Which tests should I use for convergence?

Comparison Test to determine whether the series converges or diverges. We can compare it to the series $\sum_{n=2}^{\infty}\frac{1}{n}$, which is a p-series with p=1. By the Comparison Test, if the original series is less than or equal to the comparison series and the comparison series converges, then the original series also converges. In this case, we have $\frac{\ln{n^3}}{n^2} \leq \frac{1}{n}$ for all n>2. And since $\sum_{n=2}^{\infty}\frac{1}{n}$ converges (by the p-series test
  • #1
Tebow15
10
0
Test these for convergence.

3.
infinity
E...((-1)^n)*(n^3 + 3n)/((n^2) + 7n)
n = 2

4.
infinity
E...ln(n^3)/n^2
n = 2

note: for #3: -((n^2 + 3n))/n) is all to the power of e

Btw, E means sum.

Which tests should I use to solve these?
 
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  • #2
cacophony said:
3. $\displaystyle \sum_{n=2}^{\infty} (-1)^{n} \frac{n^{3} + 3\ n}{n^{2} + 7\ n}$

What is $\displaystyle \lim_{n \rightarrow \infty} (-1)^{n} \frac{n^{3} + 3\ n}{n^{2} + 7\ n}$?...

Kind regards

$\chi$ $\sigma$
 
  • #3
cacophony said:
note: for #3: -((n^2 + 3n))/n) is all to the power of e

It is not clear what do you mean by that ?
 
  • #4
A necessary (though not sufficient) condition for a series to converge is that the terms in the series eventually have to vanish to 0. That means that if they do NOT vanish to 0, the series is divergent.

So what happens to the terms in the first series as you go along?
 
  • #5
For the number 4
\(\displaystyle \sum_2^\infty\frac{\ln{n^3}}{n^2}\)

I would try the good old Comparison test!

Give it a try !
 
  • #6
For number 4

\(\displaystyle \ln(n) < \sqrt{n} \)
 

FAQ: Which tests should I use for convergence?

What is the definition of convergence in an infinite series?

The convergence of an infinite series means that the sum of all its terms approaches a finite limit as the number of terms approaches infinity. In other words, the series "converges" to a specific value.

What are the different types of convergence in an infinite series?

There are three types of convergence in an infinite series: absolute convergence, conditional convergence, and divergence. Absolute convergence occurs when the absolute value of each term in the series converges. Conditional convergence occurs when the series converges, but not absolutely. Divergence occurs when the series does not converge to a finite limit.

How can I determine if an infinite series converges or diverges?

There are several tests that can be used to determine the convergence or divergence of an infinite series. Some commonly used tests include the ratio test, the root test, and the comparison test. These tests involve comparing the given series to known convergent or divergent series.

What is the importance of determining convergence in an infinite series?

Determining convergence in an infinite series is important because it allows us to evaluate the sum of the series and understand the behavior of the series as the number of terms increases. It also helps in making predictions and analyzing real-life phenomena, such as population growth or financial investments.

What is the difference between convergence and divergence in an infinite series?

The difference between convergence and divergence in an infinite series is the behavior of the sum of the series as the number of terms increases. In a convergent series, the sum approaches a finite limit, while in a divergent series, the sum either approaches infinity or does not approach a finite limit at all.

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