Chapter 9: Problem 6
Determine whether the given series must diverge because its terms do not converge to \(0 .\) $$ \sum_{n=1}^{\infty}\left(\frac{-1}{7}\right)^{n} $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The series does not diverge because its terms converge to 0.
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Series
The given series is \( \sum_{n=1}^{\infty}\left(\frac{-1}{7}\right)^{n} \). This is a geometric series with common ratio \( r = \frac{-1}{7} \).
02
Identify the Conditions for Convergence
A geometric series \( \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} ar^n \) converges if the absolute value of the common ratio \( |r| < 1 \).
03
Check the Term for Convergence
For the series to converge, the terms of the series need to approach \( 0 \) as \( n \to \infty \). In a geometric series, this means \( (\frac{-1}{7})^n \to 0 \) as \( n \to \infty \).
04
Evaluate the Limit of the Terms
Since the absolute value \( |\frac{-1}{7}| = \frac{1}{7} < 1 \), the terms \( (\frac{-1}{7})^n \) do indeed converge to \( 0 \).
05
Conclusion on Divergence
Since the terms converge to \( 0 \), the series \( \sum_{n=1}^{\infty}\left(\frac{-1}{7}\right)^{n} \) does not diverge merely because of its term limit. The terms meet the convergence condition of a geometric series because \(|r| < 1\).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Convergence of a Series
A series converges if the sequence of its partial sums approaches a finite limit. In simpler terms, if you keep adding the terms of the series together, the total gets closer and closer to a specific number.
For a geometric series, which has the form \[ \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} ar^n \] to converge, the absolute value of the common ratio \( |r| \) must be less than 1.
Here is why this rule helps us determine convergence:
For a geometric series, which has the form \[ \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} ar^n \] to converge, the absolute value of the common ratio \( |r| \) must be less than 1.
Here is why this rule helps us determine convergence:
- If \(|r| < 1\), the terms \( r^n \) become very small as \( n \) becomes very large. Hence, the series approaches a definite sum.
- If \(|r|\) is greater than 1 or equal to 1, the terms do not get smaller, and the series grows without bound.
Infinite Series
An infinite series is a sum with infinitely many terms. Imagine you keep adding terms forever without stopping. Although it seems counterintuitive, some infinite series do converge to a specific limit.
Key characteristics of infinite series:
Key characteristics of infinite series:
- They have a defined mathematical limit, even though you are adding infinitely many numbers.
- The partial sums, which are sums of the first \(n\) terms, help us understand if a series converges or not.
Divergence in Series
Divergence occurs when the terms of a series, added up, do not approach any finite limit. When a series diverges, its partial sums increase indefinitely, meaning they keep getting larger and never settle on a specific value.
Reasons why a series might diverge:
Reasons why a series might diverge:
- If the terms do not tend toward zero as you go further along in the series.
- If the absolute value of the common ratio \( |r| \) in a geometric series is greater than or equal to 1.