40–62. Choose your test Use the test of your choice to determine whether the following series converge. ∑ (k = 3 to ∞) 1 / lnk
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Identify the series given: \( \sum_{k=3}^{\infty} \frac{1}{\ln k} \). We want to determine if this series converges or diverges.
Since the terms involve a logarithmic function in the denominator, consider using the Integral Test, which is suitable for positive, continuous, and decreasing functions for \( k \geq 3 \).
Define the function \( f(x) = \frac{1}{\ln x} \) for \( x \geq 3 \). Verify that \( f(x) \) is positive and decreasing on this interval.
Set up the improper integral \( \int_{3}^{\infty} \frac{1}{\ln x} \, dx \) to analyze the behavior of the series using the Integral Test.
Evaluate or analyze the integral \( \int_{3}^{\infty} \frac{1}{\ln x} \, dx \). If the integral diverges, then the series \( \sum_{k=3}^{\infty} \frac{1}{\ln k} \) also diverges; if it converges, then the series converges.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Convergence of Infinite Series
An infinite series converges if the sum of its terms approaches a finite limit as the number of terms increases indefinitely. Determining convergence involves analyzing the behavior of the terms and applying appropriate tests to see if the partial sums stabilize.
These tests compare the given series to a known benchmark series. If the terms of the given series behave similarly to a convergent or divergent series, the original series shares the same convergence behavior. The limit comparison test uses the limit of the ratio of terms to establish this relationship.
The integral test relates the convergence of a series to the convergence of an improper integral of a related function. If the integral of f(x) from some point to infinity converges, then the series ∑ f(k) also converges, and vice versa. This test is useful when terms involve functions like logarithms.