Can you determine the convergence of this sum notation series for math homework?

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The discussion focuses on determining the convergence or divergence of a specific series involving sums of powers of 2 and 3. The general term of the series is identified as a_n = (Σ from i=0 to n of 2^i) / (Σ from i=0 to n of 3^i). Participants suggest that both the numerator and denominator are geometric series, which can be simplified to find a clearer expression for a_n. To assess convergence, it is recommended to take the limit of a_n as n approaches infinity, with further tests like the ratio test or limit comparison test suggested if necessary. The conversation emphasizes the need to express the series without summations for easier analysis.
chemnoob.
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Homework Statement



Determine whether series diverges of converges (conditionally or absolutely)
(1+2)/(1+3) + (1+2+4)/(1+3+9) + (1+2+4+8)/(1+3+9+27) ...

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution



I'm assuming that I would have to put it into sum notation but I am struggling with that.
 
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chemnoob. said:

Homework Statement



Determine whether series diverges of converges (conditionally or absolutely)
(1+2)/(1+3) + (1+2+4)/(1+3+9) + (1+2+4+8)/(1+3+9+27) ...

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I'm assuming that I would have to put it into sum notation but I am struggling with that.
It looks to me like the general term of your series is
a_n = \frac{\sum_{i = 0}^n 2^i}{\sum_{i = 0}^n 3^i}

Can you work with that?
 


What test should I try using?
 


Both series are geometric series, so you should be able to get a simpler expression for an. Once you do that, you could take the limit of an as n goes to infinity. If you get a nonzero value, you know the series diverges. If you get zero, then you need to use more tests, such as the ratio test, limit comparison test, etc.
 


Mark44 said:
It looks to me like the general term of your series is
a_n = \frac{\sum_{i = 0}^n 2^i}{\sum_{i = 0}^n 3^i}

Can you work with that?

I think you are missing a sum at the beginning of all of that .. but I still don't know how you would go about solving that!
 


What I wrote is the general term of the series, not the whole series. See if you can write an without the two summations, using what you know about finite geometric series.
 
Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

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