MHB Show that if Σ((an)/(1+an)) converges,then Σan also converges

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The discussion revolves around proving the convergence of the series Σan based on the convergence of the series Σ(an/(1+an)) for a sequence of positive numbers an. It is established that if Σan converges, then Σ(an/(1+an)) also converges using the Comparison Test, as (an/(1+an)) is less than or equal to an. Conversely, if Σ(an/(1+an)) converges, it leads to the conclusion that an must approach zero, allowing the use of the Limit Comparison Test to show that Σan also converges. The importance of the positivity of an is emphasized throughout the discussion. The participants express understanding and clarity on the application of these tests.
evinda
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Hello! :)
I am given this exercise:
Let $a_{n}$ be a sequence of positive numbers.Show that the sequence $\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} a_{n}$ converges if and only if the sequence $\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{a_{n}}{1+a_{n}}$ converges.
That's what I have tried so far:
->We know that $\frac{a_{n}}{a_{n}+1}\leq a_{n}$ ,so from the Comparison Test,if the sequence $\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} a_{n}$ converges,then the sequence $\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{a_{n}}{1+a_{n}}$ also converges.
->If the sequence $\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{a_{n}}{1+a_{n}}$ converges, $\frac{a_{n}}{a_{n}+1} \to 0$,so there is a $n_{0}$ such that $\frac{a_{n}}{1+a_{n}}<\frac{1}{2} \forall n \geq n_{0}$ ...But how can I continue? :confused:
 
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I think you have some typos then, so you're watching $a_n+1$ instead of $a_{n+1}.$
Since $a_n>0$ (this fact is very important in order these things work), we have $\dfrac{{{a}_{n}}}{{{a}_{n}}+1}\le {{a}_{n}},$ so the converse implication is trivial.

As for the other, again, since $a_n>0,$ you can use the limit comparison test for $a_n$ and $\dfrac{a_n}{1+a_n}$ to conclude.
 
Krizalid said:
I think you have some typos then, so you're watching $a_n+1$ instead of $a_{n+1}.$
Since $a_n>0$ (this fact is very important in order these things work), we have $\dfrac{{{a}_{n}}}{{{a}_{n}}+1}\le {{a}_{n}},$ so the converse implication is trivial.

As for the other, again, since $a_n>0,$ you can use the limit comparison test for $a_n$ and $\dfrac{a_n}{1+a_n}$ to conclude.

How can I use the comparison test,to show that if the sequence $\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{a_{n}}{1+a_{n}}$ converges,$\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} a_{n}$ also converges?
 
Since $a_n/(1+a_n) \to 0$ there is an integer $N$ so that,
$$ \tfrac{a_n}{1 + a_n} < \tfrac{1}{2} \implies a_n < 1 \text{ for all }n\geq N$$
Thus,
$$ \tfrac{a_n}{1+1} < \tfrac{a_n}{1+a_n} \text{ for all}n\geq N$$
 
ThePerfectHacker said:
Since $a_n/(1+a_n) \to 0$ there is an integer $N$ so that,
$$ \tfrac{a_n}{1 + a_n} < \tfrac{1}{2} \implies a_n < 1 \text{ for all }n\geq N$$
Thus,
$$ \tfrac{a_n}{1+1} < \tfrac{a_n}{1+a_n} \text{ for all}n\geq N$$

Great..I undertand!Thank you! :)
 

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