Calculus 2 : Convergence and Divergence

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for Calculus 2

varsity tutors app store varsity tutors android store

Example Questions

Example Question #41 : Series In Calculus

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

Possible Answers:

We can't conclude when using the ratio test.

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

The series is divergent.

The series is convergent.

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 : Ratio Test

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:

We can't conclude in general.

The series is divergent.

The series is convergent if it is positive.

There is only one series that satisfies that.

The statement above is false.

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 : Ratio Test

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.

We can't use the ratio test here.

The series is divergent.

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 #13 : 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 #14 : 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 #16 : 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 #17 : 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 #18 : 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 #19 : 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 .

 

   

Learning Tools by Varsity Tutors