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Multiple Choice
Use the Limit Comparison Test to determine if the following series converges.
A
Converges because and for ,
B
Diverges because L=1>0 and for bn, p=2>1
C
Converges because and for bn, p=2>1
D
Diverges because and for bn,
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Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Recall the Limit Comparison Test. This test states that for two series ∑a_n and ∑b_n with positive terms, if lim (n → ∞) (a_n / b_n) = L, where L is a positive finite number, then both series either converge or diverge together.
Step 2: Identify the given series a_n = 1 / (2n^2 - n cos(nπ)). Notice that the dominant term in the denominator as n becomes large is 2n^2. This suggests that we compare the given series with b_n = 1 / (2n^2), which simplifies to b_n = 1 / n^2.
Step 3: Compute the limit of the ratio a_n / b_n as n approaches infinity. Substitute a_n and b_n into the ratio: (a_n / b_n) = (1 / (2n^2 - n cos(nπ))) / (1 / n^2). Simplify this expression to get (a_n / b_n) = n^2 / (2n^2 - n cos(nπ)).
Step 4: Evaluate the limit lim (n → ∞) (n^2 / (2n^2 - n cos(nπ))). Factor n^2 out of the denominator: lim (n → ∞) (n^2 / (n^2(2 - cos(nπ) / n))). Simplify further to get lim (n → ∞) (1 / (2 - cos(nπ) / n)). As n → ∞, cos(nπ) / n → 0, so the limit becomes 1 / 2.
Step 5: Since the limit L = 1/2 > 0 and b_n = 1 / n^2 is a p-series with p = 2 > 1 (which converges), the given series ∑a_n also converges by the Limit Comparison Test.