Behavior of the Sequence of Partial Sums

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 147 views

Convergence of Sequences and Series: A Comprehensive Analysis

In mathematics, sequences and series are fundamental concepts that have numerous applications in various fields, including calculus, algebra, and analysis. A sequence is a function whose domain is a set of positive integers, while a series is the sum of the terms of a sequence. Understanding the convergence of sequences and series is crucial in mathematics, as it helps us determine whether a sequence or series approaches a finite limit or diverges to infinity. In this article, we will explore the convergence of sequences and series, focusing on the given sequence $a_n = \frac{6n}{3-4n}$ .

A sequence $\{a_n\}$ is said to converge to a limit $L$ if for every positive real number $\epsilon$ , there exists a positive integer $N$ such that for all $n > N$ , $|a_n - L| < \epsilon$ . In other words, the sequence converges to $L$ if the terms of the sequence get arbitrarily close to $L$ as $n$ increases.

To determine whether the given sequence $a_n = \frac{6n}{3-4n}$ converges, we need to analyze its behavior as $n$ approaches infinity. We can start by simplifying the expression for $a_n$ .

Simplifying the Sequence

We can rewrite the sequence as follows:

a_n = \frac{6n}{3-4n} = \frac{6n}{3(1-\frac{4}{3}n)} = \frac{2n}{1-\frac{4}{3}n}

Now, we can analyze the behavior of the sequence as $n$ approaches infinity.

Behavior of the Sequence

As $n$ approaches infinity, the term $\frac{4}{3}n$ approaches infinity, and the term $1-\frac{4}{3}n$ approaches $-\infty$ . Therefore, the sequence $a_n = \frac{2n}{1-\frac{4}{3}n}$ approaches $\infty$ as $n$ approaches infinity.

Based on our analysis, we can conclude that the sequence $a_n = \frac{6n}{3-4n}$ diverges to infinity as $n$ approaches infinity.

A series $\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} a_n$ is said to converge if the sequence of partial sums $\{S_n\}$ converges, where $S_n = \sum_{k=1}^{n} a_k$ . In other words, the series converges if the sum of the terms of the sequence gets arbitrarily close to a finite limit as $n$ increases.

To determine whether the given series converges, we need to analyze the behavior of the sequence of partial sums.

Sequence of Partial Sums

The sequence of partial sums is given by:

S_n = \sum_{k=1}^{n} a_k = \sum_{k=1}^{n} \frac{6k}{3-4k}

We can rewrite the sequence of partial sums as follows:

S_n = \sum_{k=1}^{n} \frac{6k}{3-4k} = \sum_{k=1}^{n} \frac{2k}{1-\frac{4}{3}k}

Now, we can analyze the behavior of the sequence of partial sums as $n$ approaches infinity.

Behavior of the Sequence of Partial Sums

As $n$ approaches infinity, the term $\frac{4}{3}n$ approaches infinity, and the term $1-\frac{4}{3}n$ approaches $-\infty$ . Therefore, the sequence of partial sums $S_n = \sum_{k=1}^{n} \frac{2k}{1-\frac{4}{3}k}$ approaches $\infty$ as $n$ approaches infinity.

Based on our analysis, we can conclude that the series $\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} a_n$ diverges to infinity as $n$ approaches infinity.

In conclusion, we have analyzed the convergence of the sequence $a_n = \frac{6n}{3-4n}$ and the series $\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} a_n$ . Based on our analysis, we can conclude that both the sequence and the series diverge to infinity as $n$ approaches infinity.

The final answer is: Diverges to infinity

The given sequence and series are examples of divergent sequences and series. In general, a sequence or series may converge to a finite limit or diverge to infinity. Understanding the convergence of sequences and series is crucial in mathematics, as it helps us determine whether a sequence or series approaches a finite limit or diverges to infinity.
Convergence of Sequences and Series: A Comprehensive Q&A Guide

In our previous article, we explored the convergence of sequences and series, focusing on the given sequence $a_n = \frac{6n}{3-4n}$ . In this article, we will provide a comprehensive Q&A guide to help you understand the convergence of sequences and series.

Q: What is the difference between a sequence and a series?

A: A sequence is a function whose domain is a set of positive integers, while a series is the sum of the terms of a sequence.

Q: What is convergence in the context of sequences and series?

A: Convergence in the context of sequences and series refers to the behavior of the sequence or series as the index (n) approaches infinity. A sequence or series is said to converge if it approaches a finite limit, and diverge if it approaches infinity.

Q: How do I determine whether a sequence or series converges?

A: To determine whether a sequence or series converges, you need to analyze its behavior as the index (n) approaches infinity. You can use various techniques, such as:

Simplifying the expression for the sequence or series
Analyzing the behavior of the terms as n approaches infinity
Using convergence tests, such as the ratio test or the root test

Q: What are some common convergence tests?

A: Some common convergence tests include:

Ratio test: This test involves finding the limit of the ratio of consecutive terms.
Root test: This test involves finding the limit of the nth root of the terms.
Integral test: This test involves finding the limit of the integral of the terms.

Q: What is the difference between a convergent and a divergent sequence or series?

A: A convergent sequence or series approaches a finite limit as the index (n) approaches infinity, while a divergent sequence or series approaches infinity.

Q: Can a sequence or series be both convergent and divergent?

A: No, a sequence or series cannot be both convergent and divergent. If a sequence or series converges, it approaches a finite limit, and if it diverges, it approaches infinity.

Q: How do I determine whether a sequence or series is convergent or divergent?

A: To determine whether a sequence or series is convergent or divergent, you need to analyze its behavior as the index (n) approaches infinity. You can use various techniques, such as:

Simplifying the expression for the sequence or series
Analyzing the behavior of the terms as n approaches infinity
Using convergence tests, such as the ratio test or the root test

Q: What are some common examples of convergent and divergent sequences and series?

A: Some common examples of convergent sequences and series include:

The sequence $a_n = \frac{1}{n}$ , which converges to 0
The series $\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{1}{n^2}$ , which converges to a finite limit
The sequence $a_n = n$ , which diverges to infinity
The series $\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} n$ , which diverges to infinity

In conclusion, we have provided a comprehensive Q&A guide to help you understand the convergence of sequences and series. We hope this guide has been helpful in answering your questions and providing a deeper understanding of the subject.

The final answer is: Convergence of sequences and series is a crucial concept in mathematics, and understanding it is essential for solving problems in calculus, algebra, and analysis.

The convergence of sequences and series is a fundamental concept in mathematics, and it has numerous applications in various fields, including calculus, algebra, and analysis. Understanding the convergence of sequences and series is essential for solving problems in these fields, and it requires a deep understanding of the subject.