Show that the series is absolutely convergent

In summary, to show that ##\sum \frac {cos(\frac{n\pi} {3})} {n^2}## is absolutely convergent, we can use the comparison test to 1/n^2. However, instead of comparing the absolute value of the series, we just need to show that the numerator is bounded. This can be seen by taking the limit as n approaches infinity of |cos(nπ/3)|, which does not exist. Therefore, the series is absolutely convergent and therefore convergent.
  • #1
Cake
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Homework Statement


Show that
##\sum \frac {cos(\frac{n\pi} {3})} {n^2}##
is absolutely convergent, and therefore convergent

Homework Equations


Comparison test to 1/n^2

The Attempt at a Solution


So to be absulutely convergent the absolute value of the series needs to be convergent. So we compare to the series 1/n^2

##\frac {|cos(\frac{n\pi} {3})|} {n^2}/\frac{1}{n^2}##

so we take the limit as n approaches infinity of

##|cos(\frac{n\pi} {3})|##

And that's where I get stuck because the limit doesn't exist. I know this isn't a trick question because the professor is fair and let us know he wouldn't put anything to trick us on this assignment.

Where did I go wrong or go from here?
 
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  • #3
Got it. I thought maybe I could just stop with that but I had so much space on the page I'm thinking, "that can't be all." But yeah. That was my confusion.
 

FAQ: Show that the series is absolutely convergent

What does it mean for a series to be absolutely convergent?

When a series is absolutely convergent, it means that the sum of the absolute values of all the terms in the series is finite. In other words, the series is convergent and the sum of its terms will not change regardless of the order in which they are added.

How can you show that a series is absolutely convergent?

To show that a series is absolutely convergent, you can use the ratio test or the comparison test. The ratio test involves taking the limit as n approaches infinity of the absolute value of the (n+1)th term divided by the nth term, and if the limit is less than 1, the series is absolutely convergent. The comparison test involves comparing the series to a known absolutely convergent series and if it is smaller, then the series is absolutely convergent.

What is the importance of absolute convergence in series?

Absolute convergence is important in series because it guarantees that the series will converge regardless of the order of the terms. This allows us to manipulate the terms of a series without changing its sum, making it easier to evaluate and work with. Additionally, absolute convergence is a necessary condition for certain operations, such as term-by-term integration or differentiation, to be valid.

Can a series be absolutely convergent but not convergent?

No, a series cannot be absolutely convergent but not convergent. If a series is absolutely convergent, it must also be convergent. This is because absolute convergence is a stronger condition than convergence, meaning that if a series meets the criteria for absolute convergence, it will automatically meet the criteria for convergence.

How does conditional convergence differ from absolute convergence?

Conditional convergence occurs when a series is convergent, but not absolutely convergent. In other words, the sum of the series is finite, but the series can be rearranged to have a different sum. This is in contrast to absolute convergence, where the sum remains the same regardless of the order of the terms. An example of a conditionally convergent series is the alternating harmonic series, while an example of an absolutely convergent series is the geometric series.

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