An interesting series divergence

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on proving the divergence of the series $\displaystyle\sum_{n=1}^\infty\frac{1}{n H_n}$, where $H_n$ represents the n-th harmonic number. It is established that as $n$ approaches infinity, $H_n$ asymptotically approaches $\ln n + \gamma$, leading to the conclusion that $\displaystyle\sum_{n=1}^\infty \frac{1}{n H_n}=\infty$. The participants clarify that while $H_n > \ln n$ for large $n$, it is also true that $H_n < 2\ln n$, providing a critical insight into the series' behavior.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of harmonic numbers, specifically $H_n$.
  • Familiarity with limits and asymptotic analysis.
  • Knowledge of series convergence and divergence tests.
  • Basic calculus, particularly logarithmic functions.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of harmonic numbers, focusing on their asymptotic behavior.
  • Learn about series convergence tests, especially the comparison test.
  • Explore the relationship between harmonic numbers and logarithmic functions in depth.
  • Investigate analytic proofs of inequalities involving $H_n$ and $\ln n$.
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, students of calculus, and anyone interested in series convergence, particularly those studying harmonic series and asymptotic analysis.

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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