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Exercise 358Calculus › Single-variable calculus › Series › Convergence testsM1Added 2 Nov 2026

A square root whose difference tends to 1/2

#divergence test#square roots#asymptotics

Statement

Study ∑n≥1(n2+n+1−n)\displaystyle\sum_{n\ge1}\left(\sqrt{n^2+n+1}-n\right).

Hint

Rationalise, then find the limit of the general term.

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Solution

Rationalising.
n2+n+1−n=(n2+n+1)−n2n2+n+1+n=n+1n2+n+1+n.\sqrt{n^2+n+1}-n=\frac{(n^2+n+1)-n^2}{\sqrt{n^2+n+1}+n}=\frac{n+1}{\sqrt{n^2+n+1}+n}.
Dividing numerator and denominator by nn,
=1+1n1+1n+1n2+1⟶12.=\frac{1+\frac1n}{\sqrt{1+\frac1n+\frac1{n^2}}+1}\longrightarrow\frac12.

Conclusion. The general term tends to 12≠0\frac12\ne0, so the series diverges (divergence test).