Using the integral test to test for divergence/convergence

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on using the integral test to determine the convergence of the series \(\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}\frac{8\arctan{n}}{1+n^2}\) by comparing it to the integral \(\int_{1}^{\infty}\frac{8\arctan{x}}{1+x^2}\). The user successfully established that the function is continuous and positive but needed assistance in proving it is decreasing. The derivative \(\frac{8-16x\arctan{x}}{(1+x^2)^2}\) was derived, leading to the critical point equation \(8-16x\arctan{x}=0\), which simplifies to \(2x\arctan{x}=1\). Approximation techniques indicate solutions near \(x \approx 0.765379\), confirming the function is decreasing for \(x > 1\).

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of integral tests for convergence in calculus
  • Knowledge of derivatives and critical points
  • Familiarity with the arctangent function and its properties
  • Basic skills in using approximation techniques for solving equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the integral test for convergence in more depth
  • Learn techniques for finding critical points of functions
  • Explore numerical methods for solving transcendental equations
  • Investigate the properties of the arctangent function and its derivatives
USEFUL FOR

Students studying calculus, particularly those working on series convergence and integral tests, as well as educators looking for examples of applying calculus concepts in problem-solving.

miglo
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Homework Statement


[tex]\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}\frac{8\arctan{n}}{1+n^2}[/tex]


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


so I am comparing it to the integral [itex]\int_{1}^{\infty}\frac{8\arctan{x}}{1+x^2}[/itex]
but at first i need to show that the function I am integrating is continuous, positive and decreasing. I know its continuous and positive from 1 to infinity but i need to show that it is decreasing
so i found the derivative of the function and got [itex]\frac{8-16x\arctan{x}}{(1+x^2)^2}[/itex] but i got stuck trying to find the critical points
specifically i forgot how to solve equations like [itex]8-16x\arctan{x}=0[/itex], mainly just because of that extra x in front of the arctan
i know this boils down to more of a precalc problem but i posted this on the calc homework help because i thought maybe some of my earlier steps were wrong
 
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miglo said:

Homework Statement


[tex]\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}\frac{8\arctan{n}}{1+n^2}[/tex]


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


so I am comparing it to the integral [itex]\int_{1}^{\infty}\frac{8\arctan{x}}{1+x^2}[/itex]
but at first i need to show that the function I am integrating is continuous, positive and decreasing. I know its continuous and positive from 1 to infinity but i need to show that it is decreasing
so i found the derivative of the function and got [itex]\frac{8-16x\arctan{x}}{(1+x^2)^2}[/itex] but i got stuck trying to find the critical points
specifically i forgot how to solve equations like [itex]8-16x\arctan{x}=0[/itex], mainly just because of that extra x in front of the arctan
i know this boils down to more of a precalc problem but i posted this on the calc homework help because i thought maybe some of my earlier steps were wrong
I don't see anything wrong with your work.

The equation you're trying to solve can be simplified to 2x arctan(x) = 1. I don't know of any ways to get analytic solutions to this equation, but approximation techniques yield solutions at [itex]x \approx \pm 0.765379[/itex], according to WolframAlpha. From the graph here, you can say that 1 - 2xarctan(x) < 0 for all x > 1, hence the derivative you've found is negative for x > 1.
 
yeah i tried wolfram alpha, but it didnt show any steps on how to solve that equation, was looking for an analytic solution but this will have to do
thanks mark44
 

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