Chapter 9: Problem 13
Does the series converge or diverge? $$\sum_{n=0}^{\infty} \frac{3}{n+2}$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The series diverges by comparison to the harmonic series.
Step by step solution
01
Identify the Series
We are given the series \( \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} \frac{3}{n+2} \). This is an infinite series where the general term is \( a_n = \frac{3}{n+2} \).
02
Consider the Divergence Test
The divergence test states that if \( \lim_{n \to \infty} a_n eq 0 \), then the series diverges. We need to find \( \lim_{n \to \infty} \frac{3}{n+2} \).
03
Calculate the Limit of the General Term
Evaluate the limit: \( \lim_{n \to \infty} \frac{3}{n+2} = \lim_{n \to \infty} \frac{3}{n} = 0 \). However, since the terms decrease to 0, this is necessary for convergence but not sufficient.
04
Comparison with Harmonic Series
The general term \( \frac{3}{n+2} \) behaves similarly to the harmonic series term \( \frac{1}{n} \), which is known to diverge. Since \( \frac{3}{n+2} > \frac{3}{n+3} \) for all \( n \geq 1 \), and the terms of the harmonic series diverge, \( \sum \frac{3}{n+2} \) also diverges.
05
Conclusion
Since the terms \( \frac{3}{n+2} \) decrease to zero but are greater than that of a divergent harmonic series, the series \( \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} \frac{3}{n+2} \) also diverges.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Convergence Tests
In the realm of infinite series, understanding whether a series converges or diverges is crucial. Convergence tests are a set of methods or criteria used to determine the behavior of a series. A series converges if its sequence of partial sums approaches a finite limit. Otherwise, it diverges.
Some common convergence tests include:
Some common convergence tests include:
- Divergence Test: If the limit of the general term of a series as it approaches infinity is not zero, then the series diverges.
- Comparison Test: Compares the series in question to a known series to determine convergence or divergence.
- Ratio Test: Determines convergence by examining the ratio of successive terms.
- Integral Test: Uses integrals to test convergence of series by comparing to function behavior.
Harmonic Series
The harmonic series is a common example used to explain concepts of series' convergence and divergence. It's defined as \( \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{1}{n} \). This series is one of the most well-known examples of a series that diverges, despite its terms decreasing and approaching zero.
Characteristics of the harmonic series include:
Characteristics of the harmonic series include:
- Its terms form a sequence that decreases towards zero.
- Despite the decreasing terms, the series does not approach a finite sum.
- Comparing other series to the harmonic series helps in determining divergence for series with similar terms.
Divergence Test
The divergence test is the simplest tool in assessing whether a series diverges. Although it does not confirm convergence, it provides a straightforward way to identify divergence. If the general term of a series does not approach zero, the series must diverge.
Key aspects of the divergence test include:
Key aspects of the divergence test include:
- It is used as an initial check for series analysis.
- If \( \lim_{n \to \infty} a_n eq 0 \, \) the series definitely diverges.
- This test alone cannot prove convergence even if the limit is zero.