Chapter 9: Problem 1
Explain why \(\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{n^{2}}{2 n^{2}+1}\) diverges.
Short Answer
Expert verified
The series diverges because its terms do not approach 0.
Step by step solution
01
Identify Test for Divergence
To determine whether the series \(\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{n^{2}}{2n^{2}+1}\) diverges, consider using the Limit Comparison Test or the Divergence Test, since it involves terms that approach a constant ratio.
02
Apply Divergence Test
Recall the Divergence Test, which states that if \(\lim_{n\to\infty} a_n eq 0\), then \(\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} a_n\) diverges. For this series, set \(a_n = \frac{n^{2}}{2n^{2}+1}\) and find the limit as \(n\) approaches infinity.
03
Compute the Limit
Simplify the expression for \(a_n\) as \(n\) becomes very large. We have:\[\lim_{n\to\infty} \frac{n^{2}}{2n^{2}+1} = \lim_{n\to\infty} \frac{1}{2 + \frac{1}{n^{2}}}\]As \(n\) approaches infinity, \(\frac{1}{n^{2}}\) approaches 0. Thus, the expression simplifies to \(\frac{1}{2}\).
04
Conclude by Divergence Test
Since \(\lim_{n\to\infty} a_n = \frac{1}{2} eq 0\), the series \(\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{n^{2}}{2n^{2}+1}\) does not converge to zero, indicating divergence by the Divergence Test.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Limit Comparison Test
The Limit Comparison Test is a powerful tool for determining the convergence or divergence of an infinite series. It is particularly useful when you suspect that a complex series behaves similarly to a simpler comparison series. Suppose you have two series with positive terms, \( \sum_{n=1}^\infty a_n \) and \( \sum_{n=1}^\infty b_n \), and you're interested in whether both series converge or diverge. The test involves calculating the limit of the ratio of their terms:\[ L = \lim_{n \to \infty} \frac{a_n}{b_n} \]
- If \( L \) is a positive finite number, both series behave the same way—either both converge or both diverge.
- If \( L = 0 \) and \( \sum b_n \) converges, then \( \sum a_n \) converges.
- If \( L = \infty \) and \( \sum b_n \) diverges, then \( \sum a_n \) diverges.
convergence of series
When discussing the convergence of a series, we are often determining whether the sum of an infinite sequence of terms approaches a finite limit. The key question is whether the series, as we sum more terms, reaches a specific value. For a series \( \sum_{n=1}^\infty a_n \), it converges if the partial sums \( S_n = a_1 + a_2 + \cdots + a_n \) approach a finite number as \( n \) approaches infinity.
- A series converges absolutely if \( \sum_{n=1}^\infty |a_n| \) converges.
- A series converges conditionally if \( \sum_{n=1}^\infty a_n \) converges, but \( \sum_{n=1}^\infty |a_n| \) does not.
infinite series
An infinite series is the sum of infinitely many terms, expressed symbolically as \( \sum_{n=1}^\infty a_n \). Each term in the series is derived from a function of the variable \( n \), known as the sequence. Working with infinite series goes beyond just adding numbers; it involves understanding patterns and behaviors of sequences.
- Infinite series can converge or diverge, which informs us about the behavior as more terms are added.
- The series converges if its sequence of partial sums has a limit, otherwise, it diverges.
- Manipulating series often requires algebraic or calculus-based techniques for simplification and convergence testing.