Does the Absolute Value of this Series Converge? A Scientist's Dilemma

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The series in question, ∑_{n=1}^{∞}(-1)^{n+1}(√n+1)/(n+1), is analyzed for absolute convergence. The positive term series, ∑_{n=1}^{∞}(√n+1)/(n+1), diverges, indicating that the original series is not absolutely convergent. However, it may still converge conditionally due to its alternating nature. The discussion highlights confusion regarding the book's claim of convergence and emphasizes the need to apply the alternating series test. Ultimately, the series is confirmed to be conditionally convergent, despite the divergence of its absolute value.
miglo
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Homework Statement


\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}(-1)^{n+1}\frac{\sqrt{n}+1}{n+1}


Homework Equations


absolute convergence test


The Attempt at a Solution


by book says that the series converges because \sum_{n=1}^{\infty}\frac{\sqrt{n}+1}{n+1} converges
but they don't show how the absolute value of the original series converges, and I've tried showing it myself but i keep getting divergence
i know that as n grows larger and larger the behavior of \frac{\sqrt{n}+1}{n+1} is similar to that of \frac{\sqrt{n}}{n} so i tried using limit comparison and direct comparison with \frac{1}{n} but i keep getting divergence
i tried the integral test but i kept getting divergence also
ive been trying this for far too long so any help would be greatly appreciated
 
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You are correct that the positive term series diverges.
 
but my book says that the original series converges by the absolute convergence test
so wouldn't that mean that \sum_{n=1}^{\infty}\frac{\sqrt{n}+1}{n+1} converges also? or is this an error in the book?
 
miglo said:
but my book says that the original series converges by the absolute convergence test
so wouldn't that mean that \sum_{n=1}^{\infty}\frac{\sqrt{n}+1}{n+1} converges also? or is this an error in the book?

The series is not absolutely convergent. It may be convergent with the alternating signs in which case it would be called "conditionally convergent". (I didn't check that). But the positive term series you are asking about is definitely divergent. You know it is because you correctly checked it.
 
well then ill just check to see if it convergences by the alternating series test
thanks a lot!
 
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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