Ratio Test for Convergence

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AP Calculus BC › Ratio Test for Convergence

Questions 1 - 10
1

A series for an algorithm’s error is $\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{n}{2^n}$; decide convergence using the ratio test.

Converges because $\lim_{n\to\infty}\left|\frac{a_{n+1}}{a_n}\right|=\frac{1}{2}<1$.

Converges because $\lim_{n\to\infty}\left|\frac{a_{n+1}}{a_n}\right|=0$.

Diverges because $\lim_{n\to\infty}\left|\frac{a_{n+1}}{a_n}\right|=2$.

Inconclusive because $\lim_{n\to\infty}\left|\frac{a_{n+1}}{a_n}\right|=1$.

Diverges because $\lim_{n\to\infty}\left|\frac{a_{n+1}}{a_n}\right|=\frac{1}{2}<1$.

Explanation

The ratio test is a key method for determining the convergence of infinite series, particularly those involving linear terms over exponentials. To apply it here, compute the limit of the absolute value of the ratio of consecutive terms: for a_n = n / $2^n$, the ratio $|a_{n+1}$/a_n| = ((n+1)/n) / 2. As n approaches infinity, this limit is 1/2, which is less than 1. Therefore, the ratio test indicates that the series converges. A tempting distractor might be choice A, which claims divergence with limit 2, but this misapplies the ratio by inverting it. Always remember that in the ratio test, for series like geometric with polynomial adjustments, a limit less than 1 ensures convergence.

2

Apply the ratio test to decide the behavior of $\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{n!}{5^n}$.

Inconclusive because $\lim \left|\frac{a_{n+1}}{a_n}\right|=1$.

Diverges because $\lim \left|\frac{a_{n+1}}{a_n}\right|=\frac{1}{5}<1$.

Diverges because $\lim \left|\frac{a_{n+1}}{a_n}\right|=\infty>1$.

Converges because $\lim \left|\frac{a_{n+1}}{a_n}\right|=0<1$.

Converges because $\lim \left|\frac{a_{n+1}}{a_n}\right|=\frac{1}{5}<1$.

Explanation

This problem requires applying the ratio test to determine series convergence. For $\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{n!}{5^n}$, we calculate $\left|\frac{a_{n+1}}{a_n}\right| = \frac{(n+1)!/5^{n+1}}{n!/5^n} = \frac{(n+1)! cdot 5^n}{n! cdot 5^{n+1}} = \frac{n+1}{5}$. As $n \to \infty$, this ratio approaches $\infty$, which is greater than 1, so the series diverges. Choice A incorrectly suggests the limit is $\frac{1}{5}$, likely by mishandling the factorial terms. The key insight is that factorial growth in the numerator eventually overwhelms any exponential base in the denominator.

3

Use the ratio test to determine whether $\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{n}{2^n}$ converges or diverges.​

Converges because $\lim \left|\frac{a_{n+1}}{a_n}\right|=\frac{1}{2}<1$.

Diverges because $\lim \left|\frac{a_{n+1}}{a_n}\right|=\frac{1}{2}<1$.

Inconclusive because $\lim \left|\frac{a_{n+1}}{a_n}\right|=1$.

Diverges because $\lim \left|\frac{a_{n+1}}{a_n}\right|=2>1$.

Converges because $\lim \left|\frac{a_{n+1}}{a_n}\right|=0<1$.

Explanation

This problem requires applying the ratio test to a series with linear and exponential terms. For $\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{n}{2^n}$, we compute $\left|\frac{a_{n+1}}{a_n}\right| = \frac{(n+1)/2^{n+1}}{n/2^n} = \frac{n+1}{2n} = \frac{1}{2} \cdot \frac{n+1}{n}$. As $n \to \infty$, this approaches $\frac{1}{2} \cdot 1 = \frac{1}{2} < 1$, so the series converges. Choice A incorrectly claims the limit is 2, likely by mishandling the exponential terms. The exponential denominator with base 2 grows fast enough to overcome linear growth in the numerator.

4

Use the ratio test to determine convergence of $\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{n^4}{n!}$.​

Inconclusive because $\lim \left|\frac{a_{n+1}}{a_n}\right|=1$.

Diverges because $\lim \left|\frac{a_{n+1}}{a_n}\right|=\infty>1$.

Converges because $\lim \left|\frac{a_{n+1}}{a_n}\right|=\infty>1$.

