Chapter 9: Problem 14
Classify each series as absolutely convergent, conditionally convergent, or divergent. $$ \sum_{n=1}^{\infty}(-1)^{n+1} \frac{1}{5 n^{1.1}} $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The series is absolutely convergent.
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Type of Series
The given series is \( \sum_{n=1}^{\infty}(-1)^{n+1} \frac{1}{5 n^{1.1}} \). This is an alternating series because it has the term \((-1)^{n+1}\), which causes the terms to alternate in sign.
02
Determine Convergence with Alternating Series Test
The Alternating Series Test stipulates that an alternating series \( \sum (-1)^{n} b_n \) converges if \( b_n \) is decreasing and \( \lim_{n \to \infty} b_n = 0 \). Here, \( b_n = \frac{1}{5n^{1.1}} \).First, test if \( b_n \) is decreasing by considering the function \( f(n) = \frac{1}{5n^{1.1}} \). Since \( f(n) \) is a continuous, positive, and decreasing function for \( n \geq 1 \), and \( \lim_{n \to \infty} f(n) = 0 \), the series converges by the Alternating Series Test.
03
Test for Absolute Convergence
To check for absolute convergence, consider the series without the alternating factor: \( \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{1}{5n^{1.1}} \). This is a p-series with \( p = 1.1 \). A p-series \( \sum \frac{1}{n^p} \) converges if \( p > 1 \). Since 1.1 > 1, the series \( \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{1}{5n^{1.1}} \) converges.
04
Conclude the Type of Convergence
Since the series converges absolutely, it is also absolutely convergent. If a series converges absolutely, it also converges conditionally as a consequence.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Alternating Series
Alternating series are a fundamental concept in the study of series convergence. These series have terms that change sign with every subsequent term, usually characterized by the factor (-1)^n. This sign-changing nature can often lead to convergence even when the corresponding non-alternating series diverges.
- An alternating series takes the form \( \sum (-1)^{n} b_n \).
- For example, in the series \( \sum_{n=1}^{\infty}(-1)^{n+1} \frac{1}{5 n^{1.1}} \), the \((-1)^{n+1}\) ensures that the signs alternate with each term.
Absolute Convergence
Absolute convergence is a stronger form of convergence. If a series is absolutely convergent, it means that not only does the series converge, but the series formed by taking the absolute values of the terms also converges.
- To check for absolute convergence, we consider the series without any negative signs from the alternating factor.
- For the series \( \sum_{n=1}^{\infty}(-1)^{n+1} \frac{1}{5 n^{1.1}} \), the series we consider for absolute convergence is \( \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{1}{5n^{1.1}} \).
P-Series
P-series are a specific type of series that serve as a standard example when testing for convergence; they are very useful due to their straightforward nature. These series take the form \( \sum \frac{1}{n^p} \).
- The convergence of a p-series depends solely on the value of \( p \).
- It converges if \( p > 1 \) and diverges if \( p \leq 1 \).
Convergence Tests
Convergence tests are essential tools in determining whether a series converges or diverges. Different types of series might require different tests to determine their behavior.
- Alternating Series Test: This test checks if an alternating series converges by evaluating whether the terms decrease and approach 0 as \( n \) goes to infinity.
- Absolute Convergence Test: Determine convergence by considering the series formed by the absolute values of the terms.
- P-Series Test: A critical test for p-series, based on the power \( p \). It informs us about convergence based solely on the parameter \( p \).