∑ (E)-N N=1 This Is a Geometric Series with First Term 1/E and Constant Ratio 1/E (Whose Magnitude Is Less Than 1), So the Series 1 1 Converges to E =
Lab 2 Convergence/Divergence Testing - Some Guidelines Sample Solutions 1. If a series is expressed using sigma notation, write out the first few terms to get a feel for what the series looks like. Try: ∞ ∑ (-1)n (n/[n+1]) = -1/2 + 2/3 – 3/4 + 4/5 – 5/6 + … n=1 2. Is the series a geometric series? If so, it’s easy to see whether it converges or diverges just by determining the magnitude of the constant ratio. If it converges, you can calculate the sum by a formula, page 408. Try: ∞ a. ∑ (e)-n n=1 This is a geometric series with first term 1/e and constant ratio 1/e (whose magnitude is less than 1), so the series 1 1 converges to e = . 1 e 1 1− − e ∞ b. ∑ (1/2)-n n=1 This is a geometric series with first term 2 and constant ratio 2 (whose magnitude is greater than 1), so the series diverges. 3. Is the limit of the nth term of the series equal to zero? If not, the series diverges (page 413, Thm 9.2 #3). Try: ∞ ∑ [n+2]/ [5n+17] n=1 2 1 n + 2 + 1 The limit of the nth term, [n+2]/ [5n+17], is lim = lim n = . n→∞ 5n 17 n→∞ 17 5 + 5 + n Since 1/5 is not equal to 0, the series diverges. 4. Is each term of the series positive? If so, a comparison test (page 417) may be used. Try: ∞ a. ∑ 1 / [2n + 1] n=1 The nth term, 1 / [2n + 1], is less than 1/2n , the nth term of a ∞ convergent geometric series, so the series ∑ 1/[2n+1] n=1 converges.
[Show full text]