Sketch of solutions to problems for Calculus 1-3

3rd problems(2011-2015)
2015-3rd problems
1. Determine whether the series is convergent or divergent. Give reasons for
your answers.
(a)
∞
X n!
n=1
nn

(b)
∞
X 1
a
n=1 n

where a1 = a2 = 1 and an+2 = an+1 + an for all n ≥ 1.

solution.
n!
(a) Let an = nnand using ratio test, we have
,
an+1 (n + 1)! n!
=
an (n + 1) (n+1) nn
n
n 1 1
= = n
→ <1
n+1 (1 + 1/n) e

as n → ∞. Hence the series absolutely converges.

(b) Since an+2 = aa+1 + an ≥ an+1 , {an } is increasing sequence and we
have

an+2 = aa+1 + an ≥ 2an = 2(an−1 + an−2 ) ≥ 2(2an−2 )

= 22 an−2 ≥ 23 an−4 ≥ 24 an−6 · · ·

Repeat the above argument until a1 or a2 appears, thenwe have

( n−1 n−1
2 2 a1 = 2 2 if n is odd
an ≥ n−2 n−2
2 2 a2 = 2 2 if n is even,
n−2
hence an ≥ 2 2 for all n ≥ 3.
n−2 √ (n−2)
In fact, we have an ≥ 2 2 = 2 for all n ≥ 1 since we can
check even when n = 1 or 2. Since
1 1
0≤ ≤ √
an ( 2)(n−2)

and
√ the sum
Pof right terms is convergent geometric series with ratio
∞
1/ 2 < 1, n=1 a1n converges by Comparison Test.

1
2. Find the values of p > 0 for which the series is convergent.
(a)
∞
X n
n=1
(1 + n)p

(b)
∞
X (ln n)p
(−1)n−1
n=1
n

solution.
n n
(a) Let an = (1+n)p and bn = np , then we can easily check

lim an /bn = 1.
n→∞

Since
∞ ∞
X X 1
bn = p−1
n=1 n=1
n
converges for p −P
1 > 1 and diverges for p − 1 ≤ 1 by p-series test,
∞
we can conclude n=1 an also converges for p − 1 > 1 and diverges
p − 1 ≤ 1 by Limit Comparison Test.
p p
(b) Let bn = (lnnn) and f (x) = (lnxx) . First compute f 0 (x),
 .
1 .
f 0 (x) = p(ln x)p−1 · · x − (ln x)p x2 = (ln x)p−1 (p − (ln x)) x2 < 0
x
for all x > ep , then bn is decreasing for for all n > ep . Second check
(ln n)p p(ln n)p−1 · p(p − 1)(ln n)p−2
lim bn = lim = lim = lim
n→∞ n→∞ n n→∞ n n→∞ n
..
= . (applying L’Hopital’s theorem repeatedly)
p(p − 1)(p − 2) · · · (p − k)(ln n)p−k−1
= lim =0
n→∞ n
for natural number k with p − k − 1 ≤ 0. Since for all p > 0 we can
always find each natural number k satisfying p − k − 1 ≤ 0, the series
converges for all p > 0 by Alternating Series Test.
3. Determine whether the series is convergent or divergent. Give reasons for
your answers.
∞
X sin 1 × tan−1 n n

n=1
ln(n + 5)
1 −1 1
sin n ×tan n
solution. Let an = and bn = lnnn , then we can easily check
ln(n+5)
,
sin n1 × tan−1 n n
1
lim an /bn = lim
n→∞ n→∞ ln(n + 5) ln n
sin(1/n) ln n
= lim · · tan−1 n = 1 · 1 · π/2 = π/2 > 0.
n→∞ 1/n ln(n + 5)

2
 On the other hand, we can see
∞ ∞
X X 1
bn =
n=2 n=2
n ln n
P∞
diverges by Integral test. Hence n=1 an also diverges by Limit Compar-
ison Test.
4. Find the values of p > 0 for which the series is convergent.
∞  
X 1
1 − cos p
n=1
n

Let an = 1 − cos n1p and bn = 1

solution. n2p , then
 ,
1 1
lim an /bn = lim 1 − cos p
n→∞ n→∞ n n2p
  ,
1 1
= lim 2 sin2 p
n→∞ 2n n2p
, !2
1 1 1
= lim 2 sin p × 2 = 1/2 > 0
n→∞ 2n 2np 2

