Defining Convergent and Divergent Infinite Series
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AP Calculus BC › Defining Convergent and Divergent Infinite Series
A cost model includes $\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}\frac{3n}{n^2+1}$. Does this infinite series converge or diverge?
Diverges by comparison to $\sum \frac{1}{n}$
Converges by comparison to $\sum \frac{1}{n^2}$
Converges because $\frac{3n}{n^2+1}\to 0$
Diverges because it is a $p$-series with $p=2$
Converges because it is geometric
Explanation
This question tests your ability to classify infinite series as convergent or divergent. For the series $\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}\frac{3n}{n^2+1}$, we analyze the behavior for large $n$: $\frac{3n}{n^2+1} \sim \frac{3n}{n^2} = \frac{3}{n}$. By limit comparison with $\sum\frac{1}{n}$ (harmonic series), we compute $\lim_{n\to\infty} \frac{\frac{3n}{n^2+1}}{\frac{1}{n}} = \lim_{n\to\infty} \frac{3n^2}{n^2+1} = 3$. Since this limit is positive and finite, and $\sum\frac{1}{n}$ diverges, our series also diverges. Choice C incorrectly assumes that terms approaching zero guarantees convergence. Remember: use limit comparison when terms behave like a known series for large $n$.
A ball’s bounce heights follow $h_n=3\left(\frac{2}{3}\right)^n$ meters. Does $\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} h_n$ converge or diverge?
Converges because it is a geometric series with $|r|<1$
Diverges because it is a geometric series with $|r|>1$
Diverges by the harmonic series test
Diverges because terms do not approach $0$
Converges by the integral test
Explanation
This question tests your ability to classify infinite series as convergent or divergent. The series $\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} 3\left(\frac{2}{3}\right)^n$ is a geometric series with first term $a = 3 \cdot \frac{2}{3} = 2$ and common ratio $r = \frac{2}{3}$. Since $|r| = \frac{2}{3} < 1$, the geometric series converges to $\frac{a}{1-r} = \frac{2}{1-\frac{2}{3}} = 6$. Choice E incorrectly claims $|r| > 1$, which would be true if the ratio were $\frac{3}{2}$ instead of $\frac{2}{3}$. Remember: geometric series $\sum ar^n$ converge when $|r| < 1$ and diverge when $|r| \geq 1$.
A decaying input produces terms $a_n=\frac{n}{n+1}$. Does $\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} a_n$ converge or diverge?
Diverges because $\lim_{n\to\infty} a_n\neq 0$
Diverges by comparison to $\sum \frac{1}{n^2}$
Converges because $a_n<1$ for all $n$
Converges because $\lim_{n\to\infty} a_n=1$
Converges by the ratio test
Explanation
This question tests your ability to classify infinite series as convergent or divergent. For the series $\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{n}{n+1}$, we first check if the terms approach zero: $\lim_{n\to\infty} \frac{n}{n+1} = \lim_{n\to\infty} \frac{1}{1+\frac{1}{n}} = 1 \neq 0$. By the divergence test (nth term test), if $\lim_{n\to\infty} a_n \neq 0$, then $\sum a_n$ must diverge. The series diverges because we're essentially adding terms that approach 1, giving an infinite sum. Choice D incorrectly suggests that having $\lim a_n = 1$ would make the series converge. Remember: if terms don't approach zero, the series must diverge—this is the first test to try.
To model repeated fees, a plan uses $\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}\frac{1}{n}$. Does this infinite series converge or diverge?
Diverges by comparison to $\sum \frac{1}{n^2}$
Converges by the ratio test
Converges because it is a $p$-series with $p=1$
Diverges because it is a $p$-series with $p=1$
Converges because $\frac{1}{n}\to 0$
Explanation
This question tests your ability to classify infinite series as convergent or divergent. The series $\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}\frac{1}{n}$ is the harmonic series, which is a p-series with $p = 1$. For p-series $\sum\frac{1}{n^p}$, the series converges when $p > 1$ and diverges when $p \leq 1$. Since $p = 1$, the harmonic series diverges. Choice B incorrectly assumes that because the terms $\frac{1}{n} \to 0$, the series must converge, but this is only a necessary condition, not sufficient. Remember: the harmonic series is the classic example of a divergent series whose terms approach zero.
A sequence of deposits is modeled by $\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}\left(\frac{n}{n+1}\right)^n$. Does the series converge or diverge?
Diverges because $\left(\frac{n}{n+1}\right)^n\to \frac{1}{e}\neq 0$
Diverges by the ratio test since the limit equals $\frac{1}{e}<1$
Converges by comparison to $\sum \frac{1}{n^2}$
Converges because it is geometric
Converges because $\left(\frac{n}{n+1}\right)^n\to 0$
Explanation
This question tests your ability to classify infinite series as convergent or divergent. For the series $\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}\left(\frac{n}{n+1}\right)^n$, we need to find $\lim_{n\to\infty} \left(\frac{n}{n+1}\right)^n$. Rewriting as $\left(\frac{1}{1+\frac{1}{n}}\right)^n = \frac{1}{\left(1+\frac{1}{n}\right)^n}$, and since $\lim_{n\to\infty} \left(1+\frac{1}{n}\right)^n = e$, we get $\lim_{n\to\infty} \left(\frac{n}{n+1}\right)^n = \frac{1}{e} \approx 0.368 \neq 0$. By the divergence test, since terms don't approach zero, the series diverges. Choice E incorrectly interprets the ratio test—having a limit less than 1 would indicate convergence, not divergence. Remember: always check if $\lim a_n = 0$ first; if not, the series must diverge.
