Is the Ratio Test Inconclusive for This Series?

  • Thread starter Thread starter frasifrasi
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Series
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The series from 1 to infinity of sqrt(n)/(1+n^6) demonstrates that the Ratio Test is inconclusive. When applying the Ratio Test, the correct approach involves dividing (n+1)^(1/2)/((1+(n+1)^6) by the original term sqrt(n)/(1+n^6). The limit of the absolute value of this ratio as n approaches infinity results in a value of 1, indicating that the Ratio Test does not provide useful information for this series.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Ratio Test in calculus
  • Familiarity with limits and infinite series
  • Knowledge of algebraic manipulation of fractions
  • Basic concepts of convergence and divergence of series
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of the Ratio Test with various series
  • Learn about the Limit Comparison Test for series convergence
  • Explore the concept of absolute convergence in series
  • Investigate other convergence tests such as the Root Test
USEFUL FOR

Students of calculus, mathematicians analyzing series convergence, and educators teaching series tests in advanced mathematics courses.

frasifrasi
Messages
276
Reaction score
0
So, I have the series from 1 to infinity of

sqrt(n)/(1+n^6)

Now, we are supposed to show that the ratio test is inconclusive for this series. But when I apply the ratio test, I get:

(n+1)^(1/2)/((1+(n+1)^6)*the original series and nothing seems to be cancelling out.

Can anyone tell me if I am doing this properly?

Thank you.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
frasifrasi said:
Now, we are supposed to show that the ratio test is inconclusive for this series. But when I apply the ratio test, I get:

(n+1)^(1/2)/((1+(n+1)^6)*the original series and nothing seems to be cancelling out.

OK, first of all, you should be dividing (n+1)^(1/2)/((1+(n+1)^6) by the original term, [n^1/2]/[1+(n^6)]. Secondly, nothing will generally cancel: you are supposed to take the limit of the absolute value of this ratio as n approaches infinity. Group the "like factors" together to form ratios like [1+(n^6)]/[1+({n+1}^6)] and look at the infinite limit of those ratios. You will find that the limit of the product of these ratios you've formed gives you 1 (i.e., the Ratio Test is useless here).
 

Similar threads

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