Chapter 9: Problem 24
Determine which series diverge, which converge conditionally, and which converge absolutely. $$ \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} n\left(\frac{4}{5}\right)^{n} $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The series converges absolutely.
Step by step solution
01
Identify the Type of Series
The given series is \( \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} n\left(\frac{4}{5}\right)^{n} \). This series resembles a type of series called a geometric series, but with a factor \( n \) which suggests it might be a form of a power series, hinting towards the use of a convergence test more suited for this structure.
02
Apply the Root Test
To determine convergence, apply the root test. For a series \( \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} a_n \), compute \( \lim_{n \to \infty} \sqrt[n]{|a_n|} \). If this limit is less than 1, the series converges absolutely; if greater than 1, it diverges; if equal to 1, the test is inconclusive. Here, \( a_n = n\left(\frac{4}{5}\right)^{n} \) and \( \sqrt[n]{|a_n|} = \sqrt[n]{n} \cdot \left(\frac{4}{5}\right) \). As \( n \to \infty \), \( \sqrt[n]{n} \to 1 \), so the limit becomes \( \frac{4}{5} \).
03
Analyze the Root Test Result
The root test calculation reveals \( \lim_{n \to \infty} \sqrt[n]{|a_n|} = \frac{4}{5} \). Since this value is less than 1, the root test confirms that the series \( \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} n\left(\frac{4}{5}\right)^{n} \) converges absolutely.
04
Confirm Absolute Convergence
Since the root test shows absolute convergence for a value less than 1, it means the series converges regardless of the signs of its terms. Therefore, this series converges absolutely.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Root Test
The Root Test is a useful tool to determine the convergence characteristics of an infinite series, especially when the terms include exponential functions or powers. If we have a series \( \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} a_n \), the Root Test involves evaluating the limit \( \lim_{n \to \infty} \sqrt[n]{|a_n|} \). This test can give us clear insights:
- If the limit is less than 1, the series converges absolutely.
- If the limit is greater than 1, the series diverges.
- If the limit equals 1, the test cannot decide the convergence, and other tests might be needed.
Geometric Series
A geometric series is one in which each term is a constant multiple of the previous one, expressed in the form \( a + ar + ar^2 + ar^3 + \ldots \). The series is defined by its first term \( a \) and common ratio \( r \). Key characteristics of a geometric series include:
- The series converges if the absolute value of the common ratio \( |r| < 1 \).
- The sum of an infinite geometric series can be calculated as \( \frac{a}{1-r} \) when \( |r| < 1 \).
- If \( |r| \geq 1 \), the series diverges.
Absolute Convergence
Absolute convergence is a stronger form of convergence, ensuring that a series converges even if all its terms are replaced by their absolute values. If a series \( \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} a_n \) is absolutely convergent, the series \( \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} |a_n| \) must also converge. This concept is particularly useful because:
- If a series converges absolutely, it also converges in the usual sense (simple convergence).
- Convergence is not affected by rearranging the terms of an absolutely convergent series.
- The Root Test is one of the tools to determine absolute convergence, as seen in our exercise where \( \lim_{n \to \infty} \sqrt[n]{|a_n|} \) was used.