An interesting series divergence

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the divergence of the series $\displaystyle\sum_{n=1}^\infty\frac1{n H_n}$, where $H_n$ represents the n-th harmonic number. Participants explore various approaches to prove this divergence, examining the relationships between harmonic numbers and logarithmic functions.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that since $\displaystyle \lim_{n \rightarrow \infty} H_{n}-\ln n=\gamma>0$ and $H_{n}>\ln n$, it follows that for large enough $n$, $\displaystyle \sum_{k>n} \frac{1}{k\ H_{k}}> \sum_{k>n} \frac{1}{2\ k\ \ln k}$, suggesting divergence.
  • Others argue that the assertion in (1) is false, noting that while $H_n>\ln n$ implies $\displaystyle\frac{1}{{\ln n}} > \frac{1}{{{H_n}}}$, this does not provide sufficient information to conclude divergence.
  • One participant mentions that for large enough $n$, $H_{n}< 2\ \ln n$, leading to the inequality $\frac{1}{n\ H_{n}}>\frac{1}{2\ n\ \ln n}$, which they claim provides useful information.
  • Another participant requests an analytical proof for the claim that $H_n<2\ln n$.
  • There is a reiteration of the earlier point that the relationship between $H_n$ and $\ln n$ does not conclusively lead to divergence, with agreement noted among some participants.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express disagreement regarding the validity of the initial claim about the series divergence. Multiple competing views remain, particularly concerning the implications of the relationships between harmonic numbers and logarithmic functions.

Contextual Notes

Some limitations include the dependence on the asymptotic behavior of harmonic numbers and logarithmic functions, as well as unresolved mathematical steps regarding the inequalities presented.

Krizalid1
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Prove that $\displaystyle\sum_{n=1}^\infty\frac1{n H_n}=\infty$ where $H_n$ is the n-term of the harmonic sum.
 
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Krizalid said:
Prove that $\displaystyle\sum_{n=1}^\infty \frac1{n H_n}=\infty$ where $H_n$ is the n-term of the harmonic sum.

Because is $\displaystyle \lim_{n \rightarrow \infty} H_{n}-\ln n=\gamma>0$ and $H_{n}>\ln n$ then for n 'large enough' is...

$\displaystyle \sum_{k>n} \frac{1}{k\ H_{k}}> \sum_{k>n} \frac{1}{2\ k\ \ln k}$ (1)

... and the second series in (1) diverges...

Kind regards

$\chi$ $\sigma$
 
(1) is false. The fact $H_n>\ln n$ for large $n$ implies that $\displaystyle\frac{1}{{\ln n}} > \frac{1}{{{H_n}}} \Rightarrow \frac{1}{{n{H_n}}} < \frac{1}{{n\ln n}},$ however this doesn't provide information.
 
Krizalid said:
(1) is false. The fact $H_n>\ln n$ for large $n$ implies that $\displaystyle\frac{1}{{\ln n}} > \frac{1}{{{H_n}}} \Rightarrow \frac{1}{{n{H_n}}} < \frac{1}{{n\ln n}},$ however this doesn't provide information.

... of course... but is also for n 'large enough' $\displaystyle H_{n}< 2\ \ln n \implies \frac{1}{n\ H_{n}}>\frac{1}{2\ n\ \ln n}$ and that provides very good information...

Kind regards

$\chi$ $\sigma$
 
Okay that works but it's not clear why exactly $H_n<2\ln n.$ Can you prove it analytically?
 
Krizalid said:
Okay that works but it's not clear why exactly $H_n<2\ln n.$ Can you prove it analytically?

Immediate consequence of what is written in post #2 is that $\displaystyle \lim_{n \rightarrow \infty} \frac{H_{n}}{\ln n}=1$ so that is $\displaystyle \lim_{n \rightarrow \infty} \frac{H_{n}}{2\ \ln n}=\frac{1}{2}$...

Kind regards

$\chi$ $\sigma$
 
Krizalid said:
(1) is false. The fact $H_n>\ln n$ for large $n$ implies that $\displaystyle\frac{1}{{\ln n}} > \frac{1}{{{H_n}}} \Rightarrow \frac{1}{{n{H_n}}} < \frac{1}{{n\ln n}},$ however this doesn't provide information.
i'm agree with krizalid
 

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