Series; convergence, divergence

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the convergence and divergence of various infinite series, specifically focusing on factorial series and inverse trigonometric functions. The problems presented include the evaluation of series involving factorials, alternating series, and limits of inverse trigonometric functions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of the ratio test for the first series but express uncertainty about the simplification process. There are attempts to clarify the steps involved in the ratio test and the implications of the results. Questions arise regarding the conditional convergence of the second series and the appropriate tests to apply. Additionally, participants seek guidance on handling series involving inverse trigonometric functions.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided clarifications and corrections regarding the application of the ratio test, while others are exploring the properties of the series involving inverse trigonometric functions. There is an ongoing exchange of ideas, with no explicit consensus reached yet, but several productive directions have been suggested.

Contextual Notes

Participants note potential mistakes in their calculations and express confusion about the conditions for convergence, particularly in relation to the alternating series test and the behavior of terms in the series as n approaches infinity.

jnimagine
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series; convergence, divergence...

Homework Statement


1. sum(infinity,n=1) n!/1.3.5...(2n-1)
2. sum(infinity, n=1) (-1)^n arcsin(-1/n)
3. sum(infinity, n=0) arcsin(1/n^2) / arctan(1/n^2)

The Attempt at a Solution


1. i used the ratio test and then i ended up with lim((n+1)(2n-1)/2n+1)) and when i solve the limit i get infinity...
but it's supposed to be convergent... so I'm obviously doing something wrong... :(
2. by alternating series test, it converges
but it's suppsoed to be conditionally convergent, so i tried using the limit test...
how do you approch this problem?? I tried using l'hospital's rule and stuff... but i ended
up with a mess lol
3. in general, when there's inverse trig functions how do u work it out?
 
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Actually for the first question \sum^{\infty}_{n=1} \frac{n!}{1.3.5...(2n-1)} you made a mistake while simplifying:

\frac{s_{n+1}}{s_{n}} = \frac{(n+1)!}{1 \times 3 \times 5 \times ... \times (2n+1)}/\frac{n!}{1 \times 3 \times 5 \times ... \times (2n-1)}

\frac{(n+1)!}{1 \times 3 \times 5 \times ... \times (2n+1)} \times \frac{1 \times 3 \times 5 \times ... \times (2n-1)}{n!}


(n+1)!/n! = n+1 (which goes on top)

1x3x5x...x(2n+1) is exactly the same as 1x3x5x...x(2n-1)x(2n+1) therefore they cancel out and you are left with (2n+1) on the denomenator.

= \frac{n+1}{2n+1}

So, lim_{n\rightarrow \infty}\frac{S_{n+1}}{S_{n}} = \frac{1}{2} < 1

Therefore the series is...
 


roam said:
Actually for the first question \sum^{\infty}_{n=1} \frac{n!}{1.3.5...(2n-1)} you made a mistake while simplifying:

\frac{s_{n+1}}{s_{n}} = \frac{(n+1)!}{1 \times 3 \times 5 \times ... \times (2n+1)}/\frac{n!}{1 \times 3 \times 5 \times ... \times (2n-1)}

\frac{(n+1)!}{1 \times 3 \times 5 \times ... \times (2n+1)} \times \frac{1 \times 3 \times 5 \times ... \times (2n-1)}{n!}


(n+1)!/n! = n+1 (which goes on top)

1x3x5x...x(2n+1) is exactly the same as 1x3x5x...x(2n-1)x(2n+1) therefore they cancel out and you are left with (2n+1) on the denomenator.

= \frac{n+1}{2n+1}

So, lim_{n\rightarrow \infty}\frac{S_{n+1}}{S_{n}} = \frac{1}{2} < 1

Therefore the series is...

ohhhh i get it now~~ thank you! ^^

can anyone help me on inverse trig series that I've written above?? :S
also... i think i made some mistake again in using the ratio test for this question:
sum(infinity, n=1) (-1)^n((5^2n)/n!) i end up with lim(25/n+1)... and it's supposed to be convergent absolutely... so... = (
 


jnimagine said:
ohhhh i get it now~~ thank you! ^^

can anyone help me on inverse trig series that I've written above?? :S
also... i think i made some mistake again in using the ratio test for this question:
sum(infinity, n=1) (-1)^n((5^2n)/n!) i end up with lim(25/n+1)... and it's supposed to be convergent absolutely... so... = (

What's the limit of 25/(n+1) again? Note the parentheses, it looks pretty misleading if you leave them off. For the second one try the alternating series test. For the last one your first test for convergence should be to check that the limit of the nth term goes to zero. If it doesn't, it can't possibly converge.
 


For the other one I think you must apply the alternating series test.

You can show using calculus (calculate a derivative) that |arcsin(-1/n)| is a decreasing function of n with limit |arcsin(0)| = 0.
 

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