Sunday, September 22, 2019

sum_(n=1)^oo n/(n^4+1) Confirm that the Integral Test can be applied to the series. Then use the Integral Test to determine the convergence or divergence of the series.

sum_(n=1)^oon/(n^4+1)
The integral test is applicable if f is positive, continuous and decreasing function on infinite interval [k,oo) where k>=1 and a_n=f(x) . Then the series sum_(n=1)^ooa_n  converges or diverges if and only if the improper integral int_1^oof(x)dx converges or diverges.
For the given series a_n=n/(n^4+1)
Consider f(x)=x/(x^4+1)
Refer to the attached graph of the function. From the graph we can observe that the function is positive , continuous and decreasing on the interval [1,oo)
We can determine whether function is decreasing, also ,by finding the derivative f'(x) such that f'(x)<0 for x>=1 .
We can apply integral test , since the function satisfies the conditions for the integral test.
Now let's determine whether the corresponding improper integral int_1^oox/(x^4+1)dx converges or diverges.
int_1^oox/(x^4+1)dx=lim_(b->oo)int_1^bx/(x^4+1)dx
Let's first evaluate the indefinite integral intx/(x^4+1)dx
Apply integral substitution:u=x^2
=>du=2xdx
intx/(x^4+1)dx=int1/(u^2+1)(du)/2
Take the constant out and use common integral:int1/(x^2+1)dx=arctan(x)+C
=1/2arctan(u)+C
Substitute back u=x^2
=1/2arctan(x^2)+C
int_1^oox/(x^4+1)dx=lim_(b->oo)[1/2arctan(x^2)]_1^b
=lim_(b->oo)[1/2arctan(b^2)]-[1/2arctan(1^2)]
=lim_(b->oo)[1/2arctan(b^2)]-[1/2arctan(1)]
=lim_(b->oo)[1/2arctan(b^2)]-[1/2(pi/4)]
=lim_(b->oo)[1/2arctan(b^2)]-pi/8
=1/2lim_(b->oo)arctan(b^2)-pi/8
Now lim_(b->oo)(b^2)=oo
=1/2(pi/2)-pi/8 [by applying the common limit:lim_(u->oo)arctan(u)=pi/2 ]
=pi/4-pi/8 
=pi/8
Since the integral int_1^oox/(x^4+1)dx converges, we conclude from the integral test that the series converges.

No comments:

Post a Comment

Why is the fact that the Americans are helping the Russians important?

In the late author Tom Clancy’s first novel, The Hunt for Red October, the assistance rendered to the Russians by the United States is impor...