Ratio test with an integer power of an in numerator

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the convergence or divergence of the series $$\sum_{n = 1}^{\infty} \frac{2^n}{n^{100}}$$ using the ratio test. Participants explore the application of the ratio test and the implications of the exponential term compared to the polynomial term in the series.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express uncertainty about calculating the limit in the ratio test, specifically regarding the term $$\frac{2^{n + 1}}{2^n}$$.
  • One participant asserts that $$\frac{2^{n + 1}}{2^n} = 2$$, suggesting that this part of the limit is straightforward.
  • Another participant suggests that the series is expected to diverge due to the exponential term dominating the polynomial term, indicating that $$2^n$$ grows much faster than $$n^{100}$$.
  • There is a discussion about the divergence of the geometric series $$\sum 2^n$$ and its implications for the original series.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the series is likely to diverge due to the exponential growth of $$2^n$$ compared to the polynomial decay of $$n^{100}$$. However, there is no consensus on the application of the ratio test itself, as some participants express uncertainty in its execution.

Contextual Notes

Participants do not fully resolve the mathematical steps involved in applying the ratio test, particularly in calculating the limit. The discussion also reflects varying levels of confidence in the reasoning presented.

tmt1
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I have

$$\sum_{n = 1}^{\infty} \frac{2^n}{n^{100}}$$

and I need to find whether it converges or diverges.

I can use the ratio test to get:

$$\lim_{{n}\to{\infty}} \frac{2^{n + 1}\cdot n^{100}}{2^n \cdot (n + 1)^{100}}$$

But I'm not sure how to get the limit from this.

I know the limit of $\frac{n^{100}}{(n + 1)^{100}}$ would be $1$. But how would I get the limit of $\frac{2^{n + 1}}{2^n}$?
 
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tmt said:
I have

$$\sum_{n = 1}^{\infty} \frac{2^n}{n^{100}}$$

and I need to find whether it converges or diverges.

I can use the ratio test to get:

$$\lim_{{n}\to{\infty}} \frac{2^{n + 1}\cdot n^{100}}{2^n \cdot (n + 1)^{100}}$$

But I'm not sure how to get the limit from this.

I know the limit of $\frac{n^{100}}{(n + 1)^{100}}$ would be $1$. But how would I get the limit of $\frac{2^{n + 1}}{2^n}$?
You don't need to worry about it.

[math]\frac{2^{n + 1}}{2^n} = 2[/math]

-Dan
 
tmt said:
I have

$$\sum_{n = 1}^{\infty} \frac{2^n}{n^{100}}$$

and I need to find whether it converges or diverges.

I can use the ratio test to get:

$$\lim_{{n}\to{\infty}} \frac{2^{n + 1}\cdot n^{100}}{2^n \cdot (n + 1)^{100}}$$

But I'm not sure how to get the limit from this.

I know the limit of $\frac{n^{100}}{(n + 1)^{100}}$ would be $1$. But how would I get the limit of $\frac{2^{n + 1}}{2^n}$?

I'm hoping that your intuition at least told you that you should be expecting the series to be divergent, as the exponential part would be a divergent geometric series, and this part will end up much, much greater than the polynomial...
 
Prove It said:
I'm hoping that your intuition at least told you that you should be expecting the series to be divergent, as the exponential part would be a divergent geometric series, and this part will end up much, much greater than the polynomial...

I suppose $2^n$ will be much greater than $n^{100}$, and $\sum_{}^{} 2^n$, is of course divergent, as $2 > 1$. So, even though $\sum_{}^{} \frac{1}{n^{100}}$ is convergent, it would be outpaced by $\sum_{}^{} 2^n$. Is this what you mean?
 
tmt said:
I suppose $2^n$ will be much greater than $n^{100}$, and $\sum_{}^{} 2^n$, is of course divergent, as $2 > 1$. So, even though $\sum_{}^{} \frac{1}{n^{100}}$ is convergent, it would be outpaced by $\sum_{}^{} 2^n$. Is this what you mean?

Exactly! :)
 

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