Series Test for Convergence Problem

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the convergence of the series \(\sum_{n=1}^\infty \frac{1}{\sqrt{2n-1}}\). Participants are exploring various convergence tests to determine the behavior of this series.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts multiple convergence tests, including the first and second comparison tests, the ratio test, and the root test, but finds that none provide conclusive information. They seek suggestions for alternative approaches, particularly different comparison series.
  • Some participants suggest using the integral test due to the decreasing nature of the sequence.
  • Another participant points out a potential comparison using the inequality \(\sqrt{2n-1} \leq 2n-1 < 2n\) to apply the comparison test.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing hints and suggestions for alternative methods to analyze the convergence of the series. There is no explicit consensus yet, as various approaches are still being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of comparing the series to a divergent series that is smaller term by term, and there is a mention of formatting issues related to posting in bold typeface.

porroadventum
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1. Is 1/(√(2n-1) convergent?


2. I have tried the first comparison test: an= 1/(√(2n-1) and bn=1/(n1/2. 0<=an<=bn. But bn diverges so we get no information.

I have tried the second comparson test and let bn=1/n. But an/bn=∞ so once again I get no information.

I have tried the ratio test but the limn→∞an+1/an=1 so I get no information.

I have tried the root test but limsupn→∞an=1 so I get no information..



3. I have run out of options! Can anyone offer a hint as to what I should try next? Perhaps a different bn for the first comparison test?
 
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I'm busy doing my first course in real analysis at the moment so I'm no expert and could well be wrong but given than the sequence is decreasing you can and probably should use the integral test.
 
porroadventum said:
1. Is 1/(√(2n-1) convergent?
I assume you mean
\sum_{n = 1}^\infty \frac{1}{\sqrt{2n-1}}
Note that \sqrt{2n-1} \leq 2n-1 &lt; 2n. Try using this fact to apply the comparison test.
 
Sorry, I do mean the summation of 1/(√(2n-1)! Thank you very much for your help.
 
porroadventum said:
1. Is 1/(√(2n-1) convergent?[/b]

2. I have tried the first comparison test: an= 1/(√(2n-1) and bn=1/(n1/2. 0<=an<=bn. But bn diverges so we get no information.

I have tried the second comparison test and let bn=1/n. But an/bn=∞ so once again I get no information.

I have tried the ratio test but the limn→∞an+1/an=1 so I get no information.

I have tried the root test but limsupn→∞an=1 so I get no information.[/b].

3. I have run out of options! Can anyone offer a hint as to what I should try next? Perhaps a different bn for the first comparison test?[/b]
(You may get a warning from a Moderator regarding posting in bold typeface.)


If the series diverges, then you need to compare your series to a divergent series which is smaller, term by term.
 
I did not know I was not allowed to post using bold. I noticed the bold input letters were already there so just typed within them... I'm sorry I will not do it again.
 
Bolding removed. To the OP - please don't remove the parts of the template (problem statement, relevant equations, etc.). Removing these parts and then typing between the B tags caused everything you wrote to appear in bold.
 

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