P 1
Since converges for all 2p > 1 and diverges for all 2p ≤ 1(p-series
n2 p P
test), hence an converges for 2p > 1 and diverges for 2p ≤ 1 by Limit
Comparison Test
5. Let f (x) = x2 tan−1 x3 .
(a) Find the Maclaurin series for f (x) and determine the interval of con-
vergence.
(b) Determine the value of f (2015) (0).
solution.
(a) Recall that the Maclaurin series of following functions. For |x| < 1,
we have
1
= 1 − x2 + x4 − x6 + x8 − · · ·
1 + x2
x3 x5 x7 x9
tan−1 x = x− + − + − ···
3 5 7 9
(x3 )3 (x3 )5 (x3 )7
tan−1 x3 = x3 − − + − ···
3 5 7
x9 x15 x21
= x3 − − + − ···
3 5 7
∞
x11 x17 x23 X x6n−1
x2 tan−1 x3 = x5 − − + − ··· = (−1)n−1
3 5 7 n=1
2n − 1

3
 Since ,
an+1 x6n+5 x6n−1
= = |x|6 ,
an 2n + 11 2n − 1

by the ratio test, we know the series converges for |x| < 1 and diverges
for |x| > 1. For |x| = 1(x = ±1), the series converges by Alternating
series test, thus we have interval of convergence [−1, 1].
(k)
(b) Since the coefficient of xk of Taylor series is fk! , we need to check
the coefficient of x6n−1 = x2015 where 6n − 1 = 2015 i.e., n = 336. In
1
above problem (a), the coefficient of x2015 in the series is − 2·336−1 =
f (2015) (0)
(2015)! . Therefore f (2015) (0) = − 2015!
671 .

6. Find a rational number L such that

| cos 0.7 − L| < 10−6 .

solution. Recall the Taylor series of the cos x, for all x ∈ R

∞
x2 x4 x6 X x2n
cos x = 1 − + − + ··· = (−1)n
2 4! 6! n=0
(2n)!

we have
∞
(0.7)2 (0.7)4 (0.7)6 X (0.7)2n
cos 0.7 = 1 − + − + ··· = (−1)n .
2 4! 6! n=0
(2n)!

2n
Let bn = (0.7) (−1)n bn is convergent alternating series. Now
P
(2n)! then
using Alternating Series Estimation Theorem let’s find k s.t.
∞
X (0.7)2n (0.7)2(k+1) 1
|Rk (0.7)| = (−1)n ≤ |bk+1 | ≤ < k+1 (< 10−6 )
(2n)! (2(k + 1))! 2 (2k + 2)!
n=k+1

P4 2n
n (0.7)
(check 25 · 10! > 106 ) Take k = 4 and L = n=0 (−1) (2n)!

7. Find a rational number M such that

Z 0.5
2
e−x dx − M < 10−6 .
0

solution. Recall the Taylor series for all x ∈ R

x2 x3 x4
ex = 1+x+ + + + ···
2! 3! 4!
2 x4 x6 x8
e−x = 1 − x2 + − + + ···
2! 3! 4!
0.5 0.5 X ∞
x3 x5 x7 x9
Z 
2 1
e−x dx = x− + − + + ··· = (−1)n (0.5)2n+1
0 3 5 · 2! 7 · 3! 9 · 4! 0 n=0
(2n + 1) · n!

4
 1
P∞
Let bn = (2n+1)·n! (0.5)2n+1 then we can easily check n=0 (−1)
n
bn con-
verges by Alternating Series Test and the error is
Z 0.5 k
2 X 1
e−x dx − (−1)n bn ≤ bk+1 = (0.5)2k+1+1
0 n=0
(2(k + 1) + 1) · (k + 1)!

by Alternating Series Estimation Theorem. Compute the k satisfying

1
< 10−6
22k+2 (2k + 3) · (k + 1)!

we can choose k = 4 since 28+2 (8 + 3) · 5! = 1351680 > 106 and choose

P4 1
rational number M = n=0 (−1)n (2n+1)·n! (0.5)2n+1 .

8. Let S1 , S2 and S3 be spheres defined by

S1 : x2 + y 2 + z 2 − 2x + 2y − 2z = 0;
S2 : x2 + y 2 + z 2 + 6x − 4y + 2z = 0;
S3 : x2 + y 2 + z 2 + 2x − 12y + 4z = 0.