An algorithm’s error terms are $\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}\frac{5}{2^n}$. Does this infinite series converge or diverge?
Diverges because $\frac{5}{2^n}\to 5$
Converges because it is a geometric series with $|r|<1$
Converges by the harmonic series test
Diverges because it is geometric with $|r|>1$
Diverges by the integral test
Explanation
This question tests your ability to classify infinite series as convergent or divergent. The series $\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}\frac{5}{2^n} = 5\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}\left(\frac{1}{2}\right)^n$ is a geometric series with first term $a = \frac{5}{2}$ and common ratio $r = \frac{1}{2}$. Since $|r| = \frac{1}{2} < 1$, the geometric series converges to $5 \cdot \frac{\frac{1}{2}}{1-\frac{1}{2}} = 5$. Choice A incorrectly claims $|r| > 1$, perhaps confusing the base 2 in the denominator with the ratio. Remember: rewrite series in the form $\sum ar^n$ to identify geometric series and check if $|r| < 1$.
A physics model uses $\sum_{n=2}^{\infty}\frac{1}{n\ln n}$. Does this series converge or diverge?
Converges because $\frac{1}{n\ln n}\to 0$
Converges because it is smaller than $\sum \frac{1}{n}$
Diverges because it is larger than $\sum \frac{1}{n^2}$
Diverges by the integral test
Converges by comparison to $\sum \frac{1}{n^{3/2}}$
Explanation
This question tests your ability to classify infinite series as convergent or divergent. The series $\sum_{n=2}^{\infty}\frac{1}{n\ln n}$ can be analyzed using the integral test since $f(x) = \frac{1}{x\ln x}$ is positive, continuous, and decreasing for $x \geq 2$. The integral $\int_2^{\infty} \frac{1}{x\ln x}dx$ can be evaluated by substitution: let $u = \ln x$, then $du = \frac{1}{x}dx$, giving $\int \frac{1}{u}du = \ln|u| = \ln(\ln x)$. Since $\lim_{x\to\infty} \ln(\ln x) = \infty$, the integral diverges, so the series diverges. Choice E incorrectly assumes that terms approaching zero guarantees convergence. Remember: the integral test is powerful for series involving logarithms—if $\int f(x)dx$ diverges, then $\sum f(n)$ diverges.
A model adds adjustments $\sum_{n=2}^{\infty} \frac{1}{n\ln n}$. Determine whether the series converges or diverges.
Converges by comparison with a $p$-series
Diverges by the root test
Converges by the ratio test
Converges by the alternating series test
Diverges by the integral test
Explanation
This problem requires determining convergence of the series $\sum_{n=2}^{\infty} \frac{1}{n\ln n}$. To analyze this series, we can apply the integral test by evaluating $\int_2^{\infty} \frac{1}{x\ln x} dx$. Using the substitution $u = \ln x$, we get $du = \frac{1}{x}dx$, transforming the integral to $\int_{\ln 2}^{\infty} \frac{1}{u} du = \ln|u|\big|_{\ln 2}^{\infty}$. This integral diverges to infinity, so by the integral test, the series diverges. The ratio test (option A) would be inconclusive here as the limit equals 1. Remember that $\frac{1}{n\ln n}$ is a classic example of a divergent series that decreases more slowly than the harmonic series.
A computer sums $\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \left(\frac{5}{6}\right)^n$ to estimate a limit. Does the series converge or diverge?
Converges by the integral test
Diverges by the nth-term test
Diverges by comparison with a $p$-series
Converges as a geometric series
Diverges by the ratio test
Explanation
This problem involves classifying the geometric series $\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \left(\frac{5}{6}\right)^n$. A geometric series $\sum ar^n$ converges when $|r| < 1$ and diverges when $|r| \geq 1$. Here, the common ratio is $r = \frac{5}{6}$, and since $|\frac{5}{6}| = \frac{5}{6} < 1$, the series converges. The sum of this convergent geometric series is $\frac{a}{1-r} = \frac{5/6}{1-5/6} = \frac{5/6}{1/6} = 5$. The nth-term test (option A) only tells us when a series must diverge, not when it converges. For any series with constant ratio between consecutive terms, immediately recognize it as geometric and check if $|r| < 1$.
A sequence of updates is $\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{n!}{n^n}$. Does the series converge or diverge?
Diverges by the nth-term test
Converges by the integral test
Diverges by comparison with a geometric series
Diverges by comparison with a $p$-series
Converges by the ratio test
Explanation
This problem involves the series $\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{n!}{n^n}$, which requires the ratio test. Computing $\lim_{n\to\infty} \frac{a_{n+1}}{a_n} = \lim_{n\to\infty} \frac{(n+1)!/(n+1)^{n+1}}{n!/n^n} = \lim_{n\to\infty} \frac{(n+1) \cdot n^n}{(n+1)^{n+1}} = \lim_{n\to\infty} \frac{n^n}{(n+1)^n}$. This simplifies to $\lim_{n\to\infty} \left(\frac{n}{n+1}\right)^n = \lim_{n\to\infty} \left(1 - \frac{1}{n+1}\right)^n = \frac{1}{e} < 1$. Since the ratio test limit is less than 1, the series converges. The nth-term test (option A) would only check if terms go to zero, not prove convergence. For series involving factorials and exponentials, the ratio test is typically the most effective approach.