Using Limit Comparison Test to Determine Convergence/Divergence

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around using the limit comparison test to determine the convergence or divergence of several series involving logarithmic functions and polynomial terms. The series in question include \(\sum^{\infty}_{n=1} \frac{(ln(n))^{3}}{n^{3}}\), \(\sum^{\infty}_{n=1} \frac{1}{\sqrt{n} ln(x)}\), and \(\sum^{\infty}_{n=1} \frac{(ln(n))^{2}}{n^{\frac{3}{2}}}\).

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the selection of comparison series \(B_n\) for the limit comparison test, questioning why certain choices, such as \(B_n = \frac{1}{n^{3}}\), do not yield valid results. There is exploration of the need for \(B_n\) to be larger than \(A_n\) in some cases and the implications of this on convergence conclusions.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with each other's comments, seeking clarification on the criteria for selecting appropriate comparison series. Some guidance has been offered regarding the necessity of choosing a series that is larger for convergence comparisons, but there remains a lack of consensus on specific choices and their implications.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of confusion regarding the properties of logarithmic growth compared to polynomial decay, as well as the conditions under which certain series converge or diverge. Participants are also navigating the constraints of homework rules that may limit the information they can use in their comparisons.

izen
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Homework Statement



Using the limit comparison test to determine convergence or divergence


(1) \sum^{\infty}_{n=1} \frac{(ln(n))^{3}}{n^{3}}


(2) \sum^{\infty}_{n=1} \frac{1}{\sqrt{n} ln(x)}


(3)\sum^{\infty}_{n=1} \frac{(ln(n))^{2}}{n^{\frac{3}{2}}}


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I have problem find thing the another series (Bn) compare with An. First I choose Bn when 'n' grows large to represent An

The first question I chose Bn = \frac{1}{n^{3}}
it is the p-series and p>1 so it converges

and then
lim_{n\rightarrow\infty} \frac{\frac{ln(n)^{3}}{n^{3}}}{\frac{1}{n^{3}}}

lim_{n\rightarrow\infty} ln(n)^{3} = \infty

which is wrong so I change to choose Bn = \frac{1}{n^{2}}

lim_{n\rightarrow\infty} \frac{\frac{ln(n)^{3}}{n^{3}}}{\frac{1}{n^{2}}}

lim_{n\rightarrow\infty} \frac{ln(n)^{3}}{n}= 0


So I can conclude that An is convergent by limit comparison

but why I cannot use Bn = \frac{1}{n^{3}} ?

=========================================

(2) and (3) are the same as my first question

(2) \sum^{\infty}_{n=1} \frac{1}{\sqrt{n} ln(x)}

I chose Bn = \frac{1}{n^{1/2}} but after I took the limit of An/Bn. I got 0. In the answer shows that I have to choose Bn = \frac{1}{n^{}}

(3)\sum^{\infty}_{n=1} \frac{(ln(n))^{2}}{n^{\frac{3}{2}}}

I chose Bn = \frac{1}{n^{3/2}} after I took the limit of An/Bn. I got \infty. In the answer shows that I have to choose Bn = \frac{1}{n^{5/4}}

Please give some comments and advices

Thank you
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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izen said:
but why I cannot use Bn = \frac{1}{n^{3}} ?
The idea is to compare your series with a bigger one with known convergence. 1/n^3 is not bigger, therefore it does not work.

The same happens in the other direction, if you want to show divergence.
 
Thank you for the comments

mfb said:
The idea is to compare your series with a bigger one with known convergence. 1/n^3 is not bigger, therefore it does not work.

The same happens in the other direction, if you want to show divergence.
\sum^{\infty}_{n=1} \frac{(ln(n))^{3}}{n^{3}}

The series (Bn) that we choose must represent the original series (An) and we recognize converges or diverges from Bn. (We don't know from the original). the problem is...

How do I know that \frac{1}{n^3}is too small \frac{(ln(n))^{3}}{n^{3}} and\frac{1}{n^2}not too big for \frac{(ln(n))^{3}}{n^{3}} and why not choose\frac{1}{n}. still not get it.
 
1/n does not give a converging series.
You could choose 1/n3/2 or 1/n5/2 or something similar, if you like, but 1/n2 is easier to study.
 

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