# Ratio test (convergent or divergent?)

1. Apr 23, 2013

### freshcoast

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

Ʃ n / 2^n
n=1

2. Relevant equations
ratio test
lim |a(n+1) / a(n)|
n->∞

3. The attempt at a solution

I have the answer and the steps its just there's one part I am confused on,
first I just apply n+1 to all my n terms, which gives me,

Ʃ [(n+1)/2^(n+1)] / [n/2^n]
n=1

and if I multiply the a(n+1) part by the reciprocal of an, I don't understand how the terms 2^(n+1) and 2^n cancel each other out and leaves me with just a 2?

2. Apr 23, 2013

### joshmccraney

consider rules of exponents (which boils down to multiplication). consider $$x*x=x^2$$ this is the same as $$x^1*x^1=x^{1+1}=x^2$$ thus it seems plausible that $$x^{n+1}=x^n*x^1$$ does this answer your question?

3. Apr 23, 2013

### Staff: Mentor

No it doesn't. In the Ratio Test you look at the ratio an+1/an, NOT the sum of that ratio.

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