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Multiple Choice
Determine whether the given series are convergent using the Ratio Test.
A
Converges since
B
Diverges since
C
Inconclusive since
D
Converges since
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Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Recall the Ratio Test. The Ratio Test states that for a series \( \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} a_n \), we calculate the limit \( L = \lim_{n \to \infty} \frac{|a_{n+1}|}{|a_n|} \). If \( L < 1 \), the series converges absolutely. If \( L > 1 \) or \( L = \infty \), the series diverges. If \( L = 1 \), the test is inconclusive.
Step 2: Identify the general term \( a_n \) of the series. Here, \( a_n = \frac{n!}{3^n} \).
Step 3: Compute the ratio \( \frac{|a_{n+1}|}{|a_n|} \). Substitute \( a_{n+1} = \frac{(n+1)!}{3^{n+1}} \) and \( a_n = \frac{n!}{3^n} \) into the ratio: \[ \frac{|a_{n+1}|}{|a_n|} = \frac{\frac{(n+1)!}{3^{n+1}}}{\frac{n!}{3^n}}. \]
Step 4: Simplify the ratio. Using the factorial property \( (n+1)! = (n+1) \cdot n! \), the ratio becomes: \[ \frac{|a_{n+1}|}{|a_n|} = \frac{(n+1) \cdot n!}{3^{n+1}} \cdot \frac{3^n}{n!} = \frac{n+1}{3}. \]
Step 5: Take the limit as \( n \to \infty \). The ratio \( \frac{n+1}{3} \) grows without bound as \( n \to \infty \), so \( L = \infty \). Since \( L > 1 \), the series diverges by the Ratio Test.