


Hi, can someone let me know if I got these right? thanks!
 
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Hi squaremeplease! :smile:

(have a square-root: √ and a sigma: ∑ and an infinity: ∞ :wink:)

a) and c) are ok.
squaremeplease said:
b) (k=0) sum (inf) [x^(k)/(k!)]

looking for all x in R so it converges

I used the ratio test to get

| [(x)^(k+1)/(k+1)!] / [x^(k)/(k!)] | < 1

then I get -(k+1) < x < (k+1)

so if x is between those values, the series converges.

But k goes up to ∞ :redface:

(and anyway you should be familiar with this series :wink:)
 
ah, so it converges for all values of x?
 
squaremeplease said:
ah, so it converges for all values of x?

Yup! :biggrin:

And its value is …
ex
? :wink:
 

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