Convergence Rate of Series: Exploring Divergence and Convergence in Sequences

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In summary, the conversation discusses the convergence of series and the corresponding sequences. It is mentioned that Ʃ(\frac{1}{n}) diverges, while Ʃ(\frac{1}{n^2}) converges. The question then arises about the rate at which a sequence must converge for the corresponding series to converge. In other words, what is the largest value x can be for Ʃ(\frac{1}{n^x}) to diverge. It is stated that the dividing line is at p=1, where the series converges if p>1. This can be verified using the integral test.
  • #1
gottfried
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Ʃ([itex]\frac{1}{n}[/itex]) diverges but Ʃ([itex]\frac{1}{n^2}[/itex]) converges but both corresponding sequences converge (I think). So at what rate does a sequence have to converge for the corresponding series to converge.

Or asked differently what is the largest value x can be for Ʃ([itex]\frac{1}{n^x}[/itex]) to diverge
 
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  • #2
gottfried said:
Ʃ([itex]\frac{1}{n}[/itex]) diverges but Ʃ([itex]\frac{1}{n^2}[/itex]) converges but both corresponding sequences converge (I think). So at what rate does a sequence have to converge for the corresponding series to converge.

Or asked differently what is the largest value x can be for Ʃ([itex]\frac{1}{n^x}[/itex]) to diverge

The dividing line is at p = 1. ##\sum \frac 1 {x^p}## converges if ##p>1##, as you can verify by the integral test.
 
  • #3
Thanks.
 

1. What is the convergence rate of a series?

The convergence rate of a series refers to how quickly the sequence of partial sums approaches a certain value, known as the limit, as more terms are added to the series. In simpler terms, it describes how fast the series is approaching a particular value.

2. How is the convergence rate of a series determined?

The convergence rate of a series can be determined by analyzing the behavior of the terms in the series and their relationship to each other. This can involve techniques such as the ratio test, the root test, or the comparison test.

3. What is the difference between convergence and divergence in a series?

In a convergent series, the sequence of partial sums approaches a specific value as more terms are added, while in a divergent series, the sequence either tends towards infinity or does not have a defined limit. Essentially, a convergent series has a finite sum while a divergent series does not.

4. How does the convergence rate of a series affect its sum?

The convergence rate of a series can greatly impact its sum. A series with a fast convergence rate will have a smaller margin of error and therefore a more accurate sum, while a series with a slow convergence rate may have a larger margin of error and a less precise sum.

5. Can a series have a convergence rate of 0?

No, a series cannot have a convergence rate of 0. This would imply that the series is either constantly increasing or constantly decreasing, which would make it divergent. A series must have a non-zero convergence rate in order to converge to a specific value.

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