Determine whether the series converges absolutely or conditionally, or diverges. (-1)^ 20 00 n = 1

Advanced Engineering Mathematics
10th Edition
ISBN:9780470458365
Author:Erwin Kreyszig
Publisher:Erwin Kreyszig
Chapter2: Second-order Linear Odes
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1RQ
Question
**Problem Statement:**

Determine whether the series converges absolutely or conditionally, or diverges.

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

**Explanation:**

This is an alternating series where the general term is given by:

\[
a_n = \frac{(-1)^n}{2^n}
\]

To determine the convergence, we can use the Alternating Series Test. For a series \(\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} (-1)^n b_n\):

1. \(b_n\) must be positive.
2. \(b_n\) must be decreasing.
3. \(\lim_{n \to \infty} b_n = 0\).

In this case, \(b_n = \frac{1}{2^n}\), which is positive, decreasing, and approaches zero as \(n\) approaches infinity.

Additionally, to determine absolute convergence, we check the convergence of the series of absolute values:

\[
\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \left|\frac{(-1)^n}{2^n}\right| = \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{1}{2^n}
\]

This is a geometric series with a common ratio \(r = \frac{1}{2}\), which is less than 1. Geometric series converge if \(|r| < 1\). Therefore, the series converges absolutely.

**Conclusion:**

The series converges absolutely.
Transcribed Image Text:**Problem Statement:** Determine whether the series converges absolutely or conditionally, or diverges. \[ \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{(-1)^n}{2^n} \] **Explanation:** This is an alternating series where the general term is given by: \[ a_n = \frac{(-1)^n}{2^n} \] To determine the convergence, we can use the Alternating Series Test. For a series \(\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} (-1)^n b_n\): 1. \(b_n\) must be positive. 2. \(b_n\) must be decreasing. 3. \(\lim_{n \to \infty} b_n = 0\). In this case, \(b_n = \frac{1}{2^n}\), which is positive, decreasing, and approaches zero as \(n\) approaches infinity. Additionally, to determine absolute convergence, we check the convergence of the series of absolute values: \[ \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \left|\frac{(-1)^n}{2^n}\right| = \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{1}{2^n} \] This is a geometric series with a common ratio \(r = \frac{1}{2}\), which is less than 1. Geometric series converge if \(|r| < 1\). Therefore, the series converges absolutely. **Conclusion:** The series converges absolutely.
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