Series Convergence Tests: Arctan and Grouped Terms

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on determining the convergence or divergence of two series: arctan(7 + 1/n) - arctan(7) and the series 2/1 - 1/2 - 1/3 + 2/4 - 1/5 - 1/6 + 2/7. The limit comparison test with 1/n was applied to the first series, resulting in a conclusion of divergence. For the second series, grouping terms raised questions about the convergence due to the behavior of the grouped terms, leading to an inconclusive result regarding whether a smaller series can be divergent.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of series convergence tests, including the limit comparison test.
  • Familiarity with the arctangent function and its properties.
  • Knowledge of algebraic manipulation of series and grouping terms.
  • Basic calculus concepts related to limits and series behavior.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the Limit Comparison Test in detail, focusing on its application in series convergence.
  • Learn about the properties of the arctangent function and its asymptotic behavior.
  • Explore techniques for grouping terms in series and their implications on convergence.
  • Investigate other series convergence tests, such as the Ratio Test and the Root Test.
USEFUL FOR

Students studying calculus, particularly those focusing on series convergence, as well as educators teaching series tests and their applications.

freshman2013
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Homework Statement




1. Determine if arctan(7+1/n)-arctan(7) converges or diverges

2. Determine if 2/1-1/2-1/3+2/4-1/5/-1/6+2/7... converge or diverge

Homework Equations



series tests


The Attempt at a Solution



1.My gut instinct is to do limit comparison test w/ 1/n, and it worked and I got divergent, but I really don't get why.
2. I did a similar problem in which we group every 3 terms. However, in class, the 2nd and 3rd terms were >0 and every third term combined made a divergent series, so comparision test yields divergent. But in this series, the 2nd and 3rd terms would make the series 0 to inf 2/(3n-2) smaller and it's inconclusive whether smaller than divergent is convergent or divergent.
 
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freshman2013 said:

Homework Statement




1. Determine if arctan(7+1/n)-arctan(7) converges or diverges

2. Determine if 2/1-1/2-1/3+2/4-1/5/-1/6+2/7... converge or diverge

Homework Equations



series tests


The Attempt at a Solution



1.My gut instinct is to do limit comparison test w/ 1/n, and it worked and I got divergent, but I really don't get why.
2. I did a similar problem in which we group every 3 terms. However, in class, the 2nd and 3rd terms were >0 and every third term combined made a divergent series, so comparision test yields divergent. But in this series, the 2nd and 3rd terms would make the series 0 to inf 2/(3n-2) smaller and it's inconclusive whether smaller than divergent is convergent or divergent.

You need to show some more of your work to get an answer. How did get a comparison with 1/n. And for the second one what's the expression for the sum of the 3 grouped terms in terms of n? Do some algebra to combine them.
 

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