Chapter 5: Problem 337
Use the root test to determine whether \(\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} a_{n}\) converges, where \(a_{n}\) is as follows. $$a_{n}=\frac{(\ln (1+\ln n))^{n}}{(\ln n)^{n}}$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The series converges as the root test limit is 0, which is less than 1.
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Problem
We are given a series \(\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} a_n\) where \(a_n = \frac{(\ln (1+\ln n))^n}{(\ln n)^n}\). We need to determine whether this series converges using the root test.
02
Express the Root Test Formula
The root test formula is \( \lim_{n \to \infty} \sqrt[n]{|a_n|} \). If this limit is less than 1, the series converges absolutely. If it is greater than 1, the series diverges. If it equals 1, the test is inconclusive.
03
Calculate \( |a_n| \)
In our case, since \(a_n = \frac{(\ln (1+\ln n))^n}{(\ln n)^n}\), we have \(|a_n| = \left| \frac{(\ln (1+\ln n))^n}{(\ln n)^n} \right|\). However, each term is positive for large \(n\), so there's no need for absolute values.
04
Apply the Root Test
We now examine the expression under the \(n\)-th root: \(\left(\frac{(\ln (1+\ln n))^n}{(\ln n)^n}\right)^{1/n} = \frac{\ln (1+\ln n)}{\ln n} \).
05
Evaluate the Limit
We need to find \(\lim_{n \to \infty} \frac{\ln (1+\ln n)}{\ln n} \). As \(n\) becomes large, \(\ln (1+\ln n)\) approximates \(\ln (\ln n)\), which grows slower than \(\ln n\). Hence, the limit is 0.
06
Apply the Result of the Root Test
Since \( \lim_{n \to \infty} \frac{\ln (1+\ln n)}{\ln n} = 0\), which is less than 1, the root test tells us that the series \( \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} a_n \) converges.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Series Convergence
When considering the convergence of a series, understanding whether or not an infinite sum will approach a specific value is essential. Convergence means that as you continue to add terms of the series, you get closer to a particular number.
The series in our example is \( \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} a_n \) where each term \( a_n \) is given. To determine if such a series converges, we can use various tests, one of them being the Root Test. This method helps us to decide if the infinite sum indeed approaches a finite number.
There are three possible outcomes when applying convergence tests like the Root Test:
The series in our example is \( \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} a_n \) where each term \( a_n \) is given. To determine if such a series converges, we can use various tests, one of them being the Root Test. This method helps us to decide if the infinite sum indeed approaches a finite number.
There are three possible outcomes when applying convergence tests like the Root Test:
- If the test indicates the series converges, the sum approaches a finite limit.
- It might also reveal that the series diverges, meaning the sum increases indefinitely.
- In some cases, the test may be inconclusive, and another approach may be necessary.
Limit Evaluation
Evaluating limits is a critical process in mathematics, especially when applying tests like the Root Test. It involves understanding what value a function or sequence approaches as its input grows indefinitely.
For our series \( \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} a_n \), evaluating the limit \( \lim_{n \to \infty} \frac{\ln (1+\ln n)}{\ln n} \) was necessary. This evaluation revealed that the expression under consideration approaches 0.
To evaluate limits effectively:
For our series \( \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} a_n \), evaluating the limit \( \lim_{n \to \infty} \frac{\ln (1+\ln n)}{\ln n} \) was necessary. This evaluation revealed that the expression under consideration approaches 0.
To evaluate limits effectively:
- Understand the behavior of the functions involved. Logarithmic functions, for instance, grow slower than linear functions.
- Consider infinite behavior, as many limits involve considering large values of \(n\).
- Apply techniques like L'Hôpital's rule, or recognize dominant terms to simplify the expressions.
Logarithmic Functions
Logarithmic functions, such as \( \ln n \) or more complex variations involving logarithms, play a significant role in our problem of determining series convergence.
The function \( \ln(1 + \ln n) \) approximates to \( \ln(\ln n) \) for very large \( n \). This approximation is useful because it simplifies limit evaluation and provides insights about the series's behavior.
Here are some key characteristics of logarithmic functions:
The function \( \ln(1 + \ln n) \) approximates to \( \ln(\ln n) \) for very large \( n \). This approximation is useful because it simplifies limit evaluation and provides insights about the series's behavior.
Here are some key characteristics of logarithmic functions:
- Logarithms grow at a slower rate than any linear or polynomial function.
- They are especially useful in dealing with exponential relationships or when simplifying products and powers.
- The properties of logarithms, such as \( \ln(ab) = \ln a + \ln b \), help in breaking down complex expressions into simpler parts.