Chapter 10: Problem 34
Which of the series converge, and which diverge? Use any method, and give reasons for your answers. \begin{equation} \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{\sqrt{n}}{n^{2}+1} \end{equation}
Short Answer
Expert verified
The series \(\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{\sqrt{n}}{n^{2}+1}\) converges.
Step by step solution
01
Compare with Standard Series
To determine convergence or divergence, we need to compare the given series with a known p-series. The given series is \( \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{\sqrt{n}}{n^{2}+1} \). Notice that \( \sqrt{n} = n^{1/2} \). For large n, \( n^2+1 \approx n^2 \), so we approximate \( \frac{\sqrt{n}}{n^2+1} \approx \frac{n^{1/2}}{n^2} = \frac{1}{n^{3/2}} \). This approximation resembles the p-series \( \sum \frac{1}{n^{p}} \) with \( p = \frac{3}{2} \).
02
Determine Behavior of the Comparison Series
Recall that a p-series \( \sum \frac{1}{n^p} \) converges if \( p > 1 \), and diverges if \( p \leq 1 \). Here, \( p = \frac{3}{2} > 1 \), implying that the comparison p-series \( \sum \frac{1}{n^{3/2}} \) converges.
03
Apply the Limit Comparison Test
To apply the Limit Comparison Test, consider the limit \( L = \lim_{n \to \infty} \frac{a_n}{b_n} \), where \( a_n = \frac{\sqrt{n}}{n^2+1} \) and \( b_n = \frac{1}{n^{3/2}} \). Hence, \[ L = \lim_{n \to \infty} \frac{\frac{\sqrt{n}}{n^2+1}}{\frac{1}{n^{3/2}}} = \lim_{n \to \infty} \frac{n^{3/2} \cdot \sqrt{n}}{n^2+1} = \lim_{n \to \infty} \frac{n^2}{n^2+1}. \]
04
Evaluate the Limit
The limit \( L = \lim_{n \to \infty} \frac{n^2}{n^2+1} = \lim_{n \to \infty} \frac{1}{1+\frac{1}{n^2}} \) converges to 1 as \( n \to \infty \). Since \( 0 < L < \infty \), and since the comparison series \( \sum \frac{1}{n^{3/2}} \) converges, the Limit Comparison Test confirms that \( \sum \frac{\sqrt{n}}{n^2+1} \) also converges.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
p-series
A p-series is one of the simplest types of series we encounter in mathematics, particularly when studying convergence. A p-series is expressed as \( \sum \frac{1}{n^p} \), where \( p \) is a constant and \( n \) is a positive integer. Understanding the behavior of a p-series is key to analyzing many other series.
- If \( p > 1 \), the series converges. This means the sum approaches a finite number as we include more terms.
- If \( p \leq 1 \), the series diverges. In this case, the sum continues to grow without bound.
limit comparison test
The Limit Comparison Test is a powerful tool used to determine the convergence or divergence of a series by comparing it to another series whose behavior is known. Here's how it works:
- We have two series: \( \sum a_n \) and \( \sum b_n \), with terms \( a_n \) and \( b_n \) respectively.
- We calculate the limit \( L = \lim_{n \to \infty} \frac{a_n}{b_n} \).
Application and Evaluation
- If the limit \( 0 < L < \infty \), both series either converge or diverge together.
- If \( L = 0 \) and \( \sum b_n \) converges, then \( \sum a_n \) also converges.
- If \( L = \infty \) and \( \sum b_n \) diverges, then \( \sum a_n \) also diverges.
convergence and divergence of series
Determining when a series converges or diverges is a fundamental part of calculus and analysis. A convergent series is one where the sum of its terms approaches a specific finite value as more terms are added. Conversely, a divergent series is one where the sum does not approach any finite limit.
Key Indicators
- A quick way to judge convergence is by comparing a series to another well-known series, such as a p-series.
- Tests like the Limit Comparison Test provide a systematic method to evaluate series, especially when direct comparison is challenging.
- Understanding the underlying growth of terms, such as \( n^{1/2} \) approximately simplifying to a p-series, helps in identifying applicable tests.