Ratio Test Questions/ Series Convergence

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the convergence of the series from n=1 to infinity for cos(n)*pi / (n^2/3) using the Ratio Test. Participants explore the implications of the limit approaching 1 and the applicability of the Ratio Test to this series, considering both convergence and divergence aspects.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express confusion regarding the interpretation of the limit approaching 1 in the context of the Ratio Test, questioning whether it indicates convergence or remains inconclusive.
  • One participant suggests that the series may not be suitable for the Ratio Test due to the presence of oscillating terms (cos(n)*pi), raising the question of whether the series consists solely of positive or negative terms.
  • Another participant points out that the series can be rewritten as an alternating series, indicating that while the series of absolute values diverges, the series itself is conditionally convergent according to the Leibniz criterion.
  • There is a discussion about the meaning of limits approaching 1, with some participants emphasizing the need for precision in defining limits and approximations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the application of the Ratio Test to the series. While some argue it is inconclusive, others suggest that the series is conditionally convergent based on different criteria.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the potential misunderstanding of the Ratio Test's applicability to series with oscillating terms and the nuances in defining limits and convergence criteria.

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)
 
Last edited:
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.
 
Last edited:
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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