Convergence of Divergent Series

In summary, the question is whether it is possible for the sum of two divergent series to converge. The answer is yes, as demonstrated by the case where the two series have equal terms, resulting in a sum of zero. However, it does not generally make sense to say that the sum of two divergent series is equal to the sum of their individual parts. It is possible to find other examples where the sum of two divergent series converges, such as when one series is constructed with alternating positive and negative terms.
  • #1
PFuser1232
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Consider the two divergent series:
$$\sum_{n=k}^{\infty} a_n$$
$$\sum_{n=k}^{\infty} b_n$$
Is it possible for ##\sum_{n=k}^{\infty} (a_n \pm b_n)## to converge?
 
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  • #2
Yes, consider the case ##a_n = b_n##. Then the sum of ##a_n - b_n## is zero.
 
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  • #3
Orodruin said:
Yes, consider the case ##a_n = b_n##. Then the sum of ##a_n - b_n## is zero.

Thanks!
But in that case does it make sense to say that ##\sum_{n=k}^{\infty} (a_n \pm b_n) = \sum_{n=k}^{\infty} a_n \pm \sum_{n=k}^{\infty} b_n##?
 
  • #4
MohammedRady said:
Thanks!
But in that case does it make sense to say that ##\sum_{n=k}^{\infty} (a_n \pm b_n) = \sum_{n=k}^{\infty} a_n \pm \sum_{n=k}^{\infty} b_n##?
No, it generally make sense only if the series converge.
 
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  • #5
MohammedRady said:
Consider the two divergent series:
$$\sum_{n=k}^{\infty} a_n$$
$$\sum_{n=k}^{\infty} b_n$$
Is it possible for ##\sum_{n=k}^{\infty} (a_n \pm b_n)## to converge?

You really ought to be able to find examples yourself to resolve this question.
 
  • #6
You can construct others, for example ##a_ {n}=\frac{1}{n^{2}}+b_{n}## so ## \sum_{n=1}^{\infty}a_{n}-b_{n}=\frac{\pi^{2}}{6}##...
 

1. What is a divergent series?

A divergent series is a mathematical series in which the terms do not approach a definite limit as the number of terms increases. This means that the sum of the series grows infinitely large or oscillates without converging to a specific value.

2. What is the sum of two divergent series?

The sum of two divergent series is a mathematical operation that attempts to combine two infinite series that do not converge. In most cases, this sum will also be divergent, meaning it does not have a finite value.

3. Can the sum of two divergent series be a convergent series?

No, the sum of two divergent series will never be a convergent series. Since both series individually do not converge, their sum will also not converge. However, there may be cases where the sum of two divergent series is a different type of divergent series with a specific value, such as the Cauchy product.

4. How do you determine the sum of two divergent series?

Determining the sum of two divergent series can be a complicated process and depends on the specific series being considered. In some cases, it is possible to use mathematical techniques such as the Cauchy product or analytic continuation to find a value for the sum. In other cases, the sum may not have a finite value and is considered undefined.

5. What are some real-world applications of divergent series?

Divergent series have various applications in physics, engineering, and other fields. For example, in quantum field theory, divergent series appear in calculations that involve infinite sums of energy levels. They also arise in the study of chaotic systems, where they can represent the long-term behavior of a system with unpredictable outcomes. Divergent series are also used in the study of power laws and fractals in nature.

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