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Use the Divergence Test to determine whether the following series diverge or state that the test is inconclusive. $$\sum_{k=2}^{\infty} \frac{k}{\ln k}$$

Short Answer

Expert verified
Answer: The series diverges.

Step by step solution

01

Calculate the limit as k approaches infinity

Calculate the limit of the sequence $$\frac{k}{\ln k}$$ as k approaches infinity. To do this, we can use L'Hôpital's Rule, which states that if $$\lim_{x\to a} \frac{f(x)}{g(x)}$$ is an indeterminate form, then $$\lim_{x\to a} \frac{f(x)}{g(x)} = \lim_{x\to a} \frac{f'(x)}{g'(x)}$$ if the latter limit exists. In this case, we have: $$f(k) = k$$ and $$g(k) = \ln k$$ Now, let's calculate the derivatives of both functions: $$f'(k) = 1$$ and $$g'(k) = \frac{1}{k}$$ Now, we apply L'Hôpital's Rule to calculate the limit: $$\lim_{k\to \infty} \frac{k}{\ln k} = \lim_{k\to \infty} \frac{1}{\frac{1}{k}}$$
02

Simplify the Limit

Now, simplify the limit by multiplying both the numerator and denominator by k: $$\lim_{k\to \infty} \frac{1}{\frac{1}{k}} = \lim_{k\to \infty} \frac{k}{1}$$
03

Evaluate the Limit

Finally, evaluate the limit as k approaches infinity: $$\lim_{k\to \infty} \frac{k}{1} = \infty$$ Since the limit is not zero, we can conclude that the series diverges using the Divergence Test.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Limit of a Sequence
Understanding the limit of a sequence is essential in calculus for analyzing the behavior of sequences as they approach a certain point or infinity. This concept is deeply connected to the convergence and divergence of infinite series. For a sequence \(a_n\) given by a function \(f(n)\), the statement \(\lim_{n\to\infty} a_n = L\) means that as \(n\) increases without bound (approaches infinity), the sequence \(a_n\) approaches the value \(L\). If the limit exists and is a finite number, we say the sequence converges to that limit. In contrast, if the sequence grows without bound, we say it diverges, and its limit is infinity. An important condition for the convergence of an infinite series is that the limit of its sequence of terms must be zero. When this condition is not met, as in the exercise provided, the Divergence Test indicates that the series does not converge.

In the given problem, the sequence under examination is \(\frac{k}{\ln k}\). When applying the limit to this sequence as \(k\to\infty\), we can understand the behavior of the terms within the infinite series. If the sequence's limit is not zero, the series is guaranteed to diverge. This tells us something about the 'end behavior' of the sequence and, by extension, the series constructed from it.
L'Hôpital's Rule
L'Hôpital's Rule is an invaluable tool in calculus, particularly when determining limits that yield indeterminate forms, such as \(0/0\) or \(\infty/\infty\). When faced with such a limit, L'Hôpital's Rule can often resolve the indeterminacy and provide a clear limit for the function. The rule states that if the limit \(\lim_{x\to a} \frac{f(x)}{g(x)}\) yields an indeterminate form, and both functions \(f(x)\) and \(g(x)\) are differentiable near \(a\), then it's possible to compute this limit by taking the derivatives of the numerator and the denominator.

In our example, to find the limit \(\lim_{k\to\infty} \frac{k}{\ln k}\), we apply L'Hôpital's Rule, since the direct substitution would give an \(\infty/\infty\) form. We find the derivatives \(f'(k)=1\) and \(g'(k)=\frac{1}{k}\) and thus transform our limit into \(\lim_{k\to\infty} k\), which readily evaluates to \(\infty\). This illustrates L'Hôpital's Rule as a powerful technique to simplify complex limit problems.
Infinite Series
An infinite series is the sum of the terms of an infinite sequence. In calculus, discovering whether an infinite series converges (approaches a specific value) or diverges (fails to approach a specific value) is a fundamental topic. There are various tests to determine the convergence or divergence of an infinite series, including the Divergence Test, Integral Test, Comparison Test, Ratio Test, and others.

The Divergence Test is particularly straightforward: if the limit of the sequence of terms does not equal zero, \(\lim_{n\to\infty} a_n eq 0\), then the infinite series \(\sum_{n=1}^\infty a_n\) diverges. This is because for a series to converge, its terms must become negligible as \(n\) increases, contributing less and less to the total sum. When analyzing the series \(\sum_{k=2}^{\infty} \frac{k}{\ln k}\), we use the Divergence Test and see that the terms do not approach zero, indicating divergence.
Calculus
Calculus is a branch of mathematics focused on change and motion. Within its two main disciplines, differential and integral calculus, it explores concepts such as limits, derivatives, integrals, and infinite series. A fundamental concept in calculus is the limit, which helps in understanding the behavior of functions and sequences as they approach a particular point. This concept plays a significant role in defining the derivative and the integral.

In our exercise, several key concepts of calculus are at play. We must compute limits to apply the Divergence Test, which requires an understanding of indeterminate forms and occasionally calls for L'Hôpital's Rule to find the limit of ratios. As we have seen, the limit is not zero, so the series diverges. This exercise therefore showcases the application of calculus concepts to problem-solving, emphasizing how calculus tools are used in conjunction to analyze and solve complex mathematical questions.

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