# Math Help - Convergence proof

1. ## Convergence proof

The proposition is as follows:

If $a_n\geq0$ for all $n$ $\in \mathbb N$ and there is a $p>1$ such that $\lim_{n\to\infty} n^pa_{n}$ exists and is finite, then $\sum_{n=1}^\infty a_{n}$ converges.

I'm honestly not even sure what angle to come at this from, since I can't see what good knowing that limit exists does in trying to prove the convergence of some series. If someone could just give me a nudge in the right direction here I should be OK.

2. ## Re: Convergence proof

Originally Posted by Dinghy
The proposition is as follows:
If $a_n\geq0$ for all $n$ $\in \mathbb N$ and there is a $p>1$ such that $\lim_{n\to\infty} n^pa_{n}$ exists and is finite, then $\sum_{n=1}^\infty a_{n}$ converges.
This is a straightforward application of the limit comparison test.

Note that if $p>1$ then $\sum\limits_n {\frac{1}{{n^p }}}$ converges.

3. ## Re: Convergence proof

Originally Posted by Plato
This is a straightforward application of the limit comparison test.

Note that if $p>0$ then $\sum\limits_n {\frac{1}{{n^p }}}$ converges.
Legitimately embarrassed about not having seen that. This problem had been talked up so much that it didn't even occur to me that it could be such a straightforward application of one of the simpler convergence tests. One thing though, when you say $p>0$, you mean $p>1$, right?

Thanks a lot.

4. ## Re: Convergence proof

Originally Posted by Dinghy
you mean $p>1$, right?
Yes, of course. Corrected!

5. ## Re: Convergence proof

Actually I just noticed, I don't think you can apply the limit comparison test, as technically $\sum_{n=1}^\infty a_{n}$ isn't necessarily a positive series. The proposition says that $a_{n}\geq 0$, whereas a positive series requires that $a_{n}>0$, so I think I'm back at square one.

edit: but I guess the Limit Comparison test doesn't strictly require it to be a positive series, just that $a_{n}\geq 0$...

Can't shake the feeling that my math professor is messing with me with the " $\sum_{n=1}^\infty a_{n}$ isn't necessarily a positive series!!" warning.

6. ## Re: Convergence proof

Originally Posted by Dinghy
Actually I just noticed, I don't think you can apply the limit comparison test, as technically $\sum_{n=1}^\infty a_{n}$ isn't necessarily a positive series. The proposition says that $a_{n}\geq 0$, whereas a positive series requires that $a_{n}>0$, so I think I'm back at square one.k

edit: but I guess the Limit Comparison test doesn't strictly require it to be a positive series, just that $a_{n}\geq 0$...

Can't shake the feeling that my math professor is messing with me with the " $\sum_{n=1}^\infty a_{n}$ isn't necessarily a positive series!!" warning.
I don't understand what you are concerned about.
Look at the link I provided.
It requires that $a_n\ge 0~\&~b_n\ge 0~.$

7. ## Re: Convergence proof

Yeah, sorry, my Calc 2 professor defined the LCT really lazily (said that it only applies to positive series), and once I get something in my head it's really hard to get it out.