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

  • Context: MHB 
  • Thread starter Thread starter evinda
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the convergence of the series Σ(an) in relation to the series Σ(an/(1+an)). Participants explore the implications of convergence for these series, particularly under the condition that an is a sequence of positive numbers. The conversation includes attempts to apply comparison tests and limit comparison tests to establish relationships between the two series.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant states that if Σ(an) converges, then Σ(an/(1+an)) also converges, using the Comparison Test.
  • Another participant emphasizes the importance of the positivity of an for the arguments to hold and suggests using the limit comparison test between an and an/(1+an).
  • A participant questions how to apply the comparison test to show that if Σ(an/(1+an)) converges, then Σ(an) also converges.
  • One participant notes that since an/(1+an) approaches 0, there exists an integer N such that an is less than 1 for all n greater than or equal to N, which is used to support their argument.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the application of comparison tests and the implications of convergence, indicating that the discussion remains unresolved regarding the specific methods to demonstrate the relationships between the series.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention potential typos and clarify the conditions under which the tests apply, highlighting the need for careful attention to the definitions and assumptions involved in the convergence tests.

evinda
Gold Member
MHB
Messages
3,741
Reaction score
0
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:
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
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! :)
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
2K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K