Then find an equation of the hyperplane which bisects all these three
spheres.

solution. Let α be a plane containing all the centers of above three

spheres. If a plane contains the center of sphere then the plane bisect the
sphere. Hence the plane α bisects all the spheres S1 , S2 , S3 . Since

S1 : (x − 1)2 + (y + 1)2 + (z − 1)2 = 3;

S2 : (x + 3)2 + (y − 2)2 + (z + 1)2 = 14;
S3 : (x + 1)2 + (y − 6)2 + (z + 2)2 = 41.

the plane α is the plane containing P (1, −1, 1), Q(−3, 2, −1), R(−1, 6, −2).
−−→ −→
Find equation for the plane having the normal vector n = P Q × P R and
the point P .(ommtted)

2014-3rd problems
3. Find an equation for the plane parallel to the plane 2x − y + 2z = −4 if
the point (3, 2, −1) is equidistant from the two planes.

solution. To find a point in 2x − y + 2z = −4, set y = z = 0 then we

have x = −2, y = 0, z = 0. Using symmetry about (3, 2, −1), we can find
a point (8, 4, −2) in the parallel plane.( x12−2 = 3, y12+0 = 2, z12+0 = −1) So
the plane in the problem has same normal vector as 2x − y + 2z = −4 and
contains a point (8, 4, −2). The equation of the plane is 2(x − 8) − (y −
4) + 2(z + 2) = 0.
4. Use vectors to show that the distance from the point P (x1 , y1 ) to the line
ax + by = c is
|ax1 + by1 − c|
√
a 2 + b2

5
 solution. The line in R2 can be the set of point r with (r − r0 ) · n where
n = (a, b), for some point r0 in the line. For Q(x2 , y2 ) in the line, we have
distance from P (x1 , y1 ) to the line as
−−→
|P Q · n| |a(x1 − x2 ) + b(y1 − y2 )| |ax1 + by1 − (ax2 + by2 )|
d= = √ =
|n| a2 + b2 a2 + b2
|ax1 + by1 − c|
= √
a2 + b2
since ax2 + by2 = c.

2013-3rd problems
1. Determine if the series converges. Give reasons for your answers.
∞
X ln n
(−1)n
n=1
n − ln n

ln x 0 1−ln x
solution. Let f (x) = x−ln x , we have f (x) = (x−ln x)2 < 0 for x > e.
ln n ln n
Since n−ln n > 0, decreasing for n ≥ 3 and limn→∞ n−ln n = 0, the series
converges by Alternating Series Test.
(Check we can show the series does not absolutely converge, using Limit
Comparison Test with lnnn )
2. For what values of x does the series converge ?
∞
X xn
n=2
n(ln n)2

solution. Use Ratio test,

,
an+1 xn+1 xn
=
an (n + 1)(ln(n + 1))2 n(ln n)2
n(ln n)2
= x → |x|
(n + 1)(ln(n + 1))2

as n → ∞.(by L’Hôpital)
i) |x| < 1; By ratio test, the series converges absolutely.
ii) |x| > 1; |an+1 | ≥ |an | for sufficiently large n. We have limn→∞ |an | = 6 0
therefore limn→∞ an 6= 0. By n-th term test, the series diverges.
xn
P∞ P∞ 1
iii) |x| = 1. n=2 n(ln n)2 = n=2 n(ln n)2 By Integral Test for f (x) =
1
x(ln x)2 (positive,
continuous, decreasing for x > 3), the series converges
absolutely for |x| = 1.

√
5. Let |x| < 0.01. Estimate the error when 1 + x is replaced by 1 + x/2.

6
 √
solution. by Taylor Theorem, we have 1 + x = 1 + 12 x − 18 x2 + · · · +
n α·(α−1)···(α−n+1) M
1 Cn x +Rn (x), where α Cn =
2 n! and |Rn (x)| ≤ (n+1)! |x|n+1
where M is the upper bound of f (n+1) (x) for |x| ≤ 0.01. Since

1 1
|f (2) (x)| = − ≤ ,
4(1 + x)3/2 4 × (0.99)2
1 1 2
take M = 4×(0.99)2 and we get |R1 (x)| ≤ 2·4·(0.99)2 |0.01|

6. Find the Maclaurin series of the function

Z x
f (x) = ln(1 + t2 )dt
0

Also find all values of x for which the power series converges.
solution. By fundamental Theorem of Calculus, we have f 0 (x) = ln(1 +
x2 ) and f 00 (x) = 1+x
2x
2 , the series are

2x
f 00 (x) =
(1 + x2 )
= 2x(1 − x2 + x4 − x6 + x8 + · · · )
Z
f 0 (x) = f 00 (x)dx
 
1 2 1 4 1 6
= 2 x − x + x − ···
2 4 6
Z
f (x) = f 0 (x)dx
 
1 3 1 5 1 7
= 2 x − x + x − ···
2·3 4·5 6·7
4 6
(Check that you can use the Taylor series of ln(1 + t2 ) = t2 − t2 + t3 − · · ·
directly and integrate term by term.)

