Chapter 10: Problem 42
Which of the series in Exercises \(17-56\) converge, and which diverge? Use any method, and give reasons for your answers. $$ \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{\ln n}{\sqrt{n} e^{n}} $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The series converges by the Ratio Test.
Step by step solution
01
Identify the Series
We are given the series \( \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{\ln n}{\sqrt{n} e^{n}} \). We need to determine if this series converges or diverges.
02
Consider the Exponential Term
Note that the term \( e^{n} \) grows exponentially as \( n \to \infty \). Exponential growth tends to overwhelm polynomial growth in the numerator and denominator.
03
Apply the Ratio Test
For the series \( \sum a_n = \sum \frac{\ln n}{\sqrt{n} e^{n}} \), apply the ratio test: compute \( \lim_{n \to \infty} \left| \frac{a_{n+1}}{a_n} \right| \).
04
Simplify the Ratio of Terms
Compute \( \frac{a_{n+1}}{a_n} = \frac{\ln(n+1)}{\sqrt{n+1} e^{n+1}} \times \frac{\sqrt{n} e^{n}}{\ln n} \). This simplifies to \( \frac{\ln(n+1)}{\ln n} \cdot \frac{\sqrt{n}}{\sqrt{n+1}} \cdot \frac{1}{e} \).
05
Evaluate the Limit
Evaluate the limit: \( L = \lim_{n \to \infty} \frac{\ln(n+1)}{\ln n} \cdot \frac{\sqrt{n}}{\sqrt{n+1}} \cdot \frac{1}{e} \).- The first term \( \frac{\ln(n+1)}{\ln n} \to 1 \) as \( n \to \infty \).- The second term \( \frac{\sqrt{n}}{\sqrt{n+1}} \to 1 \) as \( n \to \infty \).- The third term is \( \frac{1}{e} \).Thus, \( L = \frac{1}{e} < 1 \).
06
Conclusion from Ratio Test
Since the ratio limit \( L < 1 \), by the ratio test, the series \( \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{\ln n}{\sqrt{n} e^{n}} \) converges.
Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!
-
Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
-
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
-
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
-
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.
Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91Ó°ÊÓ!
Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Ratio Test
The ratio test is a powerful tool for determining the convergence or divergence of an infinite series. If you have a series \( \sum a_n \), the test tells you to examine \( \lim_{n \to \infty} \left| \frac{a_{n+1}}{a_n} \right| \). This is the limit of the ratio of successive terms in the series. Here's what to do once you've computed this limit:
- If the limit \( L < 1 \), the series converges absolutely.
- If the limit \( L > 1 \), or if the limit is infinity, the series diverges.
- If the limit equals 1, the test is inconclusive.
Exponential Growth
Exponential growth refers to increases in quantity by multiplying repeatedly by a constant factor over regular intervals. In mathematical expressions, this is often seen as \( e^n \) or other exponential terms. Such growth is incredibly rapid, especially as \( n \to \infty \).
Exponential growth can overpower other functions like polynomials or logarithms because:
Exponential growth can overpower other functions like polynomials or logarithms because:
- It increases much faster than polynomial growth.
- It plays a significant role in determining the behavior of a series as in long-term terms it dominates over slower-growing functions.
Polynomial Growth
Polynomial growth describes functions where the increase in value is proportional to the power of the variable, like \( n^k \). Examples of polynomial growth include quadratic or cubic functions like \( n^2 \) or \( n^3 \). These functions grow polynomially and are generally slower compared to exponential growth.
In terms of convergence considerations:
In terms of convergence considerations:
- Polynomial growth becomes important when comparing to other rates of growth, such as exponential growth.
- Compared to exponential functions, polynomials grow more slowly, making them less influential in series that include terms with exponential growth.