Chapter 9: Problem 19
Determine whether the series converges. $$ \sum_{k=1}^{\infty} \frac{\tan ^{-1} k}{1+k^{2}} $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The series converges by the Comparison Test.
Step by step solution
01
Identify the Series
We are given the series \( \sum_{k=1}^{\infty} \frac{\tan^{-1} k}{1+k^{2}} \). Our goal is to determine whether this series converges.
02
Apply the Comparison Test
Notice that for large \( k \), \( \tan^{-1} k \) approaches \( \frac{\pi}{2} \). Therefore, each term \( a_k = \frac{\tan^{-1} k}{1+k^{2}} \) behaves roughly like \( \frac{\frac{\pi}{2}}{k^2} \). Consider the series \( \sum_{k=1}^{\infty} \frac{\frac{\pi}{2}}{k^2} \), which is a constant multiple of the convergent p-series \( \sum_{k=1}^{\infty} \frac{1}{k^2} \) with \( p = 2 > 1 \).
03
Comparing Terms
For sufficiently large \( k \), \( \frac{\tan^{-1} k}{1+k^{2}} \leq \frac{\frac{\pi}{2}}{k^2} \). Since \( \sum_{k=1}^{\infty} \frac{\frac{\pi}{2}}{k^2} \) converges, by the Comparison Test, \( \sum_{k=1}^{\infty} \frac{\tan^{-1} k}{1+k^{2}} \) also converges.
04
Conclusion
Since we have established that \( \sum_{k=1}^{\infty} \frac{\tan^{-1} k}{1+k^{2}} \leq \sum_{k=1}^{\infty} \frac{\frac{\pi}{2}}{k^2} \), and since the latter series is known to converge, we conclude that the given series converges by the Comparison Test.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Comparison Test
The Comparison Test is a powerful tool used to determine the convergence or divergence of a series by comparing it to another series with known behavior. When using the Comparison Test, we typically look at two non-negative series, say \( \sum a_k \) and \( \sum b_k \). To apply:
In our problem, we compared \( \sum \frac{\tan^{-1} k}{1+k^{2}} \) to the known convergent series \( \sum \frac{\frac{\pi}{2}}{k^2} \) because it demonstrated a similar behavior for large \( k \). Hence, using the Comparison Test, we concluded that our series converges.
- We first need each term of one series to be less than or equal to the corresponding term in the series with known behavior for all sufficiently large index values.
- If \( a_k \leq b_k \) and \( \sum b_k \) converges, then \( \sum a_k \) also converges.
- Conversely, if \( a_k \geq b_k \) and \( \sum b_k \) diverges, then \( \sum a_k \) also diverges.
In our problem, we compared \( \sum \frac{\tan^{-1} k}{1+k^{2}} \) to the known convergent series \( \sum \frac{\frac{\pi}{2}}{k^2} \) because it demonstrated a similar behavior for large \( k \). Hence, using the Comparison Test, we concluded that our series converges.
p-series
A p-series is a type of infinite series that takes the form \( \sum_{k=1}^{\infty} \frac{1}{k^p} \) where \( p\) is a real number. The convergence of p-series depends largely on the value of \( p \):
Recognizing this, we used it as a benchmark (through the Comparison Test) to assess the convergence of our original series, \( \sum_{k=1}^{\infty} \frac{\tan^{-1} k}{1+k^{2}} \). This approach simplifies the evaluation of the series' behavior, ensuring students understand its application in convergence tests.
- If \( p > 1\), the series converges.
- If \( p \leq 1\), the series diverges.
Recognizing this, we used it as a benchmark (through the Comparison Test) to assess the convergence of our original series, \( \sum_{k=1}^{\infty} \frac{\tan^{-1} k}{1+k^{2}} \). This approach simplifies the evaluation of the series' behavior, ensuring students understand its application in convergence tests.
Arctan Function
The Arctan function, or \( \tan^{-1} x \), is the inverse of the tangent function. Its range is limited, spanning from \( -\frac{\pi}{2} \) to \( \frac{\pi}{2} \). In mathematical series, the behavior of the Arctan function for large values of \( x \) is particularly relevant:
- As \( x \) grows larger, \( \tan^{-1} x \) approaches \( \frac{\pi}{2} \).
- This limit leads the fraction \( \frac{\tan^{-1} k}{1+k^{2}} \) to behave like \( \frac{\frac{\pi}{2}}{k^2} \), particularly as \( k \) becomes very large.