1
To find all x for which the series of f (x) is converges, let an = (−1)n 2n(2n+1) x2n+1 .
By Ratio test, we have
an+1 (2n + 2)(2n + 3) 2
= x → |x|
an 2n(2n + 1)
as n → ∞
i) |x2 | < 1; i.e., |x| < 1, the power series converges absolutely.(Here, we
are NOT saying “the Taylor series converges to f (x)”)
ii) |x| > 1; the power series diverges since limn→∞ an 6= 0.
iii) |x| = 1; Use Limit Comparison Test for n12 , the series converges abso-
lutely for |x| = 1.
7. Consider two non-intersecting lines:

L1 : x = −1 + t, y = 2 + t, z = 1 + t; t ∈ (−∞, ∞)
L2 : x = 1 − 4s, y = 1 + 2s, z = 1 − 2s; s ∈ (−∞, ∞)

7
 Find an equation for the line which is perpendicular to both L1 and L2
and intersects with both L1 and L2.
−−→
solution. Let P in L1 and Q in L2 , if we find P, Q where |P Q| is
→
− → − → − → −
orthogonal to d1 , d2 .(d1 , d2 are directional vectors for L1 , L2 respectively)
then the line in problem is the line passing through P and Q.
−−→
For P Q = (2−4s−t, −1+2s−t, −2s−t) and d1 = (1, 1, 1), d2 = (−4, 2, −2)
−−→
P Q · d1 = (2 − 4s − t, −1 + 2s − t, −2s − t) · (1, 1, 1) = −4s − 3t + 1 = 0
−−→
P Q · d2 = (2 − 4s − t, −1 + 2s − t, −2s − t) · (−4, 2, −2) = 24s + 4t − 10 = 0
−−→ −−→
we have s = 13/28, t = −2/7. The line in problem is r = OP +tP Q.(computation
omitted)

2012-3rd problems
P∞
1. Determine if the series n=1 an an defined by the following formulas con-
verge.
(a)
1 n + ln n
a1 = , an+1 = an
2 n + 10
(b)
1
a1 = , an+1 = (an )n+1
2
solution.
an+1 n+ln n
(a) an = n+10 > 1 for n ≥ e10 . {an } is increasing sequence for
P∞
n ≥ e10 . So limn→∞ an can’t be zero. The series n=1 an diverges
by n-th term test.
(b) we can show by induction
1
an ≤ .
2n
P 1 P∞
The geometric series 2n converges, so the series n=1 an converges
by Direct Comparison Test.
P∞ (n!)2
2. (a) Determine if the series n=1 (2n)! converges.
solution. Use Ratio Test,
,
an + 1 ((n + 1)!)2 (n!)2
=
an (2(n + 1))! (2n)!
(n + 1)2 1
= →
(2n + 2)(2n + 1) 4

The series absolutely converges.

8
 (b) For which positive integers k is the following series convergent?
∞
X (n!)2
n=1
(kn)!

solution.
(n!)2 (n!)2 P∞ (n!)2
i. For k ≥ 2, (kn)! ≤ (2n)! and n=1 (2n)! converges by (a). Hence
P∞ (n!)2
n=1 (kn)! converges by Direct Comparison Test.
P∞ (n!)2 P∞
ii. For k = 1, n=1 (kn)! = n=1 n! → ∞ since lim n! = ∞. Di-
verges by n-th term test.
3. Determine how many terms of the Maclaurin series of f (x) = e−x should
be used to estimate 1e with an error of magnitude less than 5 × 10−6 .
2 n
solution. Check e−x = 1 − x + x2 + · · · + (−x)n! + Rn (x), |Rn (x)| ≤
M n+1 (n+1)
(n+1)! |x| where M be the upper bound of |f (x)| on |x| ≤ 1 and
we need to find n such that |Rn (x)| < 10−6 for |x| ≤ 1. Since |f (n+1) (x)| =
|(−1)n+1 e−x | ≤ e < 3 for |x| ≤ 1, take n such that (n+1)!1
< 10−6 . for
6
n = 9, we have 10! > 10 .
4. (a) Determine if the series
2
∞  n
X n
n=1
n+1

converges.
solution. Use Root test,
 n2 !1/n  n
n n
lim = lim
n→∞ n+1 n→∞ n+1
 n
(n+1) (n+1)
1 1
= lim 1− = <1
n→∞ n+1 e

the series converges.

