What Values of p Make the Series Converge Absolutely?

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SUMMARY

The series sigma[k=1,inf] [(-1)^k/k^p] converges conditionally for values of p in the range 0 < p ≤ 1. The absolute convergence is determined by the series sigma[k=1,inf] |1/k^p|, which is a p-series that converges when p > 1. The confusion arose from misinterpreting the term "converges conditionally," which refers to the divergence of the absolute series for 0 < p ≤ 1. Thus, the correct answer to the homework question is (b).

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Homework Statement



The sereis sigma[k=1,inf] [(-1)^k/k^p] converges conditionally for
(a) p<1
(b) 0<p<=1
(c) p>1
(d) p=0
(e) None of the above

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



The answer key said that (b) was the correct answer and I'm having trouble understanding why

sigma[k=1,inf] |(-1)^k/k^p| = sigma[k=1,inf] |1/k^p|

I got rid of the (-1)^k because the absolute value function will always make it positive and k^p will always be positive for k=1 to infinity so I just got ride of the absolute sign all together

sigma[k=1,inf] 1/k^p

I thought determine which values of p makes this series converge I could determine what values of the original series allows the series to converge absolutely

sigma[k=1,inf] 1/k^p

Is a p-series which converge whenever p is greater one by the integral test

I don't see were I'm going wrong thanks for any help
 
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You missed the key words, "converges conditionally". When does it converge conditionally? What does that mean?
 
ohhhh... that means when you take the absolute function around the function that describes the series what values of p does it diverge in which case it's 0<p<=1, I thought it asked me what values does it converge absolutley by accident thanks
 

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