Chapter 11: Problem 6
Converge, and which diverge? Give reasons for your answers. (When you check an answer, remember that there may be more than one way to determine the series’ convergence or divergence.) $$ \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{-2}{n \sqrt{n}} $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The series converges by the p-series test.
Step by step solution
01
Analyze the General Term
The general term of the series is \(-\frac{2}{n \sqrt{n}}\). This can be rewritten as \(-\frac{2}{n^{3/2}}\).
02
Check for an Appropriate Test
We consider the p-series test, noting that a p-series \( \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{1}{n^p} \) converges if \( p > 1 \) and diverges if \( p \leq 1 \).
03
Apply the p-Series Test
For the series \( \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{1}{n^{3/2}} \), the value of \( p \) is \( 3/2 \), which is greater than 1. Hence, this p-series converges.
04
Consider the Sign of the Series
The series involves \(-\frac{2}{n^{3/2}}\), which is negative. Nonetheless, convergence or divergence is determined by the magnitude of terms, which are given by \( \frac{2}{n^{3/2}} \).
05
Conclude the Convergence based on Magnitude
Since the series \( \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{1}{n^{3/2}} \) converges by the p-series test, the original series \( \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} -\frac{2}{n^{3/2}} \) also converges.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
p-Series Test
A p-series is a specific type of infinite series expressed in the form \( \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{1}{n^p} \). The behavior of a p-series largely depends on the value of \( p \). Here are the key points to remember about the p-series test:
- If \( p > 1 \), the series converges.
- If \( p \leq 1 \), the series diverges.
Convergence and Divergence
Convergence and divergence are fundamental concepts in the study of infinite series. They help us understand whether a series sums to a finite number or not.
- A series converges when the sum approaches a finite limit as more terms are added.
- A series diverges when the sum approaches infinity or does not settle on any value.
General Term Analysis
The general term of a series provides insight into the series' behavior as \( n \) approaches infinity. For this exercise, the general term is \(-\frac{2}{n \sqrt{n}}\), simplified to \(-\frac{2}{n^{3/2}}\). Breaking it down:
- The numerator \(-2\) shows that each term in the series is negative, which affects the sign but not convergence.
- The denominator \(n^{3/2}\) determines the rate at which the series' terms decline. Here, the power \( p = 3/2 \) is crucial for applying the p-series test.
Infinite Series
An infinite series is the sum of infinitely many terms, expressed in the form \( \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} a_n \). Understanding infinite series involves determining whether their sum results in a finite number (converges) or becomes indefinitely large (diverges). A few types of infinite series include geometric series, harmonic series, and the p-series discussed here. In the context of the original exercise, we are dealing with a p-series:
- The infinite nature of the series implies no finite endpoint, calling for methods like the p-series test to determine behavior.
- Infinite series necessitate an approach focused on identifying convergence or divergence to understand their sum.