(b) Find the radius of convergence for
2
∞  n
X n
xn
n=1
n + 1

solution. Use Root test also,

 n2 1/n  n
n n n
lim x = lim |x|
n→∞ n+1 n→∞ n+1
 n
(n+1) (n+1)
1 |x|
= lim 1− |x| =
n→∞ n+1 e

9
 i) |x| < e; By root test, the series absolutely converges.
 n2 1/n
n
ii) |x| > e; There exists some N such that n+1 xn > 1 for
  n2
n
n ≥ N . Therefore limn→∞ n+1 xn 6= 0 since it is greater than
 n2 
n
1, also we have limn→∞ n+1 xn 6= 0. By n-th term test, the
series diverges. The radius of convergence is e.
5. Use the first 3 nonzero terms in the Maclaurin series for f (x) = (tan−1 x)2
to estimate π 2 .
solution. Using the Maclaurin Series of tan−1 x

x3 x5
tan−1 x = x − + − ··· ,
3 5
we have
2
x3 x5 2x4 23x6

(tan−1 x)2 = x− + − ··· = x2 − + + ··· .
3 5 3 45

To compute π 2 ,
 π 2  2  2  4  6
1 1 2 1 23 1
= tan−1 √ ' √ − √ + √
6 3 3 3 3 45 3
we have
( 2  4  6 )
2 1 2 1 23 1
π ' 36 × √ − √ + √
3 3 3 45 3

2011-3rd problems
P∞
2. If n=1 an an converges, and if 1 > an > 0 for all n, which of the following
series are convergent? Explain
∞ ∞ ∞
X X an X
a2n , , ln(1 − an )
n=1 n=1
1 − an n=1
P∞
(a) We have 0 ≤ a2n ≤ an since an < 1, so n=1 a2n converges by Direct
Comparison Test.
an P∞ an
(b) lim an = 1, n=1 1−a n
converges by Limit Comparison Test.(check
n→∞
1−an
an
1−an > 0)
 
1 an
(c) Since ln(1−an ) < 0, consider − ln(1−an ) = ln (1−a = ln 1 + >
n )  1−an
an an
0. Check ln(1 + x) < x for all x > 0, we have ln 1 + 1−a < 1−a
P∞ n n

which is in (b). By (b) and Direct Comparison Test, n=1 ln(1 − an )

converges.

10
3. (a) For which positive integers k is the following series convergent?
∞
X (n!)2
n=1
(kn)!

solution. Use Ratio Test

,
an + 1 ((n + 1)!)2 (n!)2
=
an (k(n + 1))! (kn)!
(n + 1)2
=
(kn + k)(kn + k − 1) · · · (kn + 2)(kn + 1)
an +1
i. For k > 2, an → 0 as n → ∞. Absolutely converges.
an +1
ii. For k = 2, an → 1/4. Absolutely converges also.
P∞ (n!)2 P∞
iii. For k = 1, n=1 (kn)! = n=1 n! → ∞ since lim n! = ∞. Di-
verges by n-th term test.
(b) If k is a positive integer, find the radius of convergence of the series
∞
X (n!)k n
x
n=1
(kn)!

solution. Use Ratio Test

,
an + 1 ((n + 1)!)k (n!)k
=
an (k(n + 1))! (kn)!
(n + 1)k x |x|
= → k
(kn + k)(kn + k − 1) · · · (kn + 2)(kn + 1) k
The series converges absolutely for |x| < k k and diverges for |x| > k k ,
hence the radius of the convergence is k k .
4. Determine whether the following series converges or diverges
∞
X ln k
√
k=1
k k

solution. Recall ln k ≤ k 1/4 for k > N , some N .

∞ N ∞
X ln k X ln k X k 1/4
√ ≤ √ + √
k=1
k k k=1 k k k=N +1 k k
P∞ 1/4 P∞
k√ 1
where k=N +1 k k = k=N +1 k5/4 converges by p-series test. Hence
P∞ ln
√k
k=1 k k converges by Direct Comparison Test.

