Chapter 11: Problem 22
Use comparison tests to determine whether the infinite series converge or diverge. \(\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{\arctan n}{n}\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
The series \(\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{\arctan n}{n}\) diverges.
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Series
The series in question is \(\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{\arctan n}{n}\). We need to determine if this series converges or diverges using comparison tests.
02
Select a Known Comparable Series
A good candidate for comparison is \(\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{1}{n}\), known as the harmonic series, which is known to diverge.
03
Determine the Behaviour of \(\arctan n\)
The function \(\arctan n\) is a non-negative function that increases and is bounded such that \(0 \leq \arctan n < \frac{\pi}{2}\) for all natural numbers \(n\).
04
Set Up the Comparison
We know that \(\arctan n \leq \frac{\pi}{2}\) for all \(n\). Therefore, \(\frac{\arctan n}{n} \leq \frac{\pi}{2n}\). This allows us to compare it with the series \(\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{1}{n}\).
05
Apply the Limit Comparison Test
Using the Limit Comparison Test, consider \(a_n = \frac{\arctan n}{n}\) and \(b_n = \frac{1}{n}\). Compute the limit: \[ \lim_{n \to \infty} \frac{a_n}{b_n} = \lim_{n \to \infty} \frac{\arctan n}{n} \times n = \lim_{n \to \infty} \arctan n = \frac{\pi}{2}.\]Since this limit is a positive finite number, both series have the same behavior.
06
Conclude from the Comparison
Since the harmonic series \(\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{1}{n}\) diverges and the limit comparison shows the two series behave similarly, the series \(\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{\arctan n}{n}\) also diverges.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Infinite Series
An infinite series is a sum of an infinite number of terms. For instance, the series \( \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{\arctan n}{n} \) is an example where the sum continues indefinitely. Infinite series are fundamental in mathematics because they allow us to explore and understand functions and sequences deeply.
- The general form of an infinite series is \( \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} a_n \), where \( a_n \) represents the sequence of terms.
- Determining whether an infinite series converges or diverges is crucial in various fields, from calculus to more advanced mathematical concepts.
Harmonic Series
The harmonic series, represented as \( \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{1}{n} \), is one of the most well-known divergent series. Despite its simple form, the harmonic series is a fundamental example in the study of series and provides insight into the concept of divergence.
- The harmonic series diverges, meaning that as you add more terms, the sum grows without bound.
- It is often used as a comparison benchmark when analyzing other series.
Limit Comparison Test
The Limit Comparison Test is a powerful tool used to determine the convergence or divergence of an infinite series by comparing it to another series with a known convergence behavior. It requires computing the limit of the ratio of the terms of the two series.
- Select two sequences \( a_n \) and \( b_n \), where you know the behavior of one of the series \( \sum b_n \).
- Compute the limit: \[ \lim_{n \to \infty} \frac{a_n}{b_n} \]
- If the limit is a positive finite number, both series either converge or diverge together.
Convergence and Divergence
Convergence and divergence are central concepts in analyzing infinite series. Understanding whether a series converges or diverges helps determine the sum of the series and its usefulness in mathematical contexts.
- A series converges if the sequence of its partial sums approaches a finite limit.
- A series diverges if the partial sums do not approach a specific limit, potentially growing indefinitely.