Chapter 8: Problem 56
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. \(\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}(-1)^{n} \ln (2+1 / n)\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
The series diverges because the terms do not go to zero.
Step by step solution
01
Identify the series
The given series is \(\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} (-1)^{n} \ln \left(2 + \frac{1}{n}\right)\). This is an alternating series because of the term \((-1)^n\).
02
Apply the Alternating Series Test
The Alternating Series Test states that an alternating series \(\sum (-1)^n a_n\) converges if the absolute values \(a_n\) decrease monotonically to 0. Here, \(a_n = \ln \left(2 + \frac{1}{n}\right)\).
03
Analyze \(a_n\) behavior as \(n\to\infty\)
As \(n\) increases, \(\frac{1}{n}\) gets smaller, so \(2 + \frac{1}{n}\) approaches 2. Thus, \(\ln\left(2 + \frac{1}{n}\right)\) approaches \(\ln(2)\), which is not zero. Therefore, \(a_n\) does not go to 0.
04
Conclusion by the Alternating Series Test
Since \(a_n\) does not converge to 0, the Alternating Series Test fails. Therefore, the series \(\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} (-1)^{n} \ln \left(2 + \frac{1}{n}\right)\) diverges.
Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!
-
Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
-
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
-
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
-
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.
Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91Ó°ÊÓ!
Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Convergence Tests
Convergence tests are essential tools in calculus to determine whether a sequence or series converges or diverges. These tests help analyze the behavior of series, providing insights into their ultimate nature. Some popular convergence tests include:
- Ratio Test: This test evaluates the limit of the ratio of successive terms. If the limit is less than 1, the series converges absolutely.
- Root Test: This examines the nth root of the absolute value of the nth term. Similar to the Ratio Test, if the limit is less than 1, the series converges absolutely.
- Alternating Series Test: Used for series with terms alternating in sign, it checks if the absolute value terms decrease and approach zero as n increases.
Divergence
Divergence is the opposite of convergence, indicating that a series does not settle into a fixed value or pattern. A series diverges when the sum either increases without bound, decreases without bound, or oscillates without approaching a particular limit.
To identify divergence, we can consider:
To identify divergence, we can consider:
- Term Test for Divergence: If the nth term of a series does not approach zero as n approaches infinity, the series diverges.
- Checking individual term behavior can also highlight if a series diverges.
Alternating Series Test
The Alternating Series Test is a convergence test applicable to series with terms that change signs between positive and negative. A series of the form \(\sum (-1)^n a_n\) can be checked with this test by following two conditions:
- The absolute values \[ a_n \]\ of the series terms should decrease monotonically as \(n\rightarrow\infty\).
- The limit of \[ a_n \]\ as \(n\rightarrow\infty\) should be zero.
Series Convergence
Series convergence involves the sum of infinite terms approaching a finite limit. A convergent series adds up to a specific value, contrasting with a divergent series, which does not. To determine series convergence, it is crucial to evaluate the terms and use appropriate convergence tests.
Convergence is categorized into two main types:
Convergence is categorized into two main types:
- Absolute Convergence: A series converges absolutely if the series of absolute values converges. This implies that rearranging the terms does not affect the sum.
- Conditional Convergence: A series converges conditionally if it converges, but not absolutely. This often occurs in alternating series.