Chapter 9: Problem 37
Converge absolutely, which converge, and which diverge? Give reasons for your answers. $$\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{(-1)^{n}(n+1)^{n}}{(2 n)^{n}}$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The series converges absolutely.
Step by step solution
01
Identify the Nature of the Series
We are given the series \( \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{(-1)^{n}(n+1)^{n}}{(2n)^{n}} \). Since the series contains \((-1)^n\), it is an alternating series. To determine its behavior, we'll study both its absolute convergence and conditional convergence.
02
Check Absolute Convergence
For absolute convergence, consider \( \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \left| \frac{(-1)^{n}(n+1)^{n}}{(2n)^{n}} \right| = \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{(n+1)^{n}}{(2n)^{n}} \). Simplify this expression:\[\frac{(n+1)^{n}}{(2n)^{n}} = \left(\frac{n+1}{2n}\right)^n = \left(\frac{1 + \frac{1}{n}}{2}\right)^n.\]Evaluate the limit of \( \left(\frac{1 + \frac{1}{n}}{2}\right)^n \) as \( n \to \infty \). This arises to:\[\lim_{n \to \infty} \left(\frac{1 + \frac{1}{n}}{2}\right)^n = \left(\frac{1}{2}\right)^\infty = 0.\]Since it doesn't approach 1, \( \limsup_{n \to \infty} \left(\frac{1 + \frac{1}{n}}{2}\right) < 1 \), the series converges absolutely by the root test.
03
Result on Convergence
The given series \( \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{(-1)^{n}(n+1)^{n}}{(2n)^{n}} \) converges absolutely because the corresponding non-alternating series 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.
Alternating Series
An alternating series is a series in which the signs of its terms alternate between positive and negative. This type of series generally has a specific form:
- The general term in an alternating series can be written as either \((-1)^n a_n\) or \((-1)^{n+1} a_n\), where \(`a_n`\) is a sequence of positive terms.
- To determine its convergence, we often use the Alternating Series Test.
- The series \(\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} (-1)^n a_n\) converges if two conditions are met:
- \( a_{n+1} \leq a_n\) for all \(n\) (the terms are decreasing).
- \( \lim_{n o \infty} a_n = 0\).
Absolute Convergence
Absolute convergence is a stronger form of convergence compared to regular convergence. A series \(\sum a_n\) converges absolutely if the series of absolute values \(\sum |a_n|\) also converges.
- This concept helps determine whether a series will remain convergent when the absolute value is applied, removing any alternating signs.
- The key advantage: if a series converges absolutely, it also converges conditionally, i.e., with its original signs intact.
- The condition is mathematically written as: A series \(\sum a_n\) converges absolutely if \(\sum |a_n| = \sum \frac{(n+1)^n}{(2n)^n}\) converges.
Root Test
The root test, also known as Cauchy's root test, provides a convenient way to determine the convergence behavior of a series. This test involves:
- Identifying the limit: Calculate \(\lim_{n \to \infty} \sqrt[n]{|a_n|}\).
- Compare this limit to 1 to decide convergence:
- If the limit is less than 1, the series converges absolutely.
- If the limit is greater than 1, the series diverges.
- If the limit equals 1, the test is inconclusive.