Do Infinite Series and Sequences Converge or Diverge?

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In summary, the conversation discussed problems with infinite series and sequences and determining if they absolutely converge, conditionally converge, or diverge. The speaker mentioned using the ratio/root/limit test and the comparison test, as well as knowing what cos(pi*n) looks like for the second problem. The third problem may not converge and the geometric series and improper integrals can be used to compare series. The discussion also mentioned the n-term test and the fact that the geometric series does not converge when |z| = 1. Overall, the conversation highlighted the importance of the terms approaching zero and the relevance of Cauchy sequences in determining convergence.
  • #1
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Hi I have a few problems with regard to infinite series and sequences:

1.) cos(n) / (n^2) summation from n = 0 to infinity

2.) cos(pi*n)/n summation from n = 0 to infinity

3.) sin(n) summation from 0 to infinity

I have to tell whether they absolutely converge, conditionally converge, or diverge.

I tried using the ration/root/limit test for them but nothing seemed to help.

any feedback will be greatly appreciated.
 
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  • #2
The "comparison test" and the "divergence test" will be useful. For the second one, in particular, knowing what cos(pi*n) looks like is also helpful.

By the way, for the first two the summation can't possibly start at n=0. :wink:
 
  • #3
there are two basic limits we an compute, geometric series, and improper integrals. all other series must be compared usually to one of these. a necessary condition is that the terms go to zero, which is sufficient if their size goes to zero monotonically and they have alternating signs.

compare 1 above to the series 1/n^2 which is then compoared to the integral of 1/x^2.

2 is the other test , alternating test.

3 i am not sure of. but suspect it does not converge by the test of whether the terms approach zero.
 
  • #4
My brain is exploding.

True, the series diverges by several tests, most obviously by the n-term test mathwonk mentioned. But if we go about evaluating the result;

[tex]S = \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \sin (n) = \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \mathRR{Im} (e^{in}) = \mathRR{Im}\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}(e^{in}) = \mathRR{Im} (\frac{1}{1-e^i}) = \frac{1+ \cos 1}{2 \sin^2 1}[/tex].

What did i do wrong :(
 
  • #5
The geometric series doesn't converge when |z|=1:

[tex]s_n = \sum_{i=0}^n z^n = \frac{1}{1-z} - \frac{z^{n+1}}{1-z}[/tex], z not equal 1.

It's bounded, but is not a Cauchy sequence when |z| = 1.
([tex]s_{n+1}-s_n = e^{i \theta n}[/tex]).

But as mentioned above, the main point is that the terms z^n don't go to zero as n -> infty when |z| = 1.

[tex]\sum c_n[/tex] converges [itex]\Rightarrow[/itex] [tex]s_n[/tex] is Cauchy [itex]\Rightarrow[/itex] [tex]|c_n| = |s_n-s_{n-1}| \rightarrow 0[/tex].
 
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1. What is an infinite series/sequence?

An infinite series/sequence is a mathematical concept that involves adding an infinite number of terms together in a specific order. It can be represented as a list of numbers, with each number being called a term. The terms in the series/sequence follow a specific pattern, which can be used to determine the value of the series/sequence.

2. What is the difference between a series and a sequence?

A series is the sum of the terms in a sequence, while a sequence is a list of numbers that follow a specific pattern. In other words, a series is the result of adding the terms in a sequence together.

3. What is the purpose of studying infinite series/sequences?

Infinite series/sequences have many practical applications in physics, engineering, and other fields. They can be used to model and solve real-world problems, such as calculating the distance traveled by an object in motion or the amount of heat transferred over time.

4. How do you determine if an infinite series/sequence converges or diverges?

The convergence or divergence of an infinite series/sequence can be determined by evaluating its limit. If the limit of the series/sequence approaches a finite number, the series/sequence is said to converge. If the limit approaches infinity or negative infinity, the series/sequence is said to diverge.

5. What are some common types of infinite series/sequences?

Some common types of infinite series/sequences include geometric series, arithmetic series, and harmonic series. These types of series/sequences have specific formulas that can be used to determine their sums or limits.

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