Wednesday, June 15, 2016

calculus - How can a sum converge if it has a singularity?



Problem 32 on page 630 in Larson Calculus 9e.




In Exercies 29-36, test for convergence or divergence, using each test at least one. Identify which test was used.

$$32. \sum \limits_{n=2}^{\infty} \dfrac{1}{n^3-8} $$




when $n=2$ $a_2 = \frac{1}{2^3-8} = \frac{1}{0}$ Uh, not possible to divide by zero.



I know it converges for $\sum \limits_{n=3}^{\infty} \dfrac{1}{n^3-8} = -\dfrac{1}{3}$



But what is *Undefined*$+-\frac{1}{3} = $ ????



From the comments, it is very likely a typo.




Thus, I will present some problems for more clearity.



$$ \sum \limits_{n=0}^{\infty} \dfrac{1}{n^3-8} = -\dfrac{1}{3}$$ Will not converge because at $n = 2$ there is singularity?



Aka, No series can converge if there exist a singularity?


Answer



In this case, as many pointed out, it seems like a typo.



Regarding:





Thus, I will present some problems for more clearity.



$$ \sum \limits_{n=0}^{\infty} \dfrac{1}{n^3-8} = -\dfrac{1}{3}$$ Will not converge because at $n = 2$ there is singularity?



Aka, No series can converge if there exist a singularity?




Notice that




$$ \sum \limits_{n=0}^{\infty} \dfrac{1}{n^3-8} = -\dfrac{1}{3}$$



is just a (no sense) formula, so it cannot converge or diverge.



The question




Does




$$\sum_{k=0}^\infty a_k$$



converge?




It's a shorthand for




Does the sequence




$$\left(\sum_{k=0}^n a_k\right)_{n\in\Bbb N}$$



converge?




In this case



$$\left(\sum_{k=0}^n \frac1{k^3-8}\right)_{n\in\Bbb N}$$



doesn't even makes sense, you have already noted why, so it can't converge nor diverge.



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