Ratio Test Determines Divergence: 11.6.1

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on determining the convergence or divergence of the series $\displaystyle\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \dfrac{1+4^n}{1+3^n}$ using the Ratio Test. The conclusion reached is that the series diverges, as indicated by the limit $L=\lim_{n \to \infty}\left|\dfrac{a_n+1}{a_n}\right|>1$. Participants confirm the setup of the Ratio Test and also mention the nth term test as an alternative method for demonstrating divergence, specifically noting that if $\lim_{n \to \infty} a_n \ne 0$, then the series diverges.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Ratio Test in calculus
  • Familiarity with limits and their properties
  • Knowledge of convergence and divergence of series
  • Basic algebraic manipulation of sequences
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the Ratio Test in greater detail, including its mathematical derivation
  • Learn about the nth term test for divergence and its applications
  • Explore other convergence tests such as the Root Test and Comparison Test
  • Practice solving series convergence problems using various tests
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators in calculus, mathematicians focusing on series analysis, and anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of convergence tests in infinite series.

karush
Gold Member
MHB
Messages
3,240
Reaction score
5
Determine Convergence or divergence and test used
$\displaystyle\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \dfrac{1+4^n}{1+3^n}$
W|A says diverges using ratio test so
$\therefore L=\lim_{n \to \infty}\left|\dfrac{a_n+1}{a_n}\right|>1$
Steps
$\displaystyle L=\lim_{n \to \infty}\left| \dfrac{1+4^{n+1}}{1+3^{n+1}}\cdot\dfrac{1+3^n}{1+4^n}\right|$ ok just seeing if I have this first step set up ok... before I run it thru the grinder.. :cool:
I assume ratio test is a limit test...

View attachment 9345
 

Attachments

  • 309wa.PNG
    309wa.PNG
    6.7 KB · Views: 148
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
I would show divergence using the nth term test, i.e. ...

$$\text{if } \lim_{n \to \infty} a_n \ne 0 \text{ , then }\sum a_n \text{ diverges}$$
 
oh... that would save a ton of calculation!
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
4K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
5K
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K