Sequences, Series, Convergence and Divergence

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on the convergence and divergence of various sequences and series as n approaches infinity. The sequences analyzed include \(\frac{5n+2}{n-1}\), \(\tan^{-1}(n)\), and \(\frac{2^n}{n!}\), with conclusions indicating that the first and third sequences converge to 0, while the second converges to \(\frac{\pi}{2}\). The series \(\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} 3^{\frac{n}{2}}\) diverges, while \(\sum_{n=1}^{99} (-1)^n\) converges to 0. Additionally, \(\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{n-1}{n}\) diverges, and \(\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{1}{n^{\frac{3}{2}}}\) converges to a limit of 2.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of limits in calculus
  • Familiarity with sequences and series
  • Knowledge of convergence tests (e.g., ratio test)
  • Basic proficiency in mathematical notation and formatting
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the Ratio Test for convergence of series
  • Learn about the properties of the arctangent function
  • Explore the concept of factorial growth versus exponential growth
  • Investigate the Alternating Series Test for convergence
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators in mathematics, particularly those focusing on calculus and analysis, will benefit from this discussion. It is also valuable for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of convergence and divergence in sequences and series.

FaraDazed
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Homework Statement


Q1 Are the following sequences divergent or convergent as n tends to infinity.

a: \frac{5n+2}{n-1}

b: tan^{-1}(n)

c:\frac{2^n}{n!}

Q2 Evaluate:...

a: \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} 3^{\frac{n}{2}}

b: \sum_{n=1}^{99} (-1)^n

Q3 Find whether the following converge or diverge

a:\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{n-1}{n}

b:\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{1}{n^{\frac{3}{2}}}

Homework Equations


|\frac{a_{n+1}}{a_n}|

The Attempt at a Solution


Most of these I have no clue on how to format it mathmatically correct but I have given it my best shot, Id be surprised if I have any correct mind you.

Q1a
<br /> \frac{5n+2}{n-1}=12,\frac{17}{2},\frac{22}{3},\frac{27}{4}...\\<br />
So it looks as tho it converges to 0 as n tends to infinity.

Q1b
<br /> tan^{-1}(n) = \frac{\pi}{4},1.107,1.25...<br />
From messing on the calculator I can see that it tends to pi/2 as n tends to infinity but don't know how to show it mathmatically.

Q1c
<br /> \frac{2^n}{n!}=2,2,1.33,0.66,0.266<br />
Again looks like it converges to 0 as n tends to infinity.

Q2a
<br /> \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} 3^{\frac{n}{2}}=1+\frac{1}{\sqrt{3}}+\frac{1}{3}+0.192+\frac{1}{9}<br />
This looks as though the limit is 2, as n tends to infinity

Q2b
<br /> \sum_{n=1}^{99} (-1)^n=1-1+1-1+1-1<br />
I noted that when n is even it is +1 and when it is odd it is -1 and since 99 is odd, then the limit is 0 as n tends to 99.

Q3a
\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{n-1}{n}=\frac{\frac{n}{n}-\frac{1}{n}}{\frac{n}{n}}=1-\frac{1}{n} \\<br /> =1-1+1-\frac{1}{2}+1-\frac{1}{3}+1-\frac{1}{4}...
here it seems it diverges to infinity as n tends to infinity (due to the +1's)

Q3b
<br /> \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{1}{n^{\frac{3}{2}}}=1+0.353+0.192+...<br />
Here is looks like it converges to the limit of 2 as n tends to infinity.Sorry for the mass of questions, I am not sure about any of them so any advice would be much appreciated.

Thanks.
 
Last edited:
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hey! sorry, i didn't look through all the equations, but i'll offer some help on 1c) \frac{2^n}{n!}=\frac{2}{n}\cdot\frac{2}{(n-1)}\cdot\frac{2}{(n-2)}\cdot \cdot \cdot \cdot \frac{2}{3}\cdot\frac{2}{2}\cdot\frac{2}{1}. now what can we do (compare)...i'll let you think on this.
 
FaraDazed,
Please limit the number of problems you post in a thread to one or, at most, two.

I have closed this thread. Feel free to start new threads with a problem or two in each.
 

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