MHB Ratio Test Questions/ Series Convergence

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The discussion centers on determining the convergence of the series from n=1 to infinity for cos(n)π / (n^(2/3)) using the Ratio Test. The limit approaches 1, leading to confusion about whether it indicates convergence or remains inconclusive. It is clarified that the Ratio Test is not suitable due to the series containing oscillating terms. Instead, while the series of absolute values diverges, the series itself is conditionally convergent according to the Leibniz criterion. This highlights the importance of recognizing the nature of the series when applying convergence tests.
calcboi
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I am trying to determine convergence for the series n=1 to infinity for cos(n)*pi / (n^2/3) and I am doing the Ratio Test. I found the limit approaches 1 but is less than 1. Does this mean that the limit = 1 or is < 1? I am somewhat confused since this changes it from inconclusive to convergent.
 
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Re: Ration Test Questions/ Series Convergence

calcboi said:
I am trying to determine convergence for the series n=1 to infinity for cos(n)*pi / (n^2/3) and I am doing the Ratio Test. I found the limit approaches 1 but is less than 1. Does this mean that the limit = 1 or is < 1? I am somewhat confused since this changes it from inconclusive to convergent.
Hello,
When it says lim x->1 it means x goes to 1 but not actually equal to 1. We aproximite. I would like someone to Approve that what I say is correct. I am sure but when it comes to help other i somehow get uncertain

Edit: If you want less Then 1 I think you Will lim x->1 (negative way)
 
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calcboi said:
I am trying to determine convergence for the series n=1 to infinity for cos(n)*pi / (n^2/3) and I am doing the Ratio Test. I found the limit approaches 1 but is less than 1. Does this mean that the limit = 1 or is < 1? I am somewhat confused since this changes it from inconclusive to convergent.

The ratio test can be applied to the series with only positive or negative terms. Is Your series of this type?...

Kind regards$\chi$ $\sigma$
 
calcboi said:
I am trying to determine convergence for the series n=1 to infinity for cos(n)*pi / (n^2/3)

As has already been said, the ratio test is not convenient here. The series is $\displaystyle\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}\frac{\cos n\pi}{n^{2/3}}=\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}\frac{(-1)^n}{n^{2/3}}$, so the series of the absolute values is divergent (Riemann's series with $p=2/3\leq 1$). On the other hand by Leibniz criterion, the series is convergent. This implies that the given series is conditionally convergent.
 
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Re: Ration Test Questions/ Series Convergence

Petrus said:
Hello,
When it says lim x->1 it means x goes to 1 but not actually equal to 1. We aproximite.

It means we are choosing some $$|x-1|<\delta$$ , which is a more general definition whether we are approaching from the right or the left. We can not say we are approximating the values of x since approximation has always a space of error.
 

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