Does the series 4/k(lnk)^2 converge or diverge?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the convergence or divergence of the series \(\sum_{k=0}^\infty \frac{4}{k(\ln k)^2}\). Participants are exploring the implications of the series' formulation and the appropriate methods for analysis.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the use of the integral test, noting its limitations due to discontinuities in the function. There is also confusion regarding the correct formulation of the series, with questions about starting the summation at \(k=0\) versus \(k=1\) or \(k=2\). Some participants suggest that the original poster may have intended a different series altogether.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants seeking clarification on the original series formulation and sharing insights about the integral test's applicability. There is no explicit consensus yet, as participants are still interpreting the problem and its assumptions.

Contextual Notes

There are constraints regarding the undefined nature of terms when \(k=0\) or \(k=1\), which some participants highlight as critical to the discussion. The original poster's repeated attempts to clarify the series indicate potential confusion about its setup.

sadcollegestudent
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Homework Statement



##\sum_{k=0}^\infty \frac 4 k(\ln k)^2 ##

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


I tried to solve it using the integral test but since it's not continuous it doesn't work.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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sadcollegestudent said:
I tried to solve it using the integral test but since it's not continuous it doesn't work.
Please show what you've tried
 
sadcollegestudent said:

Homework Statement



##\sum_{k=0}^\infty \frac 4 k(\ln k)^2 ##

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


I tried to solve it using the integral test but since it's not continuous it doesn't work.
I've corrected your formula such that it is LaTeX compatible. Is that what you meant? And starting the summation with ##0##?
 
sadcollegestudent said:
∑∞k=04k(lnk)2∑k=0∞4k(ln⁡k)2\sum_{k=0}^\infty \frac 4 k(\ln k)^2

Are you sure \sum_{k=1}^\infty \frac 4 {k(\ln k)^2} wasn't meant? If you multiply with (ln k)^2 it's a rather simple summation if you know how to sum 1/k
 
Last edited:
sadcollegestudent said:

Homework Statement



##\sum_{k=0}^\infty \frac 4 k(\ln k)^2 ##

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


I tried to solve it using the integral test but since it's not continuous it doesn't work.

Do you mean
$$\sum_k \frac{4}{k} (\ln k)^2 \hspace{3ex}(1)$$ or $$\sum_k \frac{4}{k (\ln k)^2} \hspace{3ex}(2) ?$$

Edit: I see that willem2 has beat me to it.
 
willem2 said:
Are you sure \sum_{k=1}^\infty \frac 4 {k(\ln k)^2} wasn't meant? If you multiply with (ln k)^2 it's a rather simple summation if you know how to sum 1/k
Based on what the OP wrote and revised a couple of times, this looks like what he/she intended.

Let's let @sadcollegestudent come back and let us know what the actual summation is...
 
sadcollegestudent said:

Homework Statement



##\sum_{k=0}^\infty \frac 4 k(\ln k)^2 ##

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


I tried to solve it using the integral test but since it's not continuous it doesn't work.

(1) The integral test works perfectly. Perhaps if you showed us what you did we would be in a better position to help you.
(2) You need to start the summation at ##k=2##, since the terms are undefined when ##k = 0## or ##k = 1## (assuming you have ##\ln^2(k)## in the denominator).
 
Last edited:

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