5. Test the following series for (a) absolute convergence and (b) conditional
convergence
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
− − + − − + ··· + − − ···
2 3 4 5 6 7 3k + 2 3k + 3 3k + 4
solution.

11
 P∞ P∞
(a) |an | = n=2 n1 which Diverges by p-series test. Not converges
n=1
absolutely but diverges.
(b) Consider
n  n
(9k 2 + 12k + 2)
 X
X 1 1 1
s3n = − − = −
3k + 2 3k + 3 3k + 4 (3(k + 1)(3k + 2)(3k + 4))
k=0 k=0

which Diverges by Limit Comparison Test when compared with k1 .

1 1
Since 3k+2 , 3k+3 → 0 as n → ∞ we can check easily both s3n+1 =
1 1 1
s3n + 3k+2 , s3n+2 = s3n + 3k+2 − 3k+3 diverges as n → ∞. Conse-
quently the series does not conditionally converge but diverges.
6. (a) Expand f (x) = ln cos x in powers of x.

solution. f 0 (x) = − cos

sin x
x , use the Taylor series of tan x or compute
directly.
1 2
f 0 (x) = − tan x = −x − x3 − x5 − · · ·
3 15
Since f (0) = 0 we have
1 1 4 2
f (x) = − x2 − x − x6 − · · ·
2 3·4 15 · 6
√
(b) Use Taylor polynomials to estimate e to within 0.01.
√
solution. To compute e, we use Taylor series
1 2 1
f (x) = ex ' 1 + x + x + · · · + xn
2! n!
when x = 21 . To make error less than 0.01, we must consider that for
,
M
|Rn (x)| ≤ |x|n+1
(n + 1)!
√
where M is an upper bound for |f (n+1) (x)| = |ex | ≤ e ≤ 3 for |x| ≤
3
1/2. Take M = 3 and compute the n satisfying (n+1)! | 12 |n+1 ≤ 0.01,
we choose n = 4.
√ 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
e'1+ + 2
+ 3
+
2 2! 2 3! 2 4! 24
7. Lines l1 and l2 in space are parallel to the vectors d1 and d2 ,respectively.
P is a point on l1 and Q is a point on l2 . If l1 and l2 are skew (i.e. non-
intersecting and nonparallel) lines, express the distance between two lines
−−→
using P Q and d1 × d2 .

solution. The distance between l1 and l2 is same as the distance from

Q to the plane which contains l1 and parallel to l2 , i.e., the plane has the
normal vector which is orthogonal to both d1 and d2 and containing a
point P . Hence the distance is
−−→
|P Q · (d1 × d2 )|
d=
|d1 × d2 |

12
2nd problems(2011-2014)
2014-2nd problems
3. Determine whether the series
∞
X 1
√
n=2
n3 − n2 + n
converges.
1
solution. Compare with n3/2
,
1 . 1
lim √ =1>0
n→∞ n3 − n2 + n n3/2
P∞ 1
converges by p-series test, the series converges also by Limit
n=1 n3/2
Comparison Test.
4. Suppose the series
∞
X
an
n=1

converges absolutely. Determine if the following series converges

∞
X
a2n ean
n=1
P∞
solution. Since n=1 an converges, we have limn→∞ an = 0 so |an | < 1
for all n > N , for some N . Then we have

|a2n ean | ≤ |a2n e1 | ≤ |an · an · e| ≤ |ean |

P∞
for all n ≥ N . Because n=1 an converges absolutely, the given series
converges absolutely also by Direct Comparison Test.
6. For what values of x does the series converge ?
∞
X (−1)n+1 (x + 2)n
n=1
n2n

solution. Using Ratio Test

,
an+1 (−1)n+2 (x + 2)n+1 (−1)n+1 (x + 2)n
=
an (n + 1)2n+1 n2n
n(x + 2) x+2
= →
2(n + 1) 2
as n → ∞.
i)For |x + 2| < 2 the series absolutely converges by ratio test.
ii) For |x + 2| > 2 the series diverges.
P∞ n+1
iii) For |x + 2| = ±2; First x + 2 = 2, the series is n=1 (−1)n which
converges
P∞ by Alternating Series Test. Second x + 2 = −2, the series is
1
n=1 − n which diverges by p-series test.

