Chapter 9: Problem 6
Use the Comparison Test to determine if each series converges or diverges. $$\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{1}{n 3^{n}}$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The series \( \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{1}{n 3^n} \) converges.
Step by step solution
01
Identify the Series in Question
The given series is \( \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{1}{n 3^n} \). To determine if it converges or diverges, we will use the Comparison Test.
02
Choose a Series for Comparison
Select a simpler series to compare with our original series. We notice that \( \frac{1}{n 3^n} < \frac{1}{3^n} \) for all \( n \geq 1 \). Therefore, we choose \( \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{1}{3^n} \) for comparison.
03
Determine Convergence of Comparison Series
The series \( \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{1}{3^n} \) is a geometric series with a ratio \( r = \frac{1}{3} \), where \( |r| < 1 \). This series is known to converge.
04
Apply the Comparison Test
Since \( \frac{1}{n 3^n} < \frac{1}{3^n} \) and \( \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{1}{3^n} \) converges, by the Comparison Test, the original series \( \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{1}{n 3^n} \) also converges.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Convergent Series
Understanding the concept of a convergent series is crucial when dealing with infinite series in mathematics. A series is said to be convergent if the sum of its infinite terms approaches a finite limit. In simple terms, as you add more and more terms of the series, the total sum gets closer and closer to a specific number.
Some important properties of convergent series include:
Some important properties of convergent series include:
- The series has a finite sum, meaning it does not go off to infinity.
- If the series converges, then the terms must approach zero as they extend to infinity.
- Common tests for confirming convergence include the Comparison Test, the Ratio Test, and the Root Test.
Geometric Series
A geometric series is a series where each term is derived by multiplying the previous term by a fixed, non-zero number called the ratio. This is often represented in the form:
\[ \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} ar^n \]
where \(a\) is the initial term and \(r\) is the common ratio. The series \( \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{1}{3^n} \) is an example with a common ratio \(r = \frac{1}{3}\).
For a geometric series, one major rule determines its convergence:
\[ \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} ar^n \]
where \(a\) is the initial term and \(r\) is the common ratio. The series \( \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{1}{3^n} \) is an example with a common ratio \(r = \frac{1}{3}\).
For a geometric series, one major rule determines its convergence:
- If the absolute value of the ratio \(|r|\) is less than 1, then the series converges.
- If \(|r| \geq 1\), the series diverges.
Series Convergence
Series convergence refers to the situation where the sum of an infinite series approaches a certain finite limit. This concept is essential for analyzing whether the entire series adds up to a meaningful number or results in infinity. Different techniques can be applied to check for convergence.
Using the Comparison Test, one can compare a given series with a known convergent or divergent series. The main idea is:
Using the Comparison Test, one can compare a given series with a known convergent or divergent series. The main idea is:
- If all terms of series A are smaller than terms of an already convergent series B, then series A will also converge.
- If all terms of series A exceed those of a divergent series B, then series A will diverge.