Another Test for Convergence Question

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    Convergence Test
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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around testing the convergence of the series $$\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{1}{3^{\ln n}}$$, which involves concepts from series convergence tests and manipulation of exponential expressions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to compare the series to geometric series and considers the ratio test, expressing uncertainty about the integral test due to its complexity. Some participants suggest manipulating the expression using properties of exponents to simplify the series.

Discussion Status

Participants are exploring different approaches to rewrite the series for easier analysis. Some guidance has been offered regarding the manipulation of the series terms, and there is an emerging consensus on the potential convergence based on the p-test, although explicit consensus on the conclusion has not been reached.

Contextual Notes

The original poster expresses difficulty with certain tests and manipulations, indicating a need for clarification on the properties of exponents and series convergence criteria.

Seydlitz
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Homework Statement


Test the following series for convergence or divergence.
$$\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{1}{3^{\ln n}}$$

The Attempt at a Solution


I've tried to compare this to geometric series ##3^n## but obviously the target term is larger overall than its geometric counterpart. Comparing with the reciprocal of ##\ln n## also brings no avail because the term is smaller than the former. Ratio test gives ##ρ=1## which is inconclusive. It certainly passes preliminary test because the limit goes to 0 once n goes to infinity. I haven't done integral test because it's quite ugly and I don't know how to integrate the corresponding function.

Can you guys give me suggestion to tame this series down nicely?

Thank You
 
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Use that 3=e^(ln(3)) and use the laws of exponentials to rearrange it a bit. It becomes a power series.
 
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Edit: Dick beat me to it. Quick.
 
Last edited:
Try using 3 =eln(3) to rewrite your summand
 
Strange things happened when I arrange the summation.

##3=e^{\ln 3}##
$$3^{\ln n}=(e^{\ln 3})^{\ln n}$$
$$3^{\ln n}=e^{\ln 3 ° \ln n}$$
$$3^{\ln n}=n^{\ln 3}$$

If that's the case then the series must be convergent because of p-test, with p being larger than 1.
 
Seydlitz said:
Strange things happened when I arrange the summation.

##3=e^{\ln 3}##
$$3^{\ln n}=(e^{\ln 3})^{\ln n}$$
$$3^{\ln n}=e^{\ln 3 ° \ln n}$$
$$3^{\ln n}=n^{\ln 3}$$

If that's the case then the series must be convergent because of p-test, with p being larger than 1.

I don't know if I'd call that strange, but it is the correct conclusion.
 
Dick said:
I don't know if I'd call that strange, but it is the correct conclusion.

Well maybe I'm not quite used to manipulating exponents yet. Thanks for your help guys!
 

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