Chapter 11: Problem 28
\(3-32\) Determine whether the series converges or diverges. $$\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{e^{1 / n}}{n}$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The series diverges.
Step by step solution
01
Express the Series
The series in question is \(\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{e^{1/n}}{n}\). Here, you will notice the general term is \(a_n = \frac{e^{1/n}}{n}\).
02
Analyze the General Term
Consider the behavior of \(e^{1/n}\) as \(n\to\infty\). As \(n\) becomes very large, \(1/n\) approaches 0, and consequently, \(e^{1/n} \approx 1 + \frac{1}{n}\) by using the first two terms of the Taylor expansion for \(e^x\) at \(x = 0\). Therefore, \(a_n\approx \frac{1 + 1/n}{n} = \frac{1}{n} + \frac{1}{n^2}\).
03
Compare with a Known Series
Observe that \(\frac{1}{n}\) is the general term of the harmonic series, which is known to diverge. The other component \(\frac{1}{n^2}\) of \(a_n\) creates a negligible positive term compared to the divergent part \(\frac{1}{n}\).
04
Apply the Limit Comparison Test
Apply the Limit Comparison Test with the harmonic series \(\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{1}{n}\). Compute \(\lim_{n \to \infty} \frac{a_n}{b_n}\) where \(a_n = \frac{e^{1/n}}{n}\) and \(b_n = \frac{1}{n}\). This limit is \(\lim_{n \to \infty} \frac{e^{1/n}}{1} = 1\). As the limit is finite and non-zero, it implies that the behavior of \(\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{e^{1/n}}{n}\) is the same as the harmonic series, and therefore it diverges.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Harmonic Series
When you hear about the harmonic series, think of it as a classic example in the world of series. It's often one of the first infinite series that math students encounter. The harmonic series is written as \( \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{1}{n} \). The series begins with terms like 1, 1/2, 1/3, and so on.
- The individual terms get smaller as \( n \) increases.
- Even though they shrink, the series diverges, meaning the sum grows without bound as \( n \) approaches infinity.
Limit Comparison Test
The limit comparison test is a handy tool for determining whether an infinite series converges or diverges. It's particularly useful when you have a series that resembles a more familiar one whose behavior you already know.
- For two series \( \sum a_n \) and \( \sum b_n \), compute \( \lim_{n \to \infty} \frac{a_n}{b_n} \).
- If this limit is a positive finite constant, both series either converge or diverge together.
Taylor Expansion
Taylor expansion is a powerful mathematical technique to approximate functions near a specific point. For the exponential function \( e^x \), its Taylor expansion at \( x = 0 \) is particularly useful:
- \( e^x \approx 1 + x + \frac{x^2}{2!} + \cdots \)