Diverges because $\lim \left|\frac{a_{n+1}}{a_n}\right|=0<1$.

Converges because $\lim \left|\frac{a_{n+1}}{a_n}\right|=0<1$.

Explanation

This problem requires applying the ratio test to a series with polynomial numerator and factorial denominator. For $\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{n^4}{n!}$, we calculate $\left|\frac{a_{n+1}}{a_n}\right| = \frac{(n+1)^4/(n+1)!}{n^4/n!} = \frac{(n+1)^4 \cdot n!}{n^4 \cdot(n+1)!} = \frac{(n+1)^4}{n^4(n+1)} = \frac{(n+1)^3}{n^4} = \frac{1}{n} \cdot \left(\frac{n+1}{n}\right)^3$. As $n \to \infty$, this approaches $0 < 1$, so the series converges. Choice B incorrectly suggests the limit is infinity and divergence, missing that factorial growth dominates polynomial growth. Factorials in denominators almost always lead to convergence.

5

Apply the ratio test to $\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{5^n}{n^5}$ and select the correct conclusion.

Converges because $\lim \left|\frac{a_{n+1}}{a_n}\right|=0<1$.

Inconclusive because $\lim \left|\frac{a_{n+1}}{a_n}\right|=1$.

Diverges because $\lim \left|\frac{a_{n+1}}{a_n}\right|=5>1$.

Converges because $\lim \left|\frac{a_{n+1}}{a_n}\right|=\frac{1}{5}<1$.

Diverges because $\lim \left|\frac{a_{n+1}}{a_n}\right|=\frac{1}{5}<1$.

Explanation

This problem involves applying the ratio test to a series with exponential numerator and polynomial denominator. For $\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{5^n}{n^5}$, we calculate $\left|\frac{a_{n+1}}{a_n}\right| = \frac{5^{n+1}/(n+1)^5}{5^n/n^5} = 5 \cdot \left(\frac{n}{n+1}\right)^5$. As $n \to \infty$, this becomes $5 \cdot 1^5 = 5 > 1$, so the series diverges. Choice D incorrectly suggests the limit is $\frac{1}{5}$ and convergence, missing that exponential growth with base 5 dominates fifth-degree polynomial growth. When the base of an exponential exceeds 1, it will eventually overpower any polynomial denominator.

6

Use the ratio test to analyze $\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{7^n}{(2n)!}$ for convergence.

Diverges because the ratio-test limit is $7>1$

Diverges because the ratio-test limit is $\tfrac{1}{7}>1$

Converges absolutely because the ratio-test limit is $0<1$

Inconclusive because the ratio-test limit is $1$

Converges absolutely because the ratio-test limit is $\tfrac{1}{7}<1$

Explanation

This problem involves ratio test with factorial denominators. For $\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{7^n}{(2n)!}$, we find $\lim_{n \to \infty} \left|\frac{a_{n+1}}{a_n}\right| = \lim_{n \to \infty} \frac{7^{n+1}/(2n+2)!}{7^n/(2n)!} = \lim_{n \to \infty} \frac{7}{(2n+2)(2n+1)} = 0$. Since the limit is 0 (less than 1), the series converges absolutely by the ratio test. Choice A incorrectly claims the limit is 7, missing that $(2n+2)! = (2n+2)(2n+1)(2n)!$ creates quadratic growth in the denominator. Double factorial $(2n)!$ grows much faster than single factorial $n!$, dominating any exponential numerator.

7

Using the ratio test, determine convergence of $\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{(-1)^n n^2}{6^n}$.

Inconclusive because $\lim \left|\frac{a_{n+1}}{a_n}\right|=1$.

Converges because $\lim \left|\frac{a_{n+1}}{a_n}\right|=\frac{1}{6}<1$.

Diverges because $\lim \left|\frac{a_{n+1}}{a_n}\right|=\frac{1}{6}<1$.

Diverges because $\lim \left|\frac{a_{n+1}}{a_n}\right|=6>1$.

Converges because $\lim \left|\frac{a_{n+1}}{a_n}\right|=1$.

Explanation

This question tests the ratio test on an alternating series with polynomial and exponential terms. For $\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{(-1)^n n^2}{6^n}$, we apply the ratio test to the absolute values: $\left|\frac{a_{n+1}}{a_n}\right| = \frac{(n+1)^2/6^{n+1}}{n^2/6^n} = \frac{(n+1)^2}{6n^2} = \frac{1}{6} \cdot \left(\frac{n+1}{n}\right)^2$. Taking the limit: $\lim_{n \to \infty} \frac{1}{6} \cdot 1^2 = \frac{1}{6} < 1$, so the series converges absolutely. Choice B incorrectly states the limit is 6, inverting the result. The alternating sign doesn't affect the ratio test calculation when we use absolute values.

