Infinite Series (Integral Test)

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the convergence of an infinite series using the integral test, specifically focusing on the series ∑ n=1 ∞ (e^n/(e^(2n)+9)). Participants are evaluating integrals related to the series and questioning the implications of their findings.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to evaluate the integral associated with the series and are discussing the implications of their results. There are questions about the limits of integration and the interpretation of variables used in the calculations.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing guidance on the proper setup for the integral and questioning the assumptions made in the evaluation. There is no explicit consensus, but several lines of reasoning are being explored regarding the convergence of the series.

Contextual Notes

There are mentions of potential confusion regarding the variables used in the series and the integral, as well as the importance of the lower limit in the integral evaluation. Participants are also noting the bounded nature of the arctangent function in their discussions.

Fernando Rios
Messages
96
Reaction score
10
Homework Statement
Use the integral test to find whether the following series converge or diverge.
Relevant Equations
∑ n=1 ∞ (e^n/(e^(2n)+9))
After evaluating the integral I found the following:

(1/3)tan-1(e/3) = (1/3)tan-1(∞) = (1/3)(nπ/2), where n is an odd number. In this case I found multiple solutions to the problem. How do you prove it converges?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Hopefully, you aren't confusing the n in your answer with the n in the series. Just use ##n=1## in your answer and you are done.
 
Remember there's a lower limit on the integral as well, so you don't actually end up with multiple values for the definite integral.
 
Fernando Rios said:
Homework Statement: Use the integral test to find whether the following series converge or diverge.
Homework Equations: ∑ n=1 ∞ (e^n/(e^(2n)+9))

After evaluating the integral I found the following:

(1/3)tan-1(e∞/3) = (1/3)tan-1(∞) = (1/3)(nπ/2)

This is very much irrelevant to your conclusion, but isn't there supposed to be another term in your answer? Your infinite series starts at ##n=1##. So if each term in your summation is of the form ##f(n)=(e^n+9e^{-n})^{-1}##, you'd have to be integrating the function ##f(x)=(e^x+9e^{-x})^{-1}## over the interval ##(1,\infty)##, which should produce two terms. And as I recall, the standard ##\arctan## function is bounded between ##(-\pi/2,\pi/2)##, so I cannot see how ##n## cannot be anything other than ##n=1##.
 
Last edited:

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
14
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K