Chapter 9: Problem 37
Use the \(n\) th-Term Test for divergence to show that the series is divergent, or state that the test is inconclusive. $$\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \ln \frac{1}{n}$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The series \(\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \ln \frac{1}{n}\) is divergent by the \(n\)-th term test.
Step by step solution
01
Understanding the Series
The given series is \(\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \ln \frac{1}{n}\). This can also be rewritten as \(\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} -\ln n\), which emphasizes that each term in the series is the logarithm of a fraction \(\frac{1}{n}\).
02
Applying the n-th Term Test
The \(n\)-th Term Test for divergence states that if \(\lim_{n \to \infty} a_n eq 0\), the series \(\sum a_n\) diverges. Here, \(a_n = \ln \frac{1}{n}\).
03
Computing the Limit
Calculate \(\lim_{n \to \infty} \ln \frac{1}{n}\). This can be rewritten using properties of logarithms as \(-\lim_{n \to \infty} \ln n\). Since \(\lim_{n \to \infty} \ln n = \infty \), it follows that \(-\lim_{n \to \infty} \ln n = -\infty\).
04
Analyzing the Limit Result
The result \(-\lim_{n \to \infty} \ln n = -\infty\) implies that \(\lim_{n \to \infty} \ln \frac{1}{n} = -\infty\), which is indeed not equal to 0.
05
Conclusion
Since \(\lim_{n \to \infty} a_n eq 0\) (it is \(-\infty\)), the \(n\)-th Term Test confirms that the series \(\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \ln \frac{1}{n}\) diverges.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Series Divergence
When dealing with infinite series, understanding whether a series converges or diverges is crucial. The series divergence indicates that the sum of an infinite series does not approach a finite number. One way to test for divergence is by using the **nth-Term Test for Divergence**. This test gives a simple rule: If the limit of the sequence forming the series terms is not zero, then the series must diverge. It is important to note that this test can only confirm divergence; it cannot confirm convergence.
So, what exactly does it mean to have a divergent series? Consider summing a sequence of numbers. If their sum keeps growing larger and larger without bound, or doesn't settle on one number, it diverges. This behavior is a key indicator that the series is divergent. However, even if the nth term approaches zero, this does not guarantee convergence; it just passes this particular test and requires further analysis.
So, what exactly does it mean to have a divergent series? Consider summing a sequence of numbers. If their sum keeps growing larger and larger without bound, or doesn't settle on one number, it diverges. This behavior is a key indicator that the series is divergent. However, even if the nth term approaches zero, this does not guarantee convergence; it just passes this particular test and requires further analysis.
Logarithmic Series
A logarithmic series in mathematics refers to a series where terms involve logarithmic functions. It can take on several forms but often involves expressions that look like the one given: \( \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \ln \frac{1}{n} \). A useful trick is to rewrite these expressions using logarithmic identities, such as \( \ln \frac{1}{n} = -\ln n \).
Logarithmic functions grow steadily, and when used in a series, they can significantly affect the behavior of convergence or divergence. Consider the property that \( \ln n \) steadily increases as n increases; hence, \( -\ln n \) decreases and approaches negative infinity. In the context of series, this insight helps determine whether the sum of such terms would converge or diverge. Because \( \ln n \to \infty \) as \( n \to \infty \), there’s an essential understanding: the negative logarithmic series components lead towards negative infinity, emphasizing its divergence.
Logarithmic functions grow steadily, and when used in a series, they can significantly affect the behavior of convergence or divergence. Consider the property that \( \ln n \) steadily increases as n increases; hence, \( -\ln n \) decreases and approaches negative infinity. In the context of series, this insight helps determine whether the sum of such terms would converge or diverge. Because \( \ln n \to \infty \) as \( n \to \infty \), there’s an essential understanding: the negative logarithmic series components lead towards negative infinity, emphasizing its divergence.
Limit of Sequence
The limit of a sequence is fundamentally about what happens to the terms in a sequence as n becomes very large. When analyzing series divergence, we often look at the behavior of individual terms, specifically using limits.
For the series under consideration, the term \( a_n = \ln \frac{1}{n} \) simplifies to \( -\ln n \). Consider calculating \( \lim_{n \to \infty} \ln \frac{1}{n} \). This translates to \( -\lim_{n \to \infty} \ln n = -\infty \). The understanding here is straightforward: logarithms tend towards infinity as their arguments grow larger.
This limit process is a mathematical way of saying that a series' terms do not shrink to zero (the basic requirement for possible convergence). Therefore, knowing how limits work helps predict how series behave, giving a solid ground to apply the nth-Term Test and ascertain divergence.
For the series under consideration, the term \( a_n = \ln \frac{1}{n} \) simplifies to \( -\ln n \). Consider calculating \( \lim_{n \to \infty} \ln \frac{1}{n} \). This translates to \( -\lim_{n \to \infty} \ln n = -\infty \). The understanding here is straightforward: logarithms tend towards infinity as their arguments grow larger.
This limit process is a mathematical way of saying that a series' terms do not shrink to zero (the basic requirement for possible convergence). Therefore, knowing how limits work helps predict how series behave, giving a solid ground to apply the nth-Term Test and ascertain divergence.