Proof of the Ratio Test and the Triangle Inequality

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on proving that if the limit inferior of the absolute value of the ratio of consecutive terms, abs(ak+1 / ak), is greater than 1, then the series sum from 1 to infinity of ak diverges. The proof utilizes the concept of limits and the comparison test, establishing that if abs(ak+1) > r * abs(ak) for some r > 1, then the series diverges by comparison to a geometric series. The conclusion emphasizes that the necessary condition for convergence is that a_n approaches 0 as n approaches infinity, simplifying the proof process.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of series convergence and divergence
  • Familiarity with the Ratio Test in calculus
  • Knowledge of geometric series and their properties
  • Basic concepts of limits and limit inferior
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the formal definition and application of the Ratio Test
  • Explore the Comparison Test for series convergence
  • Learn about geometric series and their convergence criteria
  • Investigate conditional convergence and its implications in series
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Students of calculus, mathematicians focusing on series analysis, and educators teaching convergence tests in mathematical series.

Fiz2007
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Homework Statement



Prove: If the limit inf as k goes to infinity of abs(ak+1 / ak) > 1 then the sum from 1 to infinity of ak diverges


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



So far I have this:

Suppose lim inf abs(ak+1/ak) >1
then, there exists an r such that lim inf abs(ak+1/ak) > r > 1
then \exists N an element of the natural numbers such that k >= N implies
abs(ak+1/ak) > r
that is, for k >= N, abs(ak+1) > abs(ak) r
and, abs (an+1) > r abs(an)
abs (an+2) > r abs (an+1) > r^2 abs(an)
and in general, abs (an+k) > r^k abs(an)

the series the sum from 1 to infinity of abs(an) * r^k diverges to infinity (geometric series with r>1).

Therefore the sum from 1 to infinity of abs(an+k) diverges to infinity by the comparison test.

And then I'm stuck... I'm not sure how to go from the absolute value diverging to the series diverging. It clearly does not converge absolutely but what about conditional convergence? Please help!

Thanks
 
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A necessary condition for convergence of a series is a_n approaches to 0 at infinity.
 
Thanks! that made it much simpler.
 

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