Improper Integral: Definition and Evaluation

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the evaluation of an improper integral using the Ratio Test and the Integral Test. Participants explore the convergence or divergence of the series defined by the limit involving logarithmic functions.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant applies the Ratio Test to the series \(L=\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}\dfrac{\ln(n+1)}{n+1}\) and claims convergence based on a limit calculated as 0.
  • Another participant points out that the limit presented is only for \(a_{n+1}\) and suggests calculating the full ratio \(\frac{a_{n+1}}{a_n}\) to determine convergence.
  • A different participant reformulates the ratio and indicates that the Ratio Test may be inconclusive, suggesting the use of the Integral Test instead.
  • Some participants express confusion regarding how a limit of \(\frac{1}{2}\) was reached and question the conditions under which the Ratio Test is inconclusive.
  • One participant performs the Integral Test, concluding that the series diverges based on the evaluation of the improper integral.
  • Several participants question the reasoning behind certain steps, indicating a lack of clarity in the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the application of the Ratio Test, with some arguing it is inconclusive while others assert it indicates convergence. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best method to evaluate the series.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved questions about the assumptions underlying the use of the Ratio Test and the Integral Test, as well as the specific calculations leading to the limits discussed.

karush
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316 Ratio Test

$\tiny{11.6.(4) } $
$$L=\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}\dfrac{\ln(n+1)}{n+1} $$
using the Ratio Test
$$L=\displaystyle\lim_{n \to \infty}
\left|\dfrac{a_{n+1}}{a_n}\right|
=\lim_{n \to \infty}\dfrac{\ln((n+1)+1)}{((n+1)+1)}
=\lim_{n \to \infty}\dfrac{\ln((n+2)}{n+2}=0$$
thus $L<1$ convergent

Ok I think this is correct but the final limit I did via W|A not sure why it is 0
 
Last edited:
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What you have is only the limit of [math]a_{n+1}[/math]! You haven't done the fraction, [math]\frac{a_{n+1}}{a_n}=[/math][math] \frac{ln(n+1)}{n+1}\frac{n+2}{ln(n+2)}=[/math][math] \left(\frac{n+2}{n+1}\right)\left(\frac{ln(n+1)}{ln(n+2)}\right)[/math].

What are the limits of those fractions?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
for $n \ge 1$, $\bigg| \dfrac{a_{n+1}}{a_n} \bigg| = \dfrac{\ln(n+2)}{n+2} \cdot \dfrac{n+1}{\ln(n+1)} = \dfrac{\ln(n+2)}{\ln(n+1)} \cdot \dfrac{n+1}{n+2}$

Methinks you'll find the ratio test to be inconclusive ... did you decide to use the ratio test to determine convergence/divergence of this sum?

I would use the integral test ...
 
so its $\dfrac{1}{2}$ which is still $L<1$
 
Last edited:
karush said:
so its $\dfrac{1}{2}$ which is still $L<1$

How did you arrive at 1/2 ?

Did you read my response? When is the ratio test inconclusive?
 
skeeter said:
How did you arrive at 1/2 ?

Did you read my response? When is the ratio test inconclusive?
$$\lim _{x\to \infty \:}\left(\frac{\ln \left(x+2\right)}{\ln \left(x+1\right)}\cdot \frac{x+1}{x+2}\right)=1$$

it's inconclusive

not sure why we were asked to use Ratio test thot that was used with radicals
 
integral test ...

$\displaystyle \int_1^\infty \ln(x+1) \cdot \dfrac{1}{x+1} \,dx$

$u = \ln(x+1) \implies du = \dfrac{dx}{x+1}$

$\displaystyle \int_{\ln(2)}^\infty u \,du$

$\displaystyle \lim_{b \to \infty} \int_{\ln(2)}^b u \, du$

$\displaystyle \lim_{b \to \infty} \bigg[\dfrac{u^2}{2}\bigg]_{\ln(2)}^b$

$\displaystyle \lim_{b \to \infty} \dfrac{b^2 - \ln^2(2)}{2} = \infty$

series diverges
 
why did you b??
 
karush said:
why did you b??

correct format for an improper integral
 

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