Convergence of Modified Harmonic Series with Digit Deletion

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves the convergence of a modified harmonic series where terms containing the digit 9 are removed. Participants are tasked with demonstrating that the resulting series converges.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Some participants discuss the implications of the hint regarding the number of terms without the digit 9 and its relation to convergence. Others express uncertainty about how to connect the number of terms to the convergence of the series.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, questioning the interpretation of the hint and exploring the relationship between the number of terms and convergence. Some have provided insights into the nature of the series and are seeking further clarification.

Contextual Notes

There is a focus on understanding the constraints of the problem, particularly regarding the definition of relevant terms and the implications of the hint provided. Participants are also considering the mathematical properties of series in relation to the problem.

mr.tea
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Homework Statement


The problem states: In the harmonic series ##\sum_{1}^{\infty} \frac{1}{k}##, all terms for which the integer ##k## contains the digit 9 are deleted. Show that the resulting series is convergent.
Hint: Show that the number of terms ##\frac{1}{k}## for which ##k## contains no nines and ##10^{p-1} \leq k < 10^p## is less than ##9^p##.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


Well, it is not hard to show and see the required in the hint, but other than that the sum of less terms will be smaller than the original number of terms in the harmonic series, I am not sure how I can deduce the convergence. Can't see any link to convergence.
I would be happy to get help in this exercise.

Thank you.
 
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mr.tea said:

Homework Statement


The problem states: In the harmonic series ##\sum_{1}^{\infty} \frac{1}{k}##, all terms for which the integer ##k## contains the digit 9 are deleted. Show that the resulting series is convergent.
Hint: Show that the number of terms ##\frac{1}{k}## for which ##k## contains no nines and ##10^{p-1} \leq k < 10^p## is less than ##9^p##.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


Well, it is not hard to show and see the required in the hint, but other than that the sum of less terms will be smaller than the original number of terms in the harmonic series, I am not sure how I can deduce the convergence. Can't see any link to convergence.
I would be happy to get help in this exercise.

Thank you.

What are the simplest series you can think of?
 
mr.tea said:
Hint: Show that the number of terms ##\frac{1}{k}## for which ##k## contains no nines and ##10^{p-1} \leq k < 10^p## is less than ##9^p##.
I'm having a hard time understanding what this means. Is this the exact wording of the hint?
 
PeroK said:
What are the simplest series you can think of?

well, I can think of ##\sum \frac{1}{k^2}##. Still can't see how to use it...

Mark44 said:
I'm having a hard time understanding what this means. Is this the exact wording of the hint?

Yes, those are the exact words. It means how many numbers there are between, for example 10 to 99(included), which do not have the digit 9. Example 19 is not counted, and also 95. So the hint says to show that there are, for example, between 10 to 99, less numbers without the digit 9 than 9^p, and not just between 10 to 99, but also between 100 to 999 and so on.
 
It was this part:
and ##10^{p-1} \leq k < 10^p## is less than ##9^p##
I think what this is saying is that k < 9p, where ##10^{p-1} \leq k < 10^p##. As written, it suggests that ##10^p < 9^p##.
 
mr.tea said:
well, I can think of ##\sum \frac{1}{k^2}##. Still can't see how to use it...

I assumed they were aiming for a geometric series.
 
Thanks for the answers.

Mark44 said:
It was this part:

I think what this is saying is that k < 9p, where ##10^{p-1} \leq k < 10^p##. As written, it suggests that ##10^p < 9^p##.

I understood that the number of terms is less than 9^p, which is, well, true.

PeroK said:
I assumed they were aiming for a geometric series.
Then I need a bit more help here.
 
mr.tea said:
Thanks for the answers.
I understood that the number of terms is less than 9^p, which is, well, true.Then I need a bit more help here.

For ##10^{p-1} \leq k < 10^p## you have no more than ##9^p## relevant terms, and each relevant term ##1/k## is ##\leq 10^{1-p}##, so what could you say about the sum of such ##1/k##?
 
Last edited:

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