Smallest n-Natural Number for Inequality ∑k=2n {1/[k * ln(k)]} ≥ 20

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the smallest natural number \( n \) such that the inequality \( \sum_{k=2}^{n} \frac{1}{k \ln(k)} \geq 20 \) holds. Participants explore the properties of the series, including its convergence and divergence, and the implications of applying the integral test.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express uncertainty about the value \( 1.0488269074484 \) and its relevance to the problem, questioning how it relates to the inequality.
  • One participant suggests that the sum may never exceed 5 as \( n \) approaches infinity, indicating a potential limit to the series' growth.
  • Another participant proposes using the integral test to analyze the series, noting that the function \( f(x) = \frac{1}{x \ln(x)} \) is positive, continuous, and decreasing for \( n \geq 2 \).
  • A detailed approach is presented involving Riemann sums and integral approximations, leading to a conclusion that \( N \) must be greater than an extremely large value derived from the integral test.
  • There is a suggestion that the sum diverges, and thus there exists a least natural number \( N \) for which the sum will exceed 20 and remain above it.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the smallest natural number \( n \) that satisfies the inequality. Multiple competing views are presented regarding the behavior of the series and the implications of the integral test.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes various assumptions about the convergence of the series and the applicability of the integral test, but these remain unresolved. The calculations presented involve significant approximations and may depend on specific interpretations of the series.

metacristi
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interesting inequality involving sums

Which is the smallest n-natural number- for this inecuation:

&#8721k=2n {1/[k * ln(k)]} &#8805 20

Any ideas?
 
Last edited:
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1.0488269074484
Hm... I wonder how i got that.
 
1.0488269074484
Hm... I wonder how i got that.

Very interesting indeed...but how did you get that?'n' must be an integer...
In case it is not clear the sum is from k=2 to n.
 
Last edited:
I do not see where that number comes into play. It is certainly not the answer.
 
Originally posted by enslam
1.0488269074484
Hm... I wonder how i got that.

I crawl back into my hole and will read the question properly next time.
 


Originally posted by metacristi
Which is the smallest n-natural number- for this inecuation:

&#8721k=2n {1/[k * ln(k)]} &#8805 20

Any ideas?

Nonexistent.
I think if we let n go to infinity we'll still never get above 5 for the sum.
 
very easy
u just use the integral test
because the sum is continuous and decreasing
if n approach to infinite
the sum is diverges and must greater than 20
 
I believe Newton1 is correct in assuming the series diverges by integral test:

Let f(x) = 1/( x ln(x) ), then since f(x) is positive, continous, and decreasing for n>=2 we apply Integral test.

Integral[ 2->inf, 1/(x lnx) ] diverges, therefore the series diverges as well.

Since the partial sums in this series are non-decreasing (all the terms in this series are positive) , then there will exist a least natural number N for which the sum will exceed 20 (and then stay above it).

I'm not sure what the value of N is, but by applying a variant on the integral test, I think I've found a real value B for which N must be greater.

Suppose you approximate the following integral with right-hand riemann sums with delta_x = 1:
Integral[ 2->B, 1/(x lnx) ]
Then the riemann sum approximation will be the sum from k=3 to B of 1/ ( n ln(n) ) (assuming B is integer) and this approximation will be an underestimate.

From which it follows:
Sum[k=2->B, 1/ (n ln(n) )] <
Integral[2->B, 1/ (x lnx )] + 1/(2ln2)

The value of N must be greater than the value of B that first causes the integral + 1/(2ln2) to go over 20 because the sum will be less than the integral + 1/(2ln2).

Integral[ 2->B, 1/(x lnx) ] + 1/(2ln2) >= 20

ln(ln(B)) - ln(ln(2)) +1/(2ln2) >= 20
B >= e^e^(20- 1/(2ln2) +ln(ln(2)))
B >= 2.726413 * 10^70994084

This value is beyond astronomical!
And if I've done my calculations correctly, N must be greater than this!
 

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