Math Problem Statement

Use the Limit Comparison Test to determine whether the series \( \sum_{n=2}^{\infty} \frac{16n - 5}{4n \sqrt{n}} \) converges or diverges.

Solution

To solve this problem using the Limit Comparison Test, let’s proceed step-by-step:

  1. Identify the Given Series:
    The series provided is: n=2an=n=216n54nn\sum_{n=2}^{\infty} a_n = \sum_{n=2}^{\infty} \frac{16n - 5}{4n\sqrt{n}}

  2. Simplify ana_n: Simplify the term an=16n54nna_n = \frac{16n - 5}{4n\sqrt{n}}: an=16n54nn=16n4nn54nn=4n54nna_n = \frac{16n - 5}{4n\sqrt{n}} = \frac{16n}{4n\sqrt{n}} - \frac{5}{4n\sqrt{n}} = \frac{4}{\sqrt{n}} - \frac{5}{4n\sqrt{n}} As nn \to \infty, the term 54nn\frac{5}{4n\sqrt{n}} becomes negligible, so an4na_n \approx \frac{4}{\sqrt{n}}.

  3. Choose a Comparison Series:
    Based on the form of ana_n, we can select a comparison series: bn=cnpb_n = \frac{c}{n^{p}} with c=4c = 4 and p=12p = \frac{1}{2}, so: bn=4n1/2b_n = \frac{4}{n^{1/2}}

  4. Limit Comparison Test:
    To use the Limit Comparison Test, calculate: limnanbn=limn4n4n=1\lim_{n \to \infty} \frac{a_n}{b_n} = \lim_{n \to \infty} \frac{\frac{4}{\sqrt{n}}}{\frac{4}{\sqrt{n}}} = 1 Since this limit is a finite, positive number (1), the Limit Comparison Test applies.

  5. Determine Convergence of bnb_n:
    The series bn=4n1/2\sum b_n = \sum \frac{4}{n^{1/2}} is a pp-series with p=12p = \frac{1}{2}. Since p=12<1p = \frac{1}{2} < 1, this series diverges.

  6. Conclusion:
    By the Limit Comparison Test, because bn\sum b_n diverges, an\sum a_n also diverges.

Final Answer:

n=2an diverges by the Limit Comparison Test.\sum_{n=2}^{\infty} a_n \text{ diverges by the Limit Comparison Test.}

Would you like more detailed steps, or have any questions on specific parts?


Relative Questions

  1. What is the Limit Comparison Test, and how does it work?
  2. Why is it important to select a suitable comparison series bnb_n?
  3. What are the conditions for a pp-series to converge or diverge?
  4. How does the behavior of the terms as nn \to \infty affect the choice of bnb_n?
  5. Can the Limit Comparison Test be used if the limit is zero or infinite?

Tip

Always simplify ana_n as much as possible to identify a comparable pp-series for easier application of the Limit Comparison Test.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Series
Convergence and Divergence
Limit Comparison Test
P-Series

Formulas

Limit Comparison Test: \( \lim_{n \to \infty} \frac{a_n}{b_n} \)
P-Series: \( \sum \frac{1}{n^p} \)

Theorems

Limit Comparison Test
P-Series Convergence Test

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12 or college