Homework: Investigating Infinite Series Convergence

In summary, we determined that the infinite series (k=1) sum (inf) [(k+1)^(1/2) - (k)^(1/2)] simplifies to (n+1)^(1/2) - 1 and converges to infinity as n->inf. We also used the ratio test to determine that the series (k=0) sum (inf) [x^(k)/(k!)] converges for all values of x. Finally, we concluded that the series (k=1) sum (inf) [k/(k^3 + 1)] converges by the comparison test.
  • #1
squaremeplz
124
0

Homework Statement



a) consider the infinite series (k=1) sum (inf) [(k+1)^(1/2) - (k)^(1/2)]
expand and simplify the nth partial sum. determine wether the oartial sums S_n converge as n-> inf

b) determine all the numbers x in R so that the infinite series

(k=0) sum (inf) [x^(k)/(k!)]

converges.

c) determine wheter the series

(k=1) sum (inf) [k/(k^3 + 1)] converges or diverges.




Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



a) I wrote out the terms of the nth partial sums

S_1 = (2)^(1/2) - 1
S_2 = (2)^(1/2) - 1 + (3)^(1/2) - (2)^(1/2) = (3)^(1/2) - 1
S_3 = (2)^(1/2) - 1 + (3)^(1/2) - (2)^(1/2) + (4)^(1/2) - (3)^(1/2) = (4)^(1/2) - 1

therefore, the nth partial sum simplifies down to

S_n = (n+1)^(1/2) - 1

and converges to infinity as n-> inf

b) (k=0) sum (inf) [x^(k)/(k!)]

looking for all x in R so it converges

I used the ratio test to get

| [(x)^(k+1)/(k+1)!] / [x^(k)/(k!)] | < 1

then I get -(k+1) < x < (k+1)

so if x is between those values, the series converges.

c) Converges by the comparison test


Hi, can someone let me know if I got these right? thanks!
 
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  • #2
Hi squaremeplease! :smile:

(have a square-root: √ and a sigma: ∑ and an infinity: ∞ :wink:)

a) and c) are ok.
squaremeplease said:
b) (k=0) sum (inf) [x^(k)/(k!)]

looking for all x in R so it converges

I used the ratio test to get

| [(x)^(k+1)/(k+1)!] / [x^(k)/(k!)] | < 1

then I get -(k+1) < x < (k+1)

so if x is between those values, the series converges.

But k goes up to ∞ :redface:

(and anyway you should be familiar with this series :wink:)
 
  • #3
ah, so it converges for all values of x?
 
  • #4
squaremeplease said:
ah, so it converges for all values of x?

Yup! :biggrin:

And its value is …
ex
? :wink:
 

FAQ: Homework: Investigating Infinite Series Convergence

1. What is an infinite series?

An infinite series is a sum of infinitely many terms. The terms can be numbers, variables, or more complex expressions. The series may have a finite or infinite number of terms, but the sum itself can be finite or infinite.

2. How do you determine if an infinite series converges?

There are a few different tests that can be used to determine convergence of an infinite series, such as the divergence test, comparison test, ratio test, and integral test. These tests involve analyzing the behavior of the terms in the series and comparing them to other known series with known convergence properties.

3. What is the difference between a convergent and divergent series?

A convergent series is one where the sum of all the terms approaches a finite value as the number of terms approaches infinity. In contrast, a divergent series is one where the sum of the terms does not approach a finite value and instead either approaches infinity or oscillates between different values.

4. What is the significance of convergence in infinite series?

Convergence in infinite series is important because it allows us to manipulate and evaluate infinite sums in a meaningful way. Many mathematical concepts and applications rely on the ability to accurately determine the convergence of infinite series.

5. Can an infinite series have both convergent and divergent parts?

Yes, it is possible for an infinite series to have both convergent and divergent parts. This is known as a conditionally convergent series. In this case, the series as a whole may not converge, but certain parts of the series can be rearranged to form a convergent series.

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