Infinite Series ?COnverge or Diverge

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the convergence and divergence of two infinite series: ∑(infinity, k=1) 5k^(-3/2) and ∑(infinity, k=1) 1/(k+3). The first series converges as it is a p-series with p=3/2, while the second series diverges due to the comparison with the harmonic series. The Test for Divergence is highlighted as a method to determine divergence, specifically noting that if lim _{k→∞} a_{n} ≠ 0, then the series diverges. The participants clarify the application of these tests and the importance of understanding limits in series analysis.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of infinite series and convergence tests
  • Familiarity with p-series and their properties
  • Knowledge of the Test for Divergence
  • Basic LaTeX formatting for mathematical expressions
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of p-series and their convergence criteria
  • Learn about the Comparison Test for series convergence
  • Explore the Integral Test for determining convergence of series
  • Practice LaTeX formatting for mathematical expressions in discussions
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Students studying calculus, particularly those focusing on series convergence, mathematicians analyzing infinite series, and educators teaching convergence tests in mathematics.

SAT2400
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Infinite Series!??COnverge or Diverge

Homework Statement


1.
∑(infinity, k=1) 5k^(-3/2)

2.
∑(infinity, k=1) 1/(k+3)

Homework Equations


converge or diverge

The Attempt at a Solution


1. converges p=3/2... 5/(infin)=> 0
2. diverges p=1
I still don't get why 2 diverges? 1 converges b/c it gets to 0??
 
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use integral test for 1

for 2 try and find a comparison test with a harmonic series(1/k)
 


Umm, I am not supposed to use those tests...

Is there any other method??
 


Can't you just use the test for divergence for #2?

EDIT: I think it works for both #1 and #2.
 


could you please show me?thanks
 


The best that I can do is tell you what the Test for Divergence is.

The Test for Divergence states that:

If lim _{x\rightarrow\infty} a_{n} \neq 0, \sum a_{n} diverges.

P.S. My LaTeX is weak, could someone tell me how to add spaces?
 


SAT2400 said:
Umm, I am not supposed to use those tests...

Is there any other method??

what can you use? i can't read your question/notes/teachers mind ;)
 


mg0stisha said:
The best that I can do is tell you what the Test for Divergence is.

The Test for Divergence states that:

If lim _{x\rightarrow\infty} a_{n} \neq 0, \sum a_{n} diverges.

i think both the terms go to zero in the limit? so it doesn't show divergence?

mg0stisha said:
P.S. My LaTeX is weak, could someone tell me how to add spaces?
as for latex, just found out myself (from other posts)-, you can also add the slash to make the limit show correctly, have a look at these:
single space "\"
\lim _{x\rightarrow\infty} a_{n} \neq 0, \ \sum a_{n} \ diverges.

multispace 0.5 inches "\hspace{0.5 in}"
\lim _{x\rightarrow\infty} a_{n} \neq 0, \hspace{0.5 in} \sum a_{n} \ diverges.

using itex (inline tex) and splitting into 2 parts
\lim _{x\rightarrow\infty} a_{n} \neq 0, \sum a_{n} \ diverges.
 
Last edited:


mg0stisha said:
Can't you just use the test for divergence for #2?

EDIT: I think it works for both #1 and #2.

what are you talking about? #1 converges and #2 does diverge but you're not going to show it using the divergence test since lim_{k\rightarrow \infty} \frac{1}{(k+3)} = 0

to op:

for #1 it's a p series
for #2 show that it's bigger than \sum \frac{1}{5k} and then show that that diverges
 
  • #10


Wow, I apologize to the OP. Guess I should stop doing math at 4 am and just go to bed! Sorry for any confusion, I definitely see my blindingly obvious mistakes now.
 

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