Chapter 11: Problem 62
Graph, on the same coordinate axes, \(y=x\) and \(y=\) \((\ln x)^{k}\) for \(k=1,2,3\) and \(1 \leq x \leq 200\), and then use the graphs to predict whether the series \(\sum_{n=1}^{x} \frac{1}{(\ln n)^{k}}\) converges or diverges for \(k=1,2,\) and \(3 .\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
The series diverges for \( k = 1 \) and converges for \( k = 2, 3 \).
Step by step solution
01
Understand and Plot the Functions
We need to graph the functions: \( y = x \) and \( y = (\ln x)^k \) for \( k=1, 2, 3 \) over the range \( 1 \leq x \leq 200 \). First, understand that \( y = x \) is a linear function through the origin. The function \( y = (\ln x)^k \) changes behavior based on the value of \( k \). When \( x \) is small, \( \ln x \) is negative for \( x < 1 \) and stays below \( y = x \), but when \( x \) becomes large, the natural logarithm increase logarithmically which affects the compete between \( y=x \) and \( y=(\ln x)^k \) depends on whether \( k \).
02
Analyze the Graphs for Comparison
Plot \( y = (\ln x)^1 = \ln x \), \( y = (\ln x)^2 \), and \( y = (\ln x)^3 \) alongside \( y = x \). When \( 1 \leq x \leq 200 \), \( y = \ln x \) will grow slower than \( y = x \), and this gap increases as \( k \) increases. For \( y = (\ln x)^2 \) and \( y = (\ln x)^3 \), they initially grow slowly compared to \( y = x \), but the effect becomes more significant as \( x \) increases, especially for larger \( k \). This discrepancy helps in understanding whether the series diverges or converges.
03
Use Graphs to Assess Series Convergence/Divergence
Consider the series \( \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{1}{(\ln n)^k} \). Compare it to the harmonic series \( \sum \frac{1}{n} \), which is known to diverge. If \( (\ln x)^k \) grows significantly slower than \( x \) as \( x \to \infty \), then the term \( \frac{1}{(\ln x)^k} \) remains relatively large and similar to the harmonic term, suggesting potential divergence. For \( k = 1 \), the series resembles a harmonic series, hence diverges. For \( k = 2, 3, \ldots \), \( (\ln x)^k \) grows faster than \( log x \), leading \( \sum \frac{1}{(\ln x)^2} \) and higher powers to converge.
04
Conclude Based on Observations
From the graph and comparison with known series, we infer: for \( k = 1 \), the series diverges as \( \frac{1}{\ln n} \) behaves similarly to \( \frac{1}{n} \). For \( k > 1 \), \((\ln n)^k\) grows faster causing \( \frac{1}{(\ln n)^k} \) to decrease faster, thus converging similarly to \( \sum \frac{1}{n^2} \). Hence for \( k = 2, 3 \), the series converges.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Natural Logarithm Function
The natural logarithm function, denoted as \( \ln x \), is a fundamental concept in mathematics, especially in calculus and analysis. It's the inverse function of the exponential function \( e^x \). The natural logarithm of a number \( x \) answers the question: "To what power must \( e \) be raised to yield \( x \)?". Understanding its properties helps when trying to compare and analyze functions such as \( y = (\ln x)^k \).
- Behavior for Small \( x \): For values of \( x \) close to 1, \( \ln x \) is quite small. As \( x \) approaches 1 from the right, \( \ln x \) approaches 0.
- Growth at Larger \( x \): The function grows slowly and steadily as \( x \) increases beyond 1, because the increase follows a logarithmic scale.
- Curve Nature: The graph of \( \ln x \) starts off with a steep increase but gradually becomes less steep as \( x \) increases.
Harmonic Series
The harmonic series is a pivotal concept when discussing convergence and divergence of infinite series. It is defined as \( \sum \frac{1}{n} \). This series is known to diverge, meaning that as you keep summing its terms, the total can grow arbitrarily large.
- Comparison With \( y = (\ln x)^k \): For \( k = 1 \), \( \sum \frac{1}{(\ln n)^k} \) resembles the harmonic series and also diverges since \( \ln x \) grows slower than \( x \).
- Convergence for Larger \( k \): When \( k > 1 \), \( (\ln x)^k \) grows faster than \( \ln x \), causing the series \( \sum \frac{1}{(\ln n)^k} \) to converge, similar to \( \sum \frac{1}{n^2} \).
Graphical Analysis of Functions
Graphical analysis involves plotting functions to visually assess their behavior over certain intervals. In the exercise, comparing functions \( y = x \) and \( y = (\ln x)^k \) through graphs helps in understanding their growth relative to each other.
- Linear vs. Logarithmic Growth: While \( y = x \) is a straightforward linear increase, \( y = \ln x \) grows logarithmically, much slower in comparison.
- Effect of Exponent \( k \): Increasing \( k \) in \( (\ln x)^k \) affects its graph significantly, making \( y = (\ln x)^k \) increase faster compared to \( \ln x \), especially for large \( x \).
- Visualization: By graphing, you can see the intersection and relative gap between these curves, which indicates how the term \( \frac{1}{(\ln x)^k} \) will behave.