[Calc2] Question about convergence of series.

In summary, the conversation discusses using the comparison test to determine the convergence or divergence of a series that goes to infinity. The limit of the series is found to be 4/7, indicating that the series diverges. Suggestions for using the comparison test or the divergence test are given to show the divergence of the series.
  • #1
gflores
4
0
I have this series
E(n=3) = (4n+3) / (7n-1)... going to infinity. I'm not quite sure how I would go about solving this. Do I use the comparison test? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
 
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  • #2
Yes use direct comparison. I suggest something like (5/6)^n or something.
 
  • #3
I'm not totally clear on what your series is. is it:

[tex]\sum_{n=3}^{\infty}\frac{4n+3}{7n-1}[/tex]

if so, what is [tex]\lim_{n\rightarrow\infty}\frac{4n+3}{7n-1}[/tex]?
 
  • #4
Yes, it is this: I don't know how to do that.
https://www.physicsforums.com/latex_images/35/356726-0.png

Why would I use 5/7^n? I'm confused.

The limit as n-> infinity of (4n+3) / (7n-1) is 4/7, correct?
 
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  • #5
gflores said:
Yes, it is this: I don't know how to do that.
https://www.physicsforums.com/latex_images/35/356726-0.png

Hit the "reply" button to my post above and you can see how it was done. You can use LaTex on this board, there's a quick guide kicking around somewhere.

gflores said:
Why would I use 5/7^n? I'm confused.

I don't understand vsage's suggestion either. I'm guessing he interpreted the question differently?

gflores said:
The limit as n-> infinity of (4n+3) / (7n-1) is 4/7, correct?

Yes, that is correct. What does it say about the series if the limit of the terms is 4/7?
 
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  • #6
Wow I'm sorry I wrote that way past my bedtime :\. To use the comparison test on a series [tex]a_n[/tex] to show that [tex]b_n[/tex] diverges, [tex]b_n \geq a_n \forall n[/tex]. By the p test the series you gave doesn't converge. That would be the easest way to go or use what shmoe suggested that since the limit of the terms of the series don't go to 0 that the series can't converge but to use comparison you know by the p series test that [tex]\sum \frac{4n}{7n}[/tex] diverges so using [tex]\frac{4n}{7n} \leq \frac{4n+3}{7n-1} \forall n[/tex] therefore the series diverges. Again very sorry for misreading it. I saw it as [tex]\frac {(4n+3)^n}{(7n-1)^n}[/tex]
 
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  • #7
Just use the divergence test like it was mentioned before.

The limit as you take n to inf. is 4/7 meaning as n gets bigger, your still adding more numbers and they don't get to 0. So the series diverge.
 

FAQ: [Calc2] Question about convergence of series.

What does it mean for a series to converge?

When a series converges, it means that the sum of its terms approaches a finite value as the number of terms increases towards infinity. In other words, the series does not continue to increase without bound, but instead approaches a specific value.

What is the difference between absolute and conditional convergence?

Absolute convergence means that the series converges regardless of the order in which the terms are added. Conditional convergence means that the series only converges when the terms are added in a specific order.

How can I determine if a series is convergent or divergent?

One way to determine convergence is by using the ratio test or the comparison test. The ratio test compares the size of each term to the previous term, while the comparison test compares the series to a known convergent or divergent series.

What is the significance of the convergence of a series?

The convergence of a series is important because it tells us whether the sum of the terms approaches a finite value or not. If the series converges, we can calculate the sum and use it in various applications. If the series diverges, it means that the sum is infinite and may not be useful in certain situations.

Can a series converge to more than one value?

No, a series can only converge to one value. If a series converges to multiple values, it is considered to be divergent. However, a series may converge conditionally to one value and absolutely to another value.

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