Chapter 5: Problem 352
In the following exercises, use an appropriate test to determine whether the series converges. $$a_{n}=\left(1+\frac{1}{n^{2}}\right)^{n}$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The series diverges by the Limit Comparison Test with \( b_n = 1 \).
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Problem
We need to determine whether the infinite series \( \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \left(1+\frac{1}{n^{2}}\right)^{n} \) converges or diverges. The series involves the term \( a_n = \left(1+\frac{1}{n^{2}}\right)^{n} \).
02
Simplify the General Term
To analyze convergence, simplify \( a_n \). Use the approximation for the exponent: \( \left(1+\frac{1}{n^{2}}\right)^{n} \approx e^{1/n} \) as \( n \to \infty \). This gives that \( a_n \approx e^{1/n} \to 1 \) as \( n \to \infty \).
03
Apply Limit Comparison Test
We attempt the Limit Comparison Test with \( b_n = 1 \). Calculate \( \lim_{n \to \infty} \frac{a_n}{b_n} = \lim_{n \to \infty} e^{1/n} = e^0 = 1 \). Since this does not equal 0, the convergence of \( \sum a_n \) follows the behavior of \( \sum b_n \).
04
Determine the Convergence of Reference Series
The series \( \sum b_n = \sum 1 \) is a divergent series because it is a constant series where each term is 1. Therefore, the series \( \sum a_n \) is also divergent.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Convergence Tests
Convergence tests are essential tools for determining whether a series converges or diverges. They help us understand if the sum of an infinite sequence approaches a finite limit or grows without bound. Various tests are used based on the type of series being analyzed. Some popular convergence tests include:
- Geometric Series Test: Applicable for series of the form \( a r^n \). The series converges if the absolute value of the common ratio, \(|r|\), is less than 1.
- p-Series Test: Used for series of the form \( \frac{1}{n^p} \). The series converges if \( p > 1 \).
- Comparison Test: Compares the given series with another series whose convergence is already known.
- Integral Test: Relates the convergence of a series to a corresponding improper integral.
Limit Comparison Test
The Limit Comparison Test is a method used to determine the convergence of a series by comparing it to another series with known behavior. If a series \( \sum a_n \) is compared with a series \( \sum b_n \), the test stipulates that:
- Calculate the limit: \( \lim_{n \to \infty} \frac{a_n}{b_n} \).
- If the limit is a positive, finite number, then both series converge or both diverge.
- If the limit is zero and \( \sum b_n \) converges, then \( \sum a_n \) also converges.
- If the limit is infinite and \( \sum b_n \) diverges, then \( \sum a_n \) also diverges.
Exponential Approximation
Exponential approximation is an essential technique in understanding the behavior of complex functions, especially those involving limits. For functions like \( \left(1+\frac{1}{n^2}\right)^n \), which appear in infinite series, approximations help simplify the terms for analysis.
- The expression \( \left(1+\frac{1}{n^2}\right)^n \) can be approximated using the formula \( e^x \approx 1 + x\) for small values of \( x \), leading to \( \left(1+\frac{1}{n^2}\right)^n \approx e^{1/n} \).
- As \( n \to \infty \), \( e^{1/n} \to 1 \), indicating that the terms of the series approach a constant value.