206k views
5 votes
Determine whether the series converges, and if so find its sum.

[infinity]∑ₖ₌₁ = 1/9k² + 3k - 2

1 Answer

6 votes

The series comparison test or the integral test, we can conclude that the series [infinity]∑ₖ₌₁ = 1/9k² + 3k - 2

The series you provided can be analyzed for convergence using different methods. Here are two approaches:

1. Series Comparison Test:

Find a comparison series. We can compare the given series with the harmonic series, which is known to diverge:

∑[infinity]ₖ₌₁ 1/k

Compare terms. For each term of the given series, we can find a corresponding term in the harmonic series that is greater or equal. In this case:

1/9k² + 3k - 2 ≥ 1/k

This is because 1/9k² and -2 are negligible for large values of k, and 3k dominates the inequality.

Conclusion. Since the given series has terms that are greater or equal to the terms of a divergent series, it must also diverge.

2. Integral Test:

Find the corresponding indefinite integral. For the given series, the term is:

f(k) = 1/9k² + 3k - 2

Taking the indefinite integral:

∫f(k) dk = -k/9 + 3k²/2 - 2k + C

Evaluate the limit as k approaches infinity.

lim_[k→∞] ∫f(k) dk = ∞

Conclusion. Since the integral diverges, the series must also diverge.

Therefore, using either the series comparison test or the integral test, we can conclude that the series:

[infinity]∑ₖ₌₁ = 1/9k² + 3k - 2

User Ihsaan
by
8.8k points