Infinite Series (Integral Test)

In summary, the integral test was used to determine the convergence of the series ∑ n=1 ∞ (e^n/(e^(2n)+9)). The integral was evaluated to be (1/3)tan-1(e∞/3) = (1/3)tan-1(∞) = (1/3)(nπ/2), where n is an odd number. The conversation also included a reminder to use n=1 when solving the problem, as well as a clarification of the lower limit on the integral to avoid getting multiple values for the definite integral.
  • #1
Fernando Rios
96
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?
 
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  • #2
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.
 
  • #3
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.
 
  • #4
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:

1. What is an infinite series?

An infinite series is a sum of an infinite number of terms, where each term is added to the previous one. The terms can be numbers, variables, or functions.

2. What is the Integral Test for infinite series?

The Integral Test is a method used to determine the convergence or divergence of an infinite series. It states that if the integral of the terms of a series is convergent, then the series itself is convergent. Conversely, if the integral is divergent, then the series is also divergent.

3. How do you use the Integral Test to test for convergence?

To use the Integral Test, you first need to find the integral of the terms of the series. Then, evaluate the integral to see if it converges or diverges. If the integral converges, then the series also converges. If the integral diverges, then the series also diverges.

4. What are the limitations of the Integral Test for convergence?

The Integral Test can only be used for series where the terms are positive and decreasing. It also cannot be used for series with alternating signs, as the integral may give a false result. Additionally, the Integral Test only determines convergence or divergence, not the actual value of the series.

5. Can the Integral Test be used for all infinite series?

No, the Integral Test can only be used for certain types of infinite series, such as those with positive and decreasing terms. It cannot be used for series with alternating signs, or for series with terms that do not approach zero as n approaches infinity.

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