sum_(n=1)^oo 1/n^3 Use the Integral Test to determine the convergence or divergence of the p-series.

Recall that the integral test is applicable if f is positive and decreasing function on the infinite interval [k, oo) where kgt= 1 and a_n=f(x) . Then the series sum_(n=1)^oo a_n converges if and only if the improper integral int_1^oo f(x) dx converges. If the integral diverges then the series also diverges.
For the given series sum_(n=1)^oo 1/n^3 , the a_n = 1/n^3 then applying a_n=f(x) , we consider:
f(x) = 1/x^3 .  The function is positive and as x at the denominator side gets larger, the function value decreases. Therefore, we may determine the convergence of the improper integral as:
int_1^oo 1/x^3 = lim_(t-gtoo)int_1^t 1/x^3 dx
Apply the Law of exponent: 1/x^m = x^(-m) .
lim_(t-gtoo)int_1^t 1/x^3 dx =lim_(t-gtoo)int_1^t x^(-3) dx
Apply Power rule for integration: int x^n dx = x^(n+1)/(n+1).
lim_(t-gtoo)int_1^t 1/x^3 dx =lim_(t-gtoo)[ x^(-3+1)/(-3+1)]|_1^t
                              =lim_(t-gtoo)[ x^(-2)/(-2)]|_1^t
                            =lim_(t-gtoo)[ -1/(2x^2)]|_1^t
Apply the definite integral formula: F(x)|_a^b = F(b)-F(a) .
lim_(t-gtoo)[ -1/(2x^2)]|_1^t=lim_(t-gtoo)[-1/(2*t^2) -(-1/(2*1^2))]
                             =lim_(t-gtoo)[ -1/(2t^2)-(-1/2)]
                            =lim_(t-gtoo)[-1/(2t^2)+1/2]
                            = 1/2 .
Note: lim_(t-gtoo) 1/2 =1/2 and lim_(t-gtoo)1/(2t^2) = 1/oo or 0
The integral int_1^oo 1/x^3   is convergent therefore the series sum_(n=1)^oo 1/n^3 must also be convergent. 

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

In “Fahrenheit 451,” what does Faber mean by “Those who don’t build must burn. It’s as old as history and juvenile delinquents”?

Single Variable Calculus, Chapter 3, 3.6, Section 3.6, Problem 34

What was the effect of World War II on African Americans?