Chapter 10: Problem 77
In Exercises \(57 - 82 ,\) use any method to determine whether the series converges or diverges. Give reasons for your answer. $$ \sum _ { n = 2 } ^ { \infty } \frac { 1 } { 1 + 2 + 2 ^ { 2 } + \cdots + 2 ^ { n } } $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The series converges by the Limit Comparison Test.
Step by step solution
01
Recognize the Series Type
Observe that the series is defined as \[\sum _ { n = 2 } ^ { \infty } \frac { 1 } { 1 + 2 + 2 ^ { 2 } + \cdots + 2 ^ { n } }.\] The denominator is a geometric series that sums up to the power of 2. This is crucial in determining convergence or divergence.
02
Simplify the Denominator
The denominator is a geometric series:\[1 + 2 + 2^2 + \cdots + 2^n.\]Using the formula for sum of a geometric series, \(a + ar + ar^2 + \cdots + ar^n = a \frac{r^{n+1} - 1}{r - 1}\), where \(a = 1\) and \(r = 2\), the sum is \(2^{n+1} - 1\). So, the denominator simplifies to \(2^{n+1} - 1\).
03
Re-express the Series
Substituting the simplified denominator, the series becomes:\[\sum _ { n = 2 } ^ { \infty } \frac { 1 }{2^{n+1} - 1}.\]This is crucial to understand how the series behaves as \(n\) approaches infinity.
04
Apply the Limit Comparison Test
Next, compare the series to \(\sum _ { n = 2 } ^ { \infty } \frac { 1 }{2^{n+1}} = \sum _ { n = 2 } ^ { \infty } \frac { 1 }{2 \cdot 2^{n}} = \frac{1}{2} \sum _ { n = 2 } ^ { \infty } \frac { 1 }{2^n}\).We know that \(\sum _ { n = 2 } ^ { \infty } \frac { 1 }{2^n}\) is a convergent geometric series. Therefore, check:\[\lim_{{n \to \infty}} \frac{\frac{1}{2^{n+1} - 1}}{\frac{1}{2^{n+1}}} = \lim_{{n \to \infty}} \frac{2^{n+1}}{2^{n+1} - 1} \approx 1.\]Since the limit is a positive finite number, both series converge or diverge together.
05
Conclude the Series' Behavior
Based on the Limit Comparison Test, since \(\sum _ { n = 2 } ^ { \infty } \frac { 1 }{2^n}\) converges, the given series\[\sum _ { n = 2 } ^ { \infty } \frac { 1 }{2^{n+1} - 1}\]also converges. This definitively determines the series' behavior.
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.
Geometric Series
A geometric series is a series with a constant ratio between successive terms. For instance, the series \(1 + 2 + 2^2 + \cdots + 2^n\) is a geometric series where the first term \(a\) is 1 and the common ratio \(r\) is 2. Geometric series can be finite or infinite, and there is a simple formula for their sum. If the series is finite, its sum can be calculated with the formula:
- Sum = \(a \frac{r^{n+1} - 1}{r - 1}\)
Limit Comparison Test
The limit comparison test is a valuable tool for determining the convergence or divergence of series, especially when dealing with complex expressions. It compares the series in question with another known series:
- Suppose \(\sum a_n\) is our series.
- Choose \(\sum b_n\) as a comparison series that is known to converge or diverge.
Infinite Series
Infinite series allow us to explore sums that continue indefinitely. However, unlike finite series, not all infinite series have a finite sum. Understanding whether an infinite series converges (approaches a certain value) or diverges is crucial in mathematics.
- "Convergence" means the series approaches a specific value as the number of terms increases.
- "Divergence" means the series does not settle near any single value.