Root Test — Question 8

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Question 8

Analyze ∑n=1∞(2+sin⁡n4)n.\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}\left(\frac{2+\sin n}{4}\right)^n. Use the limsup form of the Root Test to handle the oscillating base, and explain why an ordinary root limit is unavailable.

Original worksheet page 1: question and worked solution for 4-11-008
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Question 8 – Solution

Step 1: Take the root.

Since 1≤2+sin⁡n≤31\le2+\sin n\le3, |an|n=2+sin⁡n4∈[14,34].\sqrt[n]{|a_n|}=\frac{2+\sin n}{4}\in\left[\frac14,\frac34\right]. This sequence oscillates rather than approaching one value.

Step 2: Compute the limsup.

Integer angles modulo 2π2\pi are dense because 1/(2π)1/(2\pi) is irrational. Consequently, sin⁡n\sin n comes arbitrarily close to 11, so L=limsupn→∞2+sin⁡n4=34<1.L=\limsup_{n\to\infty}\frac{2+\sin n}{4}=\frac34<1. (For convergence alone, the uniform bound ann≤3/4\sqrt[n]{a_n}\le3/4 already suffices.)

Conclusion.

The series converges absolutely by the limsup Root Test.

Original worksheet page 2: question and worked solution for 4-11-008

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