Does Σ 1/(n(log(n))^p) Converge for p>1?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the convergence of the series Ʃ 1/(n(log(n))^p) for p > 1. Participants explore various methods to prove convergence, including the integral test and Cauchy's condensation test, while addressing the implications of starting the sum at different values.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose using the integral test to show convergence, suggesting that the integral from 2 to infinity of 1/(x(log(x))^p) converges for p > 1.
  • Others mention Cauchy's condensation test as a method, indicating that the series can be transformed into a form that resembles the convergent series Ʃ 1/k^p for p > 1.
  • One participant raises a concern about starting the sum at 1 due to log(1) being zero, which complicates the analysis.
  • Another participant argues that the sum from 1 to any fixed number converges unless division by zero occurs, and suggests starting the sum from 3 to avoid issues with the logarithm.
  • It is noted that the series from 3 to infinity is smaller than a known convergent series, which some participants use to support their arguments for convergence.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the implications of starting the sum at 1 versus 3, and there is no consensus on the best approach to prove convergence. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the implications of the starting point on convergence.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations related to the assumptions about the starting point of the series and the behavior of the logarithm at specific values. The discussion does not resolve these issues.

hivesaeed4
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Has anybody got any idea as to how to prove that Ʃ 1/(n(log(n))^p) converges? (where p>1)
 
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0 < log(n) < n for n>3
 
hivesaeed4 said:
Has anybody got any idea as to how to prove that Ʃ 1/(n(log(n))^p) converges? (where p>1)


First way, the integral test: \int_2^\inf \frac{1}{x\log^px} dx=\frac{\log^{1-p}(x)}{1-p}|_2^\inf \rightarrow \frac{log^{1-p}(2)}{p-1} .

Second way, Cauchy's Condensation test: taking n=2^k , the series's general term is \frac{1}{2^kk^p\log^p(2)} , so multiplying this by 2^k we get \frac{1}{k^p\log^p(2)} , which is a multiple of the series of \frac{1}{k^p} , which we know converges for p&gt;1 .

DonAntonio
 
DonAntonio said:
First way, the integral test: \int_2^\inf \frac{1}{x\log^px} dx=\frac{\log^{1-p}(x)}{1-p}|_2^\inf \rightarrow \frac{log^{1-p}(2)}{p-1} .

Second way, Cauchy's Condensation test: taking n=2^k , the series's general term is \frac{1}{2^kk^p\log^p(2)} , so multiplying this by 2^k we get \frac{1}{k^p\log^p(2)} , which is a multiple of the series of \frac{1}{k^p} , which we know converges for p&gt;1 .

DonAntonio

Thing is I've got to prove determine it's convergence from 1 to infinity.
 
Just to clarify, the previous message was supposed to be:
Thing is I've got to determine it's convergence from 1 to infinity.
 
If the sum starts at 1, you have a problem because log(1)=0
 
The sum from 1 to any fixed number will always converge (unless you divide by zero).
Therefore, if the sum from any fixed number to infinity converges, then the sum from 1 to infinity converges.

You can choose any fixed number you like. I chose 3 because 0<log(n) < n for all n>=3.

You can choose 11 if your log is base 10 rather than natural, or because, you know, usual amps only go up to 10, but yours goes all the way up to 11.

The sum from 3 to infinity of your series is smaller than the sum from 3 to infinity over 1/n^(p+1), which is smaller than 1/n^2 which we know converges.
 

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