WEBVTT

1
00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:04.992
Here is the problem: Σ 1 / n!, n equals 0 to ∞.

2
00:00:05.442 --> 00:00:11.746
Decide whether Σ 1 / n! (n from 0 to ∞) converges or diverges.

3
00:00:12.546 --> 00:00:25.677
Write the series. Σ a(n) for n equals 0, 1, 2, … with a(n) equals 1 / n!. First terms: 1, 1, 0.5, 0.166667, ….

4
00:00:26.127 --> 00:00:36.344
nth-term test. lim a(n) equals 0, so the divergence test is inconclusive; the terms do shrink, so a finer test is needed.

5
00:00:36.794 --> 00:00:51.550
Ratio test. Positive terms: a(n plus 1)/a(n) simplifies to 1 / (n plus 1), and its limit as n → ∞ is L equals 0. L less than 1, so the series converges (absolutely).

6
00:00:52.000 --> 00:01:19.365
Estimate the sum numerically. Partial sums S N were computed for several N and extrapolated to N → ∞ (Richardson extrapolation; alternating terms are averaged first). Two independent extrapolations agree to better than 10 to the power minus 10, giving S approximately 2.718281828. Any closed form shown is a numerical identification, not a proof.

7
00:01:20.165 --> 00:01:30.405
So the answer is The series converges (ratio test); sum approximately 2.718281828 (matches e to 10+ digits).

8
00:01:30.855 --> 00:01:47.144
A series converges when its partial sums approach a finite number. The terms must tend to 0 for that to happen, but that alone is not enough (the harmonic series diverges), so a comparison, ratio, root, alternating or integral test is used to decide.

9
00:01:47.944 --> 00:02:09.666
Partial sums (supporting evidence, not a proof): S₁₀ equals 2.7182815, S₁₀₀ equals 2.7182818, S₁₀₀₀ equals 2.7182818, S₁₀₀₀₀ equals 2.7182818.