13
 7. Find the Taylor series of the function

cosh x + tan−1 x

Also find the radius of the convergence of the series.

solution. For all x ∈ R we have

ex + e−x x2 x4
cosh x = =1+ + + ···
2 2! 4!
and for |x| < 1 we have

x3 x5
tan−1 = x − + − ··· .
3 5
Hence the Taylor series

x2 x3 x4 x5
cosh x + tan−1 x = 1 + x + − + + + ···
2! 3 4! 5
for |x| < 1.
x3 x5
Using Ratio Test we can show x − 3 + 5 − · · · diverges for |x| > 1, also

x2 x3 x4 x5
1+x+ − + + + ···
2! 3 4! 5
diverges for |x| > 1. The radius of the convergence is 1.
8. Estimate the error in the approximation

sinh x = x + (x3 /6)

when |x| < 1/2.

solution. The given error is |R3 (x)| for third Taylor polynomial, we have

M 4
|R3 (x)| ≤ |x|
4!
where M is the upper bound of |f (4) (x)| on |x| ≤ 12 . Since f (4) (x) = sinh x
x −x
and sinh x = e −e2 ≤ e for x ∈ (−1/2, 1/2), Take M = e.(M can be
larger number). Consequently we have
 4
M 4 e 1
|R3 (x)| ≤ |x| ≤ .
4! 4! 2

2013-2nd problems
P
6. Suppose that an ≥ 0 and the series n an converges. Prove that the
sequence
a1 + 2a2 + · · · + nan
bn = , n = 1, 2, . . .
n

14
 converges to zero.

solution. Let sn = a1 + a2 + · · · + an and considering sn − bn we have

na1 + na2 · · · + nan − (a1 + 2a2 + · · · + nan )
sn − bn =
n
(n − 1)a1 + (n − 2)a2 + · · · + 1an−1
=
√ n√ √
(n − n)a1 + (n − n)a2 + · · · + (n − n)a√n
≥
√ n
n− n √
= s n
n
√
where n−n n s√n → s for n → ∞ hence sn − bn → s for n → ∞. we have
limn→∞ bn = 0.
7. Let an , bn ≥ 0, and both of the series
∞
X ∞
X
an , bn
n=1 n=1

converge. Determine if the following series converges

∞
X
(1 + an ) · ln(1 + bn )
n=1

P∞ P∞
solution. n=1 (1 + an ) · ln(1 + bn ) = n=1 (ln(1 + bn ) +
Pa∞
n ln(1 + bn )).
Since ln(1 + x) ≤ x for x > 0, we have ln(1 + bn ) ≤ bn and n=1 ln(1 + bn )
converges
P∞by direct comparison test. Taking cn = ln(1 + bn ) in Claim 1
below, n=1 an · ln(1 + bn ) also converges.
P∞ P∞ P∞
Claim 1 If n=1 an , n=1 cn converge for an , cn ≥ 0, then n=1 an · cn
converge.
P∞
proof of Claim 1) Since n=1 cn converges, we have limn→∞ cn = 0 i.e.
|cn − 0| <  for all n > N , some N . If we choose  = 1, then for n > N
we have |cn | < 1(actually 0 ≤ cn < 1). Therefore
∞
X N
X ∞
X
an · cn = an · cn + an · cn
n=1 n=1 n=N +1
N
X ∞
X
≤ an · cn + an ,
n=1 n=N +1
P∞
the last sum converges and so does n=1 an ·cn by direct comparison test.

8. Determine if the series converges.

∞
X √
n2 e− n

n=1

15
 √ √ √
solution. Let f (x) = x2 e− x then f 0 (x) = − 21 e x
( x − 4)x < 0 for
x > 2 so we can use Integral Test,
Z ∞ √
x2 e− x dx
3
√ 1 1
Substitute t = x, dt = √
2 x
dx = 2t dx,
Z ∞ √
Z ∞ Z ∞
x2 e− x
dx = t4 e−t 2t dt = 2t5 e−t dt
3 9 9

Recall t5 ≤ et/2 for sufficiently large x(by limt→∞ t5 /et/2 = 0)

Z ∞ Z ∞
2t5 e−t dt ≤ 2e−t/2 dt ( converges)
N N
R∞ √
2 − x
Hence 3 x e dx converges by Direct Comparison Test of improper
integral. The Rseries also converges by Integral Test.(Check you can com-
∞
pute directly 9 2t5 e−t dt using integral by part repeatedly)

2012-2nd problems
2. For what values of p > 0, if any, does the series converge?
∞
X (ln n)p + (ln n)2p
n=2
np

solution.
(ln n)p +(ln n)2p P∞
(a) For p ≤ 1, np ≥ n1p for n ≥ 3. Since n=3 n1p diverges by
p
P∞ n)2p
p-series test. n=2 (ln n) +(ln np also diverges by Direct Comparison
Test.
(b) For p > 1, recall ln n ≤ nc for all n > N , some c > 0.

