Question

why cant i apply the alternating series test to this series sigma n=1 to infinity (-1)^n-1 sin n

Answer 1

Says here, to use alternating it should be of the for -1^(n+1) or -1^n

Answer 2

is there any other explanation besides that

Answer 3

No. The point is there are many test and any one of them may be inconclusive and you may have to use another one in conjunction with it. Flexibility is needed on your part.

Answer 4

so if there was a minus sign n-1 then it would be alternating?

Answer 5

I am not sure what you are referring to.

Answer 6

"Says here, to use alternating it should be of the for -1^(n+1) or -1^n
10 minutes ago "

Answer 7

Yeah. Yours is not like that. Yours has n-1 in the exponent.

Answer 8

so those are the only two main condition that cause it to have alternative signs

Answer 9

I think its -1 in front that makes it alternating. Yours is alternating but they don't like the n-1 in the exponent

Answer 10

when i plugged in values i gott two negatives and then two positive

Answer 11

Yep, that's what they mean by alternating

Answer 12

now im kinda of confused then why is it that in this problem we can apply the test if thats what happens

Answer 13

OK, with the power vested in me, I hereby give you permission to use the alternating series test.

Answer 14

k