Questions tagged [sequences-and-series]

For questions concerning sequences and series. Typical questions concern, but are not limited to: identifying sequences, identifying terms, recurrence relations, $\epsilon-N$ proofs of convergence, convergence tests, finding closed forms for sums. For questions on finite sums, use the (summation) tag instead.

Sequences and series are often considered as a main part of part of calculus, in addition to limits, continuity, differentiation and integration.

A sequence is an enumerated collection of objects in which repetitions are allowed. There are special types of sequences, such as arithmetic sequences (or arithmetic progressions), where the next term is a constant more than the previous; harmonic progressions, which is formed by taking the reciprocal of each term of an arithmetic progression; logarithmic progression, which is formed from a series whose progression getting smaller; and geometric progressions, where the next term is a constant multiplied by the previous term.

A sequence can be given by a direct formula (e.g. $a_n = 2^n + 3$), or by a recurrence relation. In a recurrence relation, the relation between the next term and the earlier terms is given. An example is the recurrence relation $F_{n+2}=F_{n+1}+F_n, n \geq 0.$ Together with the initial terms $F_0=0$ and $F_1=1$, this recurrence relation defines the famous Fibonacci sequence.

A series is formed by summing a sequence. A typical question is: When the number of summed terms goes to infinity, does the sum approach a finite limit? In other words, is it convergent? Several tests, such as the ratio test, the root test, the limit comparison test, the integral test, etc. can help to answer these questions.

Important note. Questions about guessing the next number in a sequence, with no explicit mathematical context, will usually be quickly closed. Consider posting these questions at Puzzling Stack Exchange instead.

65378 questions
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What is the difference between two statements of $\varepsilon-N$ definition?

Here is a homework question, TRUE/FALSE: $$\lim_{n\to\infty}a_n=a\Longleftrightarrow$$ $\forall\varepsilon>0,\ \exists N\in\mathbb{Z^+},\ \text{whenever}\ n>N\Rightarrow|a_n-a|<\varepsilon$. Answer: TRUE $\exists…
zhaoyin
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Finding the sum of a conditionally convergent double series

I am interested in the double series $$\sum_{m=1}^{\infty}\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}\frac{(-1)^{m+n}mn}{(m+n)^2}.$$ I believe that this series is not absolutely convergent but converges by rows or…
RRL
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Series; Dyadic Test

Find the range of p for which the series $\sum_{n=2}^{\infty} \frac{1}{n (\ln n)^p}$ is convergent. I want to use dyadic test rather than integral test. Anyone can help?
Steve
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showing that the sequence $a_n=1+\frac{1}{2}+...+\frac{1}{n} - \log(n)$ converges

Hi there I'm trying to solve an exercise which is part of my homework and I would really appreciate a hint how to solve it. Given the sequence $a_n=1+\frac{1}{2}+...+\frac{1}{n} - \log(n)$ it asks me to prove that it is convergent and to prove that…
thomas
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value of $\delta$ for which the sequence converges

A sequence $a_n$ is defined by $a_1=1$ and the induction formula $a_{n+1}=\sqrt{1+{a_n}^{\delta}}$ where $\delta \gt 0$ and is a real number. What is the condition on $\delta$ for which the sequence converges? If the sequence converges then suppose…
tattwamasi amrutam
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Prove the following expansion.

Prove that $${e^{-1} =2(\frac{1}{3!} + \frac{2}{5!} + \frac{3}{7!} + \frac{4}{9!} ....)}$$. I am unable to solve it. I know I have to solve it using expansion of ${e^x}$.But I am unable to understand the algebraic manipulation that I have to…
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Formula for the following sum?

I simply wonder if it exists a formula for the sum $S_n = \sum_{k=1}^{n} k^k$ ? If it does, then what is it? If not, how do we know that?
user117449
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How find the $a_{10}+a_{2014}$ if $a_{n+1}=\frac{8}{5}a_{n}+\frac{6}{5}\sqrt{4^n-a^2_{n}}$

The sequence $\{a_{n}\}$ satisfies $a_{0}=1$,and $$a_{n+1}=\dfrac{8}{5}a_{n}+\dfrac{6}{5}\sqrt{4^n-a^2_{n}},n\ge 0$$ Find the $a_{10}+a_{2014}$. My idea: since $$5a_{n+1}-8a_{n}=6\sqrt{4^n-a^2_{n}},n\ge…
math110
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What is the sum of $\sum\limits_{n = 1}^\infty {\arctan \dfrac{2}{{{n^2}}}}$ and why?

The series $$\sum\limits_{n = 1}^\infty {\arctan \dfrac{2}{{{n^2}}}}$$ converges because it is asymptotic to $\dfrac{2}{n^2}$ which is convergent. What is its sum and why?
Raffaele
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Is this a Mengoli series?

The series is, $$\sum \limits_{n = 2}^\infty \frac{1}{(n-1)n(n+1)} \space(a)$$ By partial fractions I've got, $$\sum \limits_{n = 2}^\infty \frac{1}{2(n-1)}-\frac{1}{n}+\frac{1}{2(n+1)}$$ The book says that the series in $(a)$ is a Mengoli series,…
user24047
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Properties of a certain integer sequence

Consider the following sequence: $$a_1=1$$ $$a_n=\text{Number of subsets of } \{a_1,a_2,...,a_{n-1}\} \text{ that sum to } a_{n-1}$$ The first few elements of that sequence are $$1,1,2,2,3,5,6,...$$ What can be said about this sequence? A simple…
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Does $\displaystyle\sum x^{\lfloor \ln(n) \rfloor}$ converges ? For $x\in(-1,-\frac{1}e]$

Does $\displaystyle\sum x^{\lfloor \ln(n) \rfloor}$ converges? Let $u_n= x^{\lfloor \ln(n) \rfloor}$ For $|x|\geq 1$, $|u_n|\geq 1$. Then, the serie diverges. For $x=0$, we have $u_n=0$ for $n\geq 3$, thus the serie converges. For $x\in (0,1)$, we…
user119228
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Determine whether the series $\sum_{n=1}^{\infty }\left ( \frac\pi2-\arctan n \right )$ converges or not.

I want to know whether the series $\displaystyle{% \sum_{n=1}^{\infty }\left[{\pi \over 2} - \arctan\left(n\right)\right ]}$ converges or not. Some series such as $\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}\sin \frac1n$, $\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}\tan \frac1n$ are solved by the…
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Can a sequence be called convergent/divergent if it has finite number of terms?

No explanation required for the question I guess.
Picasso
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