Chapter 9: Problem 63
Show that \(\Sigma_{n=2}^{\infty}\left((\ln n)^{q} / n^{p}\right)\) converges
for \(-\infty1\)
(Hint: Limit Comparison with \(\Sigma_{n=2}^{\infty} 1 / n^{\prime}\) for \(1
Short Answer
Expert verified
The series converges for any real \( q \) and \( p > 1 \).
Step by step solution
01
Rewrite the Series
Consider the series \( \sum_{n=2}^{\infty} \frac{(\ln n)^{q}}{n^{p}} \). We want to determine if this series converges. The hint suggests using the limit comparison test with the series \( \sum_{n=2}^{\infty} \frac{1}{n^{r}} \) where \(1 < r < p\).
02
Choose a Comparison Series
Select the comparison series \( \sum_{n=2}^{\infty} \frac{1}{n^{r}} \), which is convergent for \( r > 1 \). Here, \( r \) is chosen such that \( 1 < r < p \). This series will help us apply the limit comparison test.
03
Apply the Limit Comparison Test
Compute the limit \( L = \lim_{n \to \infty} \frac{\left( \frac{(\ln n)^{q}}{n^{p}} \right)}{\left( \frac{1}{n^{r}} \right)} = \lim_{n \to \infty} \frac{(\ln n)^{q} n^{r}}{n^{p}} = \lim_{n \to \infty} (\ln n)^{q} n^{r-p} \).
04
Determine the Behavior of the Limit
Since \( p > r \), the term \( n^{r-p} \) behaves like \( \frac{1}{n^{p-r}} \), which tends to zero as \( n \to \infty \). Additionally, as \( n \to \infty \), \( (\ln n)^{q} \) grows slower than any polynomial power of \( n \). Hence, \( L = 0 \).
05
Conclusion from the Limit Comparison
Since the limit \( L = 0 \), which is a finite number and \( \sum_{n=2}^{\infty} \frac{1}{n^{r}} \) converges, we conclude by the limit comparison test that \( \sum_{n=2}^{\infty} \frac{(\ln n)^{q}}{n^{p}} \) also converges.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Convergence of Series
Understanding the convergence of series is crucial in mathematical analysis. A series is said to converge if the sum of its infinite terms approaches a finite number as more terms are added.
For a series like \( \sum_{n=2}^{\infty} \frac{(\ln n)^q}{n^p} \), convergence depends on the growth rate of the numerator \((\ln n)^q\) compared to the denominator \(n^p\).
For a series like \( \sum_{n=2}^{\infty} \frac{(\ln n)^q}{n^p} \), convergence depends on the growth rate of the numerator \((\ln n)^q\) compared to the denominator \(n^p\).
- If the denominator grows faster than the numerator, the terms become smaller, leading to convergence.
- If the numerator grows faster or at the same rate, the series may diverge.
Logarithmic Functions
Logarithmic functions, denoted as \( \ln n \) for natural log, are important in evaluating the growth of functions. They exhibit very slow growth compared to polynomial functions.
- The logarithmic function increases indefinitely as \( n \to \infty \), but at a much lesser rate than any positive power of \( n \).
- This characteristic is what makes \((\ln n)^q\) less dominant in series when combined with polynomial terms in the denominator.
Power Series
Power series are infinite sums in which each term is a power of \( n \), usually expressed in the form \( \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} a_n x^n \). They play a crucial role in calculus and real analysis.
In our case, we are not dealing directly with a power series but the concepts intersect, especially when considering terms like \( n^p \).
In our case, we are not dealing directly with a power series but the concepts intersect, especially when considering terms like \( n^p \).
- The power \( p \) determines how rapidly the terms of a series shrink, influencing convergence.
- A larger exponent in the denominator compared to the numerator generally signals convergence.
Mathematical Proofs
Mathematical proofs are logical arguments that demonstrate the truth of a statement or theorem. In the context of series convergence, proofs are necessary to justify that a series has a finite sum.
The Limit Comparison Test is a powerful tool used in these proofs. It involves:
The Limit Comparison Test is a powerful tool used in these proofs. It involves:
- Selecting a series with known behavior which serves as a benchmark.
- Calculating the limit of the ratio of the terms of the given series to the terms of the comparison series.
- Using the outcome of this limit to conclude if the original series converges, diverges, or requires further investigation.