Chapter 11: Problem 8
Test the series for convergence or divergence. $$\sum_{k=1}^{\infty} \frac{2^{k} k !}{(k+2) !}$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The series diverges by the Ratio Test.
Step by step solution
01
Identify Series Type
We are given the series \( \sum_{k=1}^{\infty} \frac{2^{k} k!}{(k+2)!} \). To determine convergence, we need to find an appropriate test to apply. The series resembles a ratio or factorial series, so the Ratio Test is a good option to try.
02
Apply Ratio Test
To use the Ratio Test, consider the general term \( a_k = \frac{2^{k} k!}{(k+2)!} \). We find the limit of \( \lim_{k \to \infty} \left| \frac{a_{k+1}}{a_k} \right| \). Compute \( a_{k+1} = \frac{2^{k+1} (k+1)!}{(k+3)!} \).
03
Simplify Terms in Ratio
Now compute the Ratio: \( \frac{a_{k+1}}{a_k} = \frac{2^{k+1} (k+1)! / (k+3)!}{2^k k! / (k+2)!} = \frac{2 \cdot (k+1)! \cdot (k+2)!}{k! \cdot (k+3)!} \). Simplifying gives: \( \frac{2 \cdot (k+1) \cdot (k+2)}{(k+3)} \).
04
Evaluate the Limit
Now find the limit: \( \lim_{k \to \infty} \frac{2(k+1)(k+2)}{(k+3)} \). This simplifies to \( \lim_{k \to \infty} \frac{2(k^2 + 3k + 2)}{k+3} \). As \( k \to \infty \), the dominant term in the numerator and denominator is \( k^2 \), so the expression simplifies to \( 2k \), which leads to \( \lim_{k \to \infty} 2 \).
05
Conclude with Ratio Test Result
The limit \( 2 \) is greater than \( 1 \), according to the Ratio Test. If the limit \( L > 1 \), the series diverges. Hence, the given series diverges.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Convergence
Convergence in the context of infinite series refers to a series whose terms approach a specific value as more terms are added. When an infinite series converges, the sum of its terms becomes closer and closer to a definite number. This implies that, as we keep summing the terms, the series gets nearer to a particular limit, which we call the series limit.
- A convergent series implies stability in growth, meaning it doesn't grow infinitely.
- The series will typically consist of terms that get smaller and eventually tend to zero.
- In mathematical analysis, convergence is a core concept for determining the behavior of series.
Divergence
Divergence is essentially the opposite of convergence. In a divergent series, the sum of the series either heads towards infinity or fluctuates without settling at a finite value. In simpler terms, if you keep adding the numbers in a divergent series, you'll never reach a stable sum.
- A divergent series is commonly associated with terms that do not diminish to zero.
- The sum of such series increases or fails to stabilize as terms are added.
- Tests like the Ratio Test can highlight when a series diverges.
Factorial Series
A factorial series involves terms that contain factorials, like \( k! \) or \( (k+n)! \). These grow very fast because a factorial means multiplying a sequence of descending positive integers. For example, \( 5! = 5 \cdot 4 \cdot 3 \cdot 2 \cdot 1 = 120 \). The function grows rapidly as \( k\) increases.
- Factorials can create series that are initially small in magnitude but grow quite large.
- This quality means factorial series require specific tests for convergence or divergence, with the Ratio Test being a popular choice.
- Factorials in the denominator (such as in the given series) tend to hamper growth, offering more potential for convergence.
Infinite Series
An infinite series is a sum of terms that continues without end. In mathematics, infinite series can either converge or diverge, and each has profound implications in calculus and numerical analysis.
- They can be expressed in general terms like \( \sum_{k=1}^{\infty} a_k \), indicating a series that starts at a certain point and extends indefinitely.
- Infinite series are central to calculus concepts, from basic functions to complex integrals.
- Analysis of such series often involves determining convergence or divergence, using a toolset that includes various tests and criteria.