Math Problem Statement

evaluate this series for convergence

Evaluate this series for convergence

Solution

The given series is:

n=1(1)n1n2\sum_{n=1}^\infty \left| \frac{(-1)^{n-1}}{n^2} \right|

We will analyze its convergence:

Step 1: Examine the general term

The general term of the series is:

(1)n1n2=1n2.\left| \frac{(-1)^{n-1}}{n^2} \right| = \frac{1}{n^2}.

This is a series of non-negative terms because we are taking the absolute value of each term.

Step 2: Check for convergence

The series becomes:

n=11n2.\sum_{n=1}^\infty \frac{1}{n^2}.

This is a well-known p-series, where p=2>1p = 2 > 1. A p-series with p>1p > 1 converges. Therefore, the series converges.

Step 3: Final Answer

The series converges absolutely.


Would you like further details about the convergence of p-series or related examples?

Here are some related questions for deeper exploration:

  1. What is the difference between absolute and conditional convergence of a series?
  2. How does the comparison test apply to p-series?
  3. Could the series n=11n\sum_{n=1}^\infty \frac{1}{n} converge, and why?
  4. Can we compute the exact value of n=11n2\sum_{n=1}^\infty \frac{1}{n^2}?
  5. How does the alternating series test relate to this problem?

Tip: For p-series 1np\sum \frac{1}{n^p}, convergence depends solely on whether p>1p > 1.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Series and Sequences
Absolute Convergence
p-Series Test

Formulas

|(-1)^(n-1) / n^2| = 1 / n^2

Theorems

p-Series Convergence Test

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12, College Level