Comparing Convergence: Testing \sum_{n=2}^{\infty}a_n with Comparision Test

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the convergence of the series \(\sum_{n=2}^{\infty} a_n\) where \(a_n = \frac{1}{\ln(n!)}\). Participants are exploring convergence tests, particularly the Comparison Test, and the implications of related series.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Some participants attempt to apply the Comparison Test, noting that \(\frac{1}{\ln(n!)} < \frac{1}{n}\) for \(n > 6\). Others question the validity of concluding convergence based on this comparison, given that \(\sum_{n=2}^{\infty} \frac{1}{n}\) diverges.
  • There are discussions about using integrals to demonstrate divergence, with references to Cauchy's integral theorem and the mean value theorem as alternative approaches.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing various lines of reasoning and questioning assumptions. Some guidance on using integrals and the mean value theorem has been offered, but there is no explicit consensus on the convergence of the series.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of homework guidelines, which may limit the depth of exploration into the problem. There is an emphasis on providing reasoning rather than direct solutions.

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Homework Statement


Determine whether the series \sum_{n=2}^{\infty}a_n absolutely convergent,conditionally convergent or divergent if

a_n=\frac{1}{ln(n!)}





The Attempt at a Solution



To solve this problem I used Comparision Test,so

\frac{1}{ln(n!)}&lt;\frac{1}{n} for all n>6

So I concluded that this series has finite limit
 
Last edited:
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azatkgz said:

Homework Statement


Determine whether the series \sum_{n=2}^{\infty}a_n if

a_n=\frac{1}{ln(n!)}





The Attempt at a Solution



To solve this problem I used Comparision Test,so

\frac{1}{ln(n!)}&lt;\frac{1}{n} for all n>6

So I concluded that this series has finite limit

from what u have done, you defenitely cannot conclude whether this series converges or diverges, since the series of 1/n diverges..

Here is how i think u should go about solving this.

since n!<n^n, and using the fact that ln(n) is monotonically increasing we have that

ln(n!)<ln (n^n)=n*ln(n) , or

1/n*ln(n)<1/ln(n!) and now since the series

\sum_{n=2}^{\infty} 1/(n ln(n)) diverges we can conclude that also the series 1/ln(n!) when n goes from 2 to infinity diverges.
 
Do u know how to show now that the latter series that i wrote

\sum_{n=2}^{\infty} \frac {1}{n ln(n)}

diverges?
 
By Integration?

Like \int \frac{dx}{xlnx}=\int \frac{du}{u}
 
azatkgz said:
By Integration?

Like \int \frac{dx}{xlnx}=\int \frac{du}{u}


well, you could do that too, but remember u are integrating from 2 to infinity. Obviously the integral diverges, so by the Cauchy's integral theorem for the convergence of the series we can conclude that also the serie
\sum_{n=2}^{\infty} \frac {1}{n ln(n)}

diverges.

However there is another way, among many others, to show this. It is based on the comparison test and also on the mean value theorem. any way will do.

it goes like this, first we are going to show that the series

\sum_{n=2}^{\infty} \{ln ln(n+1)-ln ln(n)} diverges, this is pretty easy to show that diverges, because the partial sum goes to infinity as n goes to infinity.

now let us use the mean value theorem on the interval [n,n+1] for the function y=lnln(x)

lnln(n+1)-lnln(n)=(lnln(c))' where c is from the interval [n,n+1] let c=a+n, where 0<a<1, it means that c is from the interval (n,n+1), so we have

lnln(n+1)-lnln(n)=1/((a+n)ln(a+n)

so since the series \sum_{n=2}^{\infty} \{ln ln(n+1)-ln ln(n)} diverges so will do the serie
\sum_{n=2}^{\infty} \frac {1}{(n+a) ln(n+a)}

now since

1/((a+n)ln(a+n)<1/n*ln(n) also the serie \sum_{n=2}^{\infty} \frac {1}{n ln(n)}
diverges.

i hope i was clear enough.
next time, since we are on the homework section, try to give a little more thought on your onw.
 
Last edited:

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