Testing Series Convergence/Divergence: ∑ (-1)^(n)/ (1+1/n)^(n^2)

The series converges absolutely by the root test.In summary, the conversation discusses how to test the following series for convergence using the root test and the ratio test. The conclusion is that the series converges absolutely using the root test.
  • #1
Simkate
26
0
Test the following Series for Convergence (absolute or conditional) or divergence

∑ (-1)^(n)/ (1+1/n)^(n^2)

I know we solve it with the root test but i reached at a point where i don't know how to cancel it out

----

lim(n--> infinity)= 1/(1+1/n+1)^(n+1^2) *[ (1+1/n)^(n^2)]/1

What do i do after this?
 
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  • #2
[tex]
\ldots=\frac{(1+\frac{1}{n})^{n^2}}{(1+\frac{1}{n+1})^{n^2+2n+1}}=
(1+\frac{1}{n+1})^{-2n-1}\left[\frac{(n+1)^2}{n(n+1)}\right]^{n^2}
\sim e^{-2}\left(\left[1+\frac{1}{n(n+1)}\right]^{n^2+n}\left)^\frac{n^2}{n^2+n}
\sim e^{-1}
[/tex]
 
  • #3
Simkate said:
Test the following Series for Convergence (absolute or conditional) or divergence

∑ (-1)^(n)/ (1+1/n)^(n^2)

I know we solve it with the root test but i reached at a point where i don't know how to cancel it out

----

lim(n--> infinity)= 1/(1+1/n+1)^(n+1^2) *[ (1+1/n)^(n^2)]/1

What do i do after this?

You are using the ratio test, not the root test. The problem is a lot easier if you actually use the root test.
 

FAQ: Testing Series Convergence/Divergence: ∑ (-1)^(n)/ (1+1/n)^(n^2)

How do you determine if a series is convergent or divergent?

The simplest way to determine if a series is convergent or divergent is by using the ratio test, which involves taking the limit of the absolute value of the ratio of consecutive terms. If this limit is less than 1, the series is convergent. If it is greater than 1, the series is divergent. If the limit is equal to 1, the test is inconclusive and another test, such as the integral test or comparison test, must be used.

What is the alternating series test and how is it used?

The alternating series test is used specifically for alternating series, where the signs of the terms alternate between positive and negative. It states that if the terms of the series decrease in absolute value and approach 0, the series is convergent. In the case of the series ∑ (-1)^(n)/ (1+1/n)^(n^2), the terms do decrease in absolute value and approach 0, so the alternating series test can be used to show that the series is convergent.

Can you use the comparison test to determine the convergence of this series?

Yes, the comparison test can be used to determine the convergence of this series. By comparing this series to another known series, such as the harmonic series, we can determine if it is convergent or divergent. In this case, since the terms of the series are smaller than those of the harmonic series, which is known to be divergent, we can conclude that this series is also divergent.

What is the integral test and how is it used to determine convergence?

The integral test is used to determine the convergence of a series by comparing it to an improper integral. If the integral is convergent, the series is also convergent. If the integral is divergent, the series is also divergent. In the case of the series ∑ (-1)^(n)/ (1+1/n)^(n^2), the integral test can be used to show that the series is convergent by comparing it to the integral ∫ (dx)/(1+x^2), which is convergent.

Can you use the root test to determine the convergence of this series?

Yes, the root test can also be used to determine the convergence of this series. The root test involves taking the limit of the nth root of the absolute value of the terms. If this limit is less than 1, the series is convergent. If it is greater than 1, the series is divergent. In this case, the limit is equal to 1, so the root test is inconclusive and another test must be used to determine the convergence of the series.

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