13. Determine whether ∞ Σ(-1)* k1/2 k=1 converges absolutely, converges conditionally, or diverges.

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### Problem 13

**Determine whether**

\[ \sum_{k=1}^{\infty} \frac{(-1)^k}{k^{\frac{1}{2}}} \]

**converges absolutely, converges conditionally, or diverges.**

---

### Explanation:

This problem requires analyzing the given infinite series to conclude if it converges either absolutely, conditionally, or diverges. Here’s a step-by-step approach to solving such problems:

1. **Absolute Convergence**:
   - Investigate the absolute value of the series: 
     \[ \sum_{k=1}^{\infty} \left|\frac{(-1)^k}{k^{\frac{1}{2}}}\right| = \sum_{k=1}^{\infty} \frac{1}{k^{\frac{1}{2}}} \]
   - This transforms the given series into a p-series. Recall that a p-series \(\sum_{k=1}^{\infty} \frac{1}{k^p}\) converges if and only if \(p > 1\). Here, \(p = \frac{1}{2}\), which is less than 1, so the series \(\sum_{k=1}^{\infty} \frac{1}{k^{\frac{1}{2}}}\) diverges. Therefore, the given series does not converge absolutely.

2. **Conditional Convergence**:
   - To determine conditional convergence, use the Alternating Series Test (Leibniz Test):
     - Confirm that the series is in alternating form and that \(a_k = \frac{1}{k^{\frac{1}{2}}}\) is positive, monotonic decreasing, and approaches zero as \(k\) approaches infinity.
     - As \(k\) increases, \(a_k = \frac{1}{k^{\frac{1}{2}}}\) decreases and \(\lim_{k \to \infty} \frac{1}{k^{\frac{1}{2}}} = 0\).

   Given that these criteria are satisfied, the series converges conditionally.

---

Thus, the series \(\sum_{k=1}^{\infty} \frac{(-1)^k}{k^{\frac{1}{2}}}\) **converges conditionally**.
Transcribed Image Text:--- ### Problem 13 **Determine whether** \[ \sum_{k=1}^{\infty} \frac{(-1)^k}{k^{\frac{1}{2}}} \] **converges absolutely, converges conditionally, or diverges.** --- ### Explanation: This problem requires analyzing the given infinite series to conclude if it converges either absolutely, conditionally, or diverges. Here’s a step-by-step approach to solving such problems: 1. **Absolute Convergence**: - Investigate the absolute value of the series: \[ \sum_{k=1}^{\infty} \left|\frac{(-1)^k}{k^{\frac{1}{2}}}\right| = \sum_{k=1}^{\infty} \frac{1}{k^{\frac{1}{2}}} \] - This transforms the given series into a p-series. Recall that a p-series \(\sum_{k=1}^{\infty} \frac{1}{k^p}\) converges if and only if \(p > 1\). Here, \(p = \frac{1}{2}\), which is less than 1, so the series \(\sum_{k=1}^{\infty} \frac{1}{k^{\frac{1}{2}}}\) diverges. Therefore, the given series does not converge absolutely. 2. **Conditional Convergence**: - To determine conditional convergence, use the Alternating Series Test (Leibniz Test): - Confirm that the series is in alternating form and that \(a_k = \frac{1}{k^{\frac{1}{2}}}\) is positive, monotonic decreasing, and approaches zero as \(k\) approaches infinity. - As \(k\) increases, \(a_k = \frac{1}{k^{\frac{1}{2}}}\) decreases and \(\lim_{k \to \infty} \frac{1}{k^{\frac{1}{2}}} = 0\). Given that these criteria are satisfied, the series converges conditionally. --- Thus, the series \(\sum_{k=1}^{\infty} \frac{(-1)^k}{k^{\frac{1}{2}}}\) **converges conditionally**.
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