(ln n)p + (ln n)2p 2(ln n)2p 2n2c 1

< ≤ = 2 p−2c
np np np n
P∞ 1
we can choose c satisfying p − 2c > 1 so that n=1 2 np−2c converges.
so the series is converges by Direct Comparison Test.
3. Determine if the series converges
∞
X
sech n + sech2 n
n=1

solution. By definition of sech n,

2 2 4 4
sech n = −n
≤ n , sech2 n = n −n
≤ 2n
en +e e (e + e ) 2 e

16
 P∞ 1
P∞ 1
and n=1 en , n=1 e2n converge since these are geometric series.
∞ ∞  
X X 1 4
sech n + sech2 n ≤ +
n=1 n=1
en e2n
∞ ∞
X 1 X 4
= n
+ 2n
(converges)
n=1
e n=1
e

Hence the series converges by Direct Comparison Test.

4. Determine if the series converges

∞
X ln n
√ n
n=1
ne

solution. Using ln n ≤ n1/2 with n > N for some N

√
ln n n 1
√ n ≤ √ n = n,
ne ne e

se have
∞ N ∞
X ln n X ln n X 1
√ n ≤ √ n+ n
n=1
ne n=1
ne e
n=N +1
P∞
the latter converges as geometric series. Consequently √ln nn con-
n=1 ne
verges by Direct Comparison Test.
6. Show that the series
∞
X n
n=1
(n + 1)!
is convergent, and find its sum.

solution. The series is telescoping series

k k  
X n X 1 1
sk = = −
n=1
(n + 1)! n=1 n! (n + 1)!
 
1 1 1 1 1 1
= − + − + ··· + −
1 2! 2! 3! k! (k + 1)!
 
1
= 1− →1
(k + 1)!

as k → ∞.
7. (a) Determine if the integral is convergent.
Z ∞
2x
2+1
dx
−∞ x

17
 (b) Determine if the series converges
∞     
X 1 1
sin + tan
n=1
n n

solution. compare with n1 , we have

sin n1 + tan n1



sin h + tan h
lim 1 = lim = 1 + 1 = 2 > 0.
n→∞
n
h→0+ h
1
P
Since n diverges, the series is diverges by Limit Comparison Test.

2011-2nd problems
6. Consider the infinite series
∞
X n
n=1
(n + 1)!

Show that the given series is convergent, and find its sum.
solution. The series is telescoping series
k k  
X n X 1 1
sk = = −
n=1
(n + 1)! n=1 n! (n + 1)!
 
1 1 1 1 1 1
= − + − + ··· + −
1 2! 2! 3! k! (k + 1)!
 
1
= 1− →1
(k + 1)!

as k → ∞.
7. Find the values of p for which the series
∞
X ln(n)
n=1
np

is convergent.
solution.
P∞
(a) For p ≤ 1, lnnpn ≥ n1p for n ≥ 3. Since n=1 n1p diverges for p ≤ 1.(p-
P∞
series) n=1 ln(n)np diverges by Direct Comparison Test.
(b) For p > 1, recall that for any positive c we have ln n ≤ nc for all
n ≥ N , for some N .
ln n nc 1
p
≤ p
= p−c
n n n
P∞ 1
Choose c satisfying p − c > 1, then n=1 np−c converges by p-series
P∞ ln(n)
test. Consequently n=1 np converges by Direct Comparison Test.

18
8. Find the sum of the series,
∞
X 40n
(2n − 1) 2 (2n + 1)2
n=1

solution. The series is telescoping series

k n  
X 40n X 1 1
sk = = 5 −
n=1
(2n − 1)2 (2n + 1)2 (2n − 1)2 (2n + 1)2
k=1
 
1 1 1 1 1 1
= 5 − + − + · + −
12 32 32 52 (2k − 1)2 (2k + 1)2
 
1
= 5 1− →1
(k + 1)2

as k → ∞.

19