Chapter 10: Problem 24
Which of the series in Exercises \(11-40\) 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.) $$ \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{1}{2 n-1} $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The series \( \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{1}{2n-1} \) diverges.
Step by step solution
01
Identify the Series
The given series is \( \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{1}{2n-1} \). This is an infinite series, where each term is \( \frac{1}{2n-1} \).
02
Determine the Type of Series
Recognize that this series is similar to the harmonic series \( \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{1}{n} \), which is a known divergent series. The terms \( \frac{1}{2n-1} \) are positive and decrease to zero as \( n \to \infty \).
03
Apply the Comparison Test
Compare \( \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{1}{2n-1} \) with \( \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{1}{n} \). Since \( \frac{1}{2n-1} > \frac{1}{2n} \) for all \( n \), and the series \( \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{1}{n} \) diverges, the Comparison Test implies that \( \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{1}{2n-1} \) also diverges.
04
Conclude the Divergence
Because \( \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{1}{n} \) diverges and each term of \( \frac{1}{2n-1} \) is greater than \( \frac{1}{2n} \), and since \( \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{1}{2n} \) also diverges, the series \( \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{1}{2n-1} \) 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 summation of an infinite sequence of terms. Rather than having a definitive end, it continues indefinitely. In algebraic notation, we express it as \( \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} a_n \), where \( a_n \) represents the terms of the series. In this expression, \( n \) is the index that tells us the position of a term in the sequence. The series examines the behavior of these numbers as \( n \) approaches infinity.
- **Infinite Series and Convergence**: When we discuss convergence, we're interested in whether the sum of these infinite terms approaches a finite limit.
- **Infinite Series and Divergence**: Conversely, a series diverges if it doesn't sum to a finite limit.
- **Key Examples**: Classic examples of infinite series include the geometric series and the harmonic series.
Comparison Test
The Comparison Test is a powerful method for determining the convergence or divergence of an infinite series. It involves comparing the terms of a given series with another series whose convergence behavior is already known.
To employ the Comparison Test, follow these steps:
To employ the Comparison Test, follow these steps:
- Identify a series \( \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} a_n \) and a known series \( \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} b_n \) such that \( a_n \leq b_n \) for all \( n \).
- If the known series \( \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} b_n \) converges, then the target series \( \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} a_n \) converges as well.
- Conversely, if \( a_n \geq b_n \) for all \( n \) and \( \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} b_n \) diverges, then \( \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} a_n \) also diverges.
Harmonic Series
The harmonic series is one of the most famous examples of a divergent series. It is expressed as \( \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{1}{n} \). This series consists of summing the reciprocals of all natural numbers.
Let's explore why the harmonic series diverges:
Let's explore why the harmonic series diverges:
- **Terms**: The terms of the harmonic series, \( \frac{1}{1} + \frac{1}{2} + \frac{1}{3} + \ldots \), become smaller but never reach zero.
- **Behavior**: As the series progresses, even though each individual term decreases, together they accumulate to a sum that grows indefinitely.
- **Grafual Growth**: This slow, continual growth without bound means the series doesn't approach a finite value; hence, it diverges.
Divergent Series
A divergent series is an infinite series with a sum that does not settle to a finite limit. Essential when evaluating series, identifying divergence helps us know when a series doesn't stabilize to a number.
Characteristics of a Divergent Series include:
Characteristics of a Divergent Series include:
- **Non-Convergence**: Unlike convergent series, divergent series go on growing or shrinking without limit.
- **Examples**: Common examples are the harmonic series and geometric series with certain conditions (where ratio \( |r| \geq 1 \)).
- **Indicators**: Tests like the Comparison Test often reveal divergence when comparison with a well-known divergent series exists.