Showing Convergence & Estimating Limit of Alternating Series

Click For Summary
The discussion focuses on demonstrating the convergence of the alternating series ∑_{k=5}^{∞} (-1)^k (k^{10}/10^k) and estimating its limit within a specified error margin of 0.005. Participants highlight that the series is alternating and utilize the term C_k = k^{10}/10^k to analyze convergence. To ensure the error is within the desired limit, they suggest setting up the inequality (n+1)^{10}/10^{n+1} ≤ 0.005 and discuss methods for solving it. Additionally, they mention the need to show that the limit of C_k approaches zero as k approaches infinity, recommending the use of logarithmic properties to analyze the behavior of the function. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the importance of identifying the maximum of the function to determine where the series decreases effectively.
Sheneron
Messages
360
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



Show that the series converges. Then compute an estimate of the limit that is guaranteed to be in error by no more than 0.005

\sum_{k=5}^{\infty} (-1)^k \frac{k^{10}}{10^k}

The Attempt at a Solution



This is obviously an alternating series and I know that

C_{k} = \frac{k^{10}}{10^k}

and I know that Cn+1 is greater than the absolute value of S-Sn. So I can set up to be something like

\frac{(n+1)^{10}}{10^{n+1}} <= 0.005

the part I can't figure out is how to solve that for n. Is there a way to simplify that fraction? How would I solve this for n? Thanks

Oh and I also couldn't figure out how to exactly show that the limit as k-> infinity of Ck goes to 0 without taking the derivative 10 times. So the whole problem I am having is with the fraction.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
If you want to show the limit goes to zero, take the log and try showing that the limit of that goes to -infinity. Once you done that also find the value of x where x^10/10^x is a maximum by maximizing the log. Then you know it's decreasing after that value. No, I don't think you can really 'solve for n'. But once you know where the series is decreasing, just find an n so the term is less that 0.005.
 
Thanks, that makes sense.
 
Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
2K
Replies
14
Views
2K