Show that the series converges

  • Thread starter soopo
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Series
In summary, the given series is actually a sequence and it can be proved to converge by showing it is bounded above and increasing. It is not a Riemann sum as the kth term is not solely dependent on (k/n).
  • #1
soopo
225
0

Homework Statement


The series is at http://img203.imageshack.us/i/snapshot1g.png/

The Attempt at a Solution



The LHS series diverges. However, the term 1/n seems to be make the series to converge.
However, I am not completely sure how to proceed in proving that the series converges.

I should first show that the series has a converging point.
Then I can show that the series converges.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
That isn't a series, it is a sequence.

[tex]a_n = \frac 1 n\left(\frac 1 2 + \frac 2 3 + ... + \frac n {n+1}\right)[/tex]

One way to prove a sequence converges is to show it is bounded above and increasing. Try that.
 
  • #3
Its a riemann sum.
 
  • #4
^ Clever! I missed the obvious.

[/thread hijack]
 
  • #5
Ratio Test =) said:
Its a riemann sum.

I don't think it's really a Riemann sum. The kth term is (k/n)/(k+1). If it were a Riemann sum, that would be a function only of (k/n).
 

FAQ: Show that the series converges

What does it mean for a series to converge?

Convergence is a term used in mathematics to describe a sequence or series that approaches a specific value or limit as the number of terms increases. In other words, the terms of the series get closer and closer to a certain value, but may never actually reach it.

How can I determine if a series will converge?

There are several tests that can be used to determine if a series will converge, including the ratio test, the root test, and the comparison test. These tests involve checking the behavior of the terms in the series as the number of terms increases, and can help determine if the series will approach a finite value or diverge to infinity.

Is it possible for a series to converge to more than one value?

No, a series can only converge to one value. If a series has multiple possible values, it is considered to be divergent.

Can a divergent series ever be manipulated to converge?

In some cases, it is possible to manipulate a divergent series in order to make it converge. This is often done through the process of summation, which involves grouping terms in a series in a certain way to create a convergent series.

What is the significance of determining if a series converges?

Determining if a series converges is important in many areas of mathematics and science. It allows us to understand the behavior of functions and equations, and helps us make predictions and calculations about various phenomena. In addition, knowing if a series converges can also provide insight into the underlying properties and patterns of a given system or problem.

Similar threads

Back
Top