Chapter 8: Problem 48
Determine whether the series converges absolutely, converges conditionally, or diverges. The tests that have been developed in Section 5 are not the most appropriate for some of these series. You may use any test that has been discussed in this chapter. \(\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}(-3 / 4)^{n} n\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
The series converges absolutely.
Step by step solution
01
Understanding the series
We need to analyze the series \( \sum_{n=1}^{\infty}(-3 / 4)^{n} n \). This is a series where each term \( a_n = (-3/4)^n n \) is the product of an exponential and a linear factor.
02
Check if the series is alternating
Identify if the series is alternating by checking the presence of \((-1)^n\) or similar. The series \( (-3/4)^n \) includes the negative base, making this appear to be an alternating series. However, this series is not strictly alternating because \((-3/4)^n\) is not just \((-1)^n\) times a positive part, both the sign changes and amplitude decrease.
03
Apply the Absolute Convergence Test
To determine absolute convergence, examine \( \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} |(-3/4)^n n| \), simplifying to \( \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} (3/4)^n n \). We are checking if \( \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} (3/4)^n n \) converges.
04
Use the Ratio Test for Convergence
For the series \( \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} (3/4)^n n \), use the Ratio Test. Let \( a_n = (3/4)^n n \). Then, \( \frac{a_{n+1}}{a_n} = \frac{(3/4)^{n+1} (n+1)}{(3/4)^n n} = \frac{3}{4} \cdot \frac{n+1}{n} = \frac{3}{4} \cdot \left(1 + \frac{1}{n}\right) \).
05
Evaluate the Limit from the Ratio Test
Calculate \( \lim_{n \to \infty} \frac{a_{n+1}}{a_n} = \frac{3}{4} \cdot \lim_{n \to \infty}\left(1 + \frac{1}{n}\right) = \frac{3}{4} \). Since the limit is less than 1, the original series \( \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} (3/4)^n n \) converges.
06
Conclude the Type of Convergence
Since \( \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} |(-3/4)^n n| = \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} (3/4)^n n \) converges, the original series \( \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} (-3/4)^n n \) converges absolutely.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Absolute Convergence
Absolute convergence is an important concept when studying series. A series is said to converge absolutely if the series of the absolute values of its terms converges. Consider the series
- If we have \(\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} a_n\), then the series converges absolutely if \(\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} |a_n|\) is convergent.
- In our specific problem, we checked for absolute convergence by considering \(\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} |(-3/4)^n n|\), which simplifies to \(\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} (3/4)^n n\).
- Since this new series was found to converge, it follows that the original series also converges absolutely.
Ratio Test
The Ratio Test is a powerful tool for determining the convergence of a series. It is particularly useful for series with terms involving powers or factorials.
Given a series \(\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} a_n\), where \(a_n\) are non-zero, apply the ratio test as follows:
Given a series \(\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} a_n\), where \(a_n\) are non-zero, apply the ratio test as follows:
- Calculate \(L = \lim_{n \to \infty} \left| \frac{a_{n+1}}{a_n} \right|\).
- If \(L < 1\), the series converges absolutely.
- If \(L > 1\) or \(L = \infty\), the series diverges.
- If \(L = 1\), the ratio test is inconclusive.
Alternating Series
An alternating series is a series where the terms alternately take on positive and negative signs. The classic form of an alternating series \(\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} (-1)^n b_n\), where \(b_n > 0\).
- The Alternating Series Test tells us an alternating series \(\sum (-1)^n b_n\) converges if \(b_n\) is decreasing and \(\lim_{n \to \infty} b_n = 0\).
- While our problem had an element of sign change due to \(( -3/4 )^n\), it does not strictly fit the criteria for an alternating series \((e.g., lacks a clear \((-1)^n\) term).\).
Convergence Tests
Convergence tests give us tools to understand whether a series converges or not. This is crucial for determining the behavior and properties of series. Here's a snapshot of some common tests:
- **Direct Comparison Test**: Compare your series with another series that is known to converge or diverge.
- **Limit Comparison Test**: Involves taking the limit of the ratio between the terms of two series, providing a clearer picture of convergence in comparison to a known series.
- **Integral Test**: Relates the series to a suitable integral to determine convergence.
- **Ratio Test**: Used when terms of the series are defined with factorials or exponential functions.
- **Root Test**: Another test that can be useful for series involving radicals.