Is the Series Absolutely Convergent, Conditionally Convergent, or Divergent?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the convergence nature of the series $\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} (\frac{n^2+2}{3n^2+2})^n$, specifically whether it is absolutely convergent, conditionally convergent, or divergent. Participants explore various methods to analyze the series, including the root test.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Debate/contested, Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests using the root test to analyze the convergence of the series.
  • Another participant claims the series converges to 1/3 but questions how to determine if it is conditionally convergent.
  • A participant challenges the claim of convergence to 1/3 by pointing out that the first term of the series is 3/5.
  • There is a clarification regarding the evaluation of the first term of the series, confirming it as 3/5.
  • One participant calculates the limit using the root test and finds it to be 1/3, suggesting that the series converges absolutely since this limit is less than 1.
  • Several participants express confusion about the correct interpretation of convergence and the implications of the initial term's value.
  • There is a reiteration of the limit calculation, confirming that the series is absolutely convergent based on the root test.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the initial interpretation of convergence and the significance of the first term. While some participants agree on the application of the root test leading to absolute convergence, the initial confusion regarding the convergence value remains unresolved.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved questions about the interpretation of terms and the implications of the limit calculations, particularly regarding the distinction between absolute and conditional convergence.

ineedhelpnow
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determine whether the series is absolutely convergent, conditionally convergent, or divergent.

$\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} (\frac{n^2+2}{3n^2+2})^n$

how to do this problem?? :confused:

im thinking root test. but how would i tell if its convergent or conditionally convergent?
 
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the way I am doing it, it converges to 1/3 but how would i tell if it conditionally converges?
 
How could it converge to 1/3 when the first term is 3/5?
 
what do you mean 3/5?
 
ineedhelpnow said:
what do you mean 3/5?

Evaluate the summand for $n=1$:

$$\left(\frac{1^2+2}{3\cdot1^2+2}\right)^1=\frac{3}{5}$$
 
$\sqrt[n]{|a_n|}=\lim_{{n}\to{\infty}}\frac{n^2+2}{3n^2+2}=\lim_{{n}\to{\infty}}\frac{\frac{n^2}{n^2}+\frac{2}{n^2}}{\frac{3n^2}{n^2}+ \frac{2}{n^2}}= \lim_{{n}\to{\infty}}\frac{1+ \frac{2}{n^2}}{3+\frac{2}{n^2}}=\frac{1+0}{3+0}=1/3$

here's what i did.

how else would i determine?
 
Okay, what you mean is:

$$C=\limsup_{n\to\infty}\sqrt[n]{\left(\frac{n^2+2}{3n^2+2}\right)^n}=\frac{1}{3}$$

In this case, $C<1$, and so the series converges absolutely.
 
how do i do it the right way?
 
ineedhelpnow said:
how do i do it the right way?

You have already demonstrated that:

$$L=\lim_{n\to\infty}\sqrt[n]{\left|a_n\right|}=\frac{1}{3}<1$$

and so the series is absolutely convergent.
 
  • #10
so what was my mistake from the beginning? the 3/5 thing?
 
  • #11
ineedhelpnow said:
so what was my mistake from the beginning? the 3/5 thing?

When you said:

ineedhelpnow said:
the way I am doing it, it converges to 1/3 but how would i tell if it conditionally converges?

I naturally interpreted this to mean "it" was the series itself.
 
  • #12
oh i see
 

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