Chapter 10: Problem 49
Which of the series in Exercises \(17-56\) converge, and which diverge? Use any method, and give reasons for your answers. $$ \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{\operatorname{coth} n}{n^{2}} $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The series \( \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{\operatorname{coth} n}{n^{2}} \) converges.
Step by step solution
01
Recognize the Test Choice
The series given is \( \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{\operatorname{coth} n}{n^{2}} \). To determine convergence or divergence, we need to choose an appropriate test. The Limit Comparison Test is suitable here because the \( \operatorname{coth} \) function can be challenging to analyze directly, but it behaves similarly to simpler functions at infinity.
02
Analyze the Behavior of Coth n
Recall that \( \operatorname{coth} n = \frac{\cosh n}{\sinh n} \). As \( n \to \infty \), the \( \operatorname{coth} n \to 1 \). Therefore, for large \( n \), \( \operatorname{coth} n \approx 1 \).
03
Choose a Comparison Series
Based on the behavior \( \operatorname{coth} n \approx 1 \) as \( n \to \infty \), we can compare our series with the simpler series \( \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{1}{n^2} \), which is a convergent p-series with \( p = 2 \).
04
Apply the Limit Comparison Test
The Limit Comparison Test requires us to evaluate\[\lim_{n \to \infty} \frac{\frac{\operatorname{coth} n}{n^{2}}}{\frac{1}{n^{2}}} = \lim_{n \to \infty} \operatorname{coth} n.\]Since we know \( \lim_{n \to \infty} \operatorname{coth} n = 1 \), and this limit is a positive finite number, the test indicates that \( \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{\operatorname{coth} n}{n^{2}} \) converges.
05
State the Conclusion
By the Limit Comparison Test with the p-series \( \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{1}{n^2} \), which is convergent, the series \( \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{\operatorname{coth} n}{n^{2}} \) also 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.
Limit Comparison Test
The Limit Comparison Test is a powerful tool when evaluating the convergence of series that cannot be directly analyzed. It is particularly useful when you have a complex expression and suspect it behaves similarly to a simpler series. The test works well when you have two positive series \( \sum a_n \) and \( \sum b_n \).
- You compute \( \lim_{n \to \infty} \frac{a_n}{b_n} \).
- If this limit is a positive, finite number, both series either converge or diverge together.
Hyperbolic Functions
Hyperbolic functions, like \( \operatorname{coth} n \), are counterparts to trigonometric functions but for the hyperbola. The hyperbolic cotangent function \( \operatorname{coth} n \) can be defined as \( \frac{\cosh n}{\sinh n} \) where \( \cosh n = \frac{e^n + e^{-n}}{2} \) and \( \sinh n = \frac{e^n - e^{-n}}{2} \).
- As \( n \to \infty \), \( \cosh n \) and \( \sinh n \) become dominated by \( e^n \).
- This results in \( \operatorname{coth} n \to 1 \) for large \( n \).
p-series Convergence
Understanding p-series is key when using comparison tests. A p-series is of the form \( \sum \frac{1}{n^p} \). Their convergence is easy to determine:
- Converges if \( p > 1 \).
- Diverges if \( p \leq 1 \).
Series Analysis
Analyzing series involves evaluating a sequence of terms added together, to see if they tend to a finite limit as more terms are added. A series can be finite, where we are certain about convergence, or infinite, leading to various tests applied to determine behavior.Here’s a basic roadmap for such an analysis:
- Identify the series type or rewrite it in a simpler form.
- Select and apply a suitable convergence test, like the Comparison Test or Limit Comparison Test.
- Look at the behavior of terms for large \( n \) to understand the series better.
- Conclude based on calculated limits and known series types' behaviors.