8

For $\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{n!}{n^n}$, use the ratio test to determine whether it converges.

Inconclusive because $\lim_{n\to\infty}\left|\frac{a_{n+1}}{a_n}\right|=e$.

Converges because $\lim_{n\to\infty}\left|\frac{a_{n+1}}{a_n}\right|=1$.

Diverges because $\lim_{n\to\infty}\left|\frac{a_{n+1}}{a_n}\right|=\frac{1}{e}<1$.

Diverges because $\lim_{n\to\infty}\left|\frac{a_{n+1}}{a_n}\right|=1$.

Converges because $\lim_{n\to\infty}\left|\frac{a_{n+1}}{a_n}\right|=\frac{1}{e}<1$.

Explanation

The ratio test is a key method for determining the convergence of infinite series, particularly those involving factorials and exponential-like terms. To apply it here, compute the limit of the absolute value of the ratio of consecutive terms: for a_n = n! / $n^n$, the ratio $|a_{n+1}$/a_n| = $(n/(n+1))^n$. As n approaches infinity, this limit is 1/e, which is less than 1. Therefore, the ratio test indicates that the series converges. A tempting distractor might be choice A, which claims divergence with limit 1, but this overlooks the precise limit involving e. Always remember that in the ratio test, recognizing limits like 1/e can confirm convergence for series balancing factorials and powers.

9

A damping series is $\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{(-2)^n}{n!}$; apply the ratio test to decide convergence.

Diverges because $\lim_{n\to\infty}\left|\frac{a_{n+1}}{a_n}\right|=2>1$.

Converges because $\lim_{n\to\infty}\left|\frac{a_{n+1}}{a_n}\right|=0<1$.

Converges because $\lim_{n\to\infty}\left|\frac{a_{n+1}}{a_n}\right|=\infty$.

Diverges because $\lim_{n\to\infty}\left|\frac{a_{n+1}}{a_n}\right|=0<1$.

Inconclusive because $\lim_{n\to\infty}\left|\frac{a_{n+1}}{a_n}\right|=1$.

Explanation

The ratio test is a key method for determining the convergence of infinite series, particularly those involving factorials or exponentials, even with alternating signs since we use absolute values. To apply it here, compute the limit of the absolute value of the ratio of consecutive terms: for a_n = $(-2)^n$ / n!, the ratio $|a_{n+1}$/a_n| = 2/(n+1). As n approaches infinity, this limit is 0, which is less than 1. Therefore, the ratio test indicates that the series converges absolutely. A tempting distractor might be choice A, which claims divergence with limit 2 > 1, but this neglects the factorial's growth. Always remember that in the ratio test, a limit of 0 strongly suggests convergence, especially for exponential series with factorial denominators.

10

In a finance model, $\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{(n+2)2^n}{n!}$ appears; use the ratio test for convergence.

Converges because $\lim_{n\to\infty}\left|\frac{a_{n+1}}{a_n}\right|=\infty$.

Diverges because $\lim_{n\to\infty}\left|\frac{a_{n+1}}{a_n}\right|=0<1$.

Converges because $\lim_{n\to\infty}\left|\frac{a_{n+1}}{a_n}\right|=0<1$.

Diverges because $\lim_{n\to\infty}\left|\frac{a_{n+1}}{a_n}\right|=2>1$.

Inconclusive because $\lim_{n\to\infty}\left|\frac{a_{n+1}}{a_n}\right|=1$.

Explanation

The ratio test is a key method for determining the convergence of infinite series, particularly those involving factorials and polynomials. To apply it here, compute the limit of the absolute value of the ratio of consecutive terms: for a_n = (n+2) $2^n$ / n!, the ratio $|a_{n+1}$/a_n| = 2 (n+3) / ((n+1)(n+2)). As n approaches infinity, this limit is 0, which is less than 1. Therefore, the ratio test indicates that the series converges. A tempting distractor might be choice B, which claims divergence with limit 2 > 1, but this ignores the factorial's overpowering effect. Always remember that in the ratio test, when polynomials are multiplied by exponentials over factorials, the limit often approaches 0, confirming convergence.

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