Calculus 2 : Ratio Test

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for Calculus 2

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Example Questions

Example Question #11 : Convergence And Divergence

Let the series with determine whether the series is convergent or divergent using the ratio test.

Possible Answers:

The series is divergent.

The series is convergent.

We cant use the ratio test for this type of series.

We can't conclude when using the ratio test.

Correct answer:

We can't conclude when using the ratio test.

Explanation:

Note that the series is alternating. To be able to use the ratio test, we will have to compute the ratio:

Now we need to see that :

.

Since  we can't conclude by using the ratio test. We will have to call upon another test to show that the series is convergent.

 

Example Question #12 : Convergence And Divergence

Determine if the statement is true or false.

Assume that the series has positive terms. Furthermore suppose that

, then all the series of the form are divergent.

Possible Answers:

The statement above is false.

The series is convergent if it is positive.

We can't conclude in general.

There is only one series that satisfies that.

The series is divergent.

Correct answer:

The statement above is false.

Explanation:

To show that the statement above is false, we will consider the following example.

consider the series  where is given by:

 clearly the series has positive terms. Furthermore, we have

, meaning the series can be either convergent or divergent.

However, the series : is convergent (use for example the integral test to see that it is convergent).

Therefore, the original statement is false.

Example Question #11 : Convergence And Divergence

We consider the series,

.

 Using the ratio test, what can we conclude about the nature of convergence of this series?

Possible Answers:

We will need to know the values of  to decide.

The series is convergent.

The series is divergent.

We can't use the ratio test here.

The series converges to .

Correct answer:

The series is convergent.

Explanation:

Note that the series is positive.

As it is required we will use the ratio test to check for the nature of the series. 

We have .

 

Therefore, 

 

 if L>1 the series diverges, if L<1 the series converges absolutely, and if L=1 the series may either converge or diverge.

Since the ratio test concludes that the series converges absolutely.

 

 

Example Question #14 : Convergence And Divergence

Use the ratio test to find out if the following series is convergent:

Note: 

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Determine the convergence of the series based on the limits.

Solution:

1. Ignore constants and simplify the equation (canceling out what you can).

2. Once the equation is simplified, take .

Example Question #15 : Convergence And Divergence

Use the ratio test to find out if the following series is convergent:

Note: 

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Determine the convergence of the series based on the limits.

Solution:

1. Ignore constants and simplify the equation (canceling out what you can).

2. Once the equation is simplified, take 

Example Question #16 : Convergence And Divergence

Use the ratio test to find out if the following series is convergent:

Note: 

Possible Answers:

 

Correct answer:

 

Explanation:

Determine the convergence of the series based on the limits.

Solution:

1. Ignore constants and simplify the equation (canceling out what you can).

2. Once the equation is simplified, take .

 

  

Example Question #17 : Convergence And Divergence

Use the ratio test to find out if the following series is convergent:

Note: 

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Determine the convergence of the series based on the limits.

Solution:

1. Ignore constants and simplify the equation (canceling out what you can).

2. Once the equation is simplified, take .

 

Example Question #11 : Ratio Test

Use the ratio test to find out if the following series is convergent:

Note: 

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Determine the convergence of the series based on the limits.

Solution:

1. Ignore constants and simplify the equation (canceling out what you can).

2. Once the equation is simplified, take .

Example Question #11 : Ratio Test

Use the ratio test to find out if the following series is convergent:

Note: 

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Determine the convergence of the series based on the limits.

Solution:

1. Ignore constants and simplify the equation (canceling out what you can).

2. Once the equation is simplified, take .

   

Example Question #20 : Convergence And Divergence

Use the ratio test to find out if the following series is convergent:

Note: 

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Determine the convergence of the series based on the limits.

Solution:

1. Ignore constants and simplify the equation (canceling out what you can).

2. Once the equation is simplified, take .

 

   

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