Evaluating ∑ln(n)/n: Bounded Values & n\geq3

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the convergence or divergence of the series ∑ln(n)/n for n ranging from 0 to ∞. Participants explore the behavior of the function ln(n)/n, particularly in relation to bounding techniques and the implications of choosing n ≥ 3. The conversation includes mathematical reasoning and clarifications regarding the properties of the function.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that the convergence of ∑ln(n)/n can be evaluated using bounding techniques, specifically referencing the squeeze theorem.
  • It is noted that ln(n)/n is not strictly decreasing or strictly positive on the interval [1, ∞) and is instead strictly increasing on (0, e] before decreasing on [e, ∞).
  • One participant suggests that since ln(n)/n > 1/n for n > 2, and since ∑1/n diverges, it follows that ∑ln(n)/n also diverges.
  • There is a question raised about why n ≥ 3 is a suitable choice for evaluating the series, with a request for clarification on the definition of "strictly positive" in this context.
  • Another participant challenges the assertion that ln(x)/x is not strictly increasing on [1, ∞), suggesting that the function's growth rate may be a factor in its classification.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the properties of the function ln(n)/n, particularly regarding its monotonicity and the implications for convergence. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing perspectives on the behavior of the series.

Contextual Notes

Participants note limitations in the definitions and properties of the function ln(n)/n, particularly concerning its behavior on specific intervals and the implications for convergence tests.

negation
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In determining whether ∑ln(n)/n converges or diverges, where n=[0,∞], ln(n)/n must be evaluated at the upper and lower bound. My notes breezed through this part without much explanation on finding the bounded values for ln(n)/n. I suspect it might have something to do with squeeze theorem.
Or rather, why is n [itex]\geq 3[/itex] a good value?
(I'm not sure if this should be homework because technically it isn't but some clarification on the question I have would be great!)
 
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negation said:
In determining whether ∑ln(n)/n converges or diverges, where n=[0,∞], ln(n)/n must be evaluated at the upper and lower bound. My notes breezed through this part without much explanation on finding the bounded values for ln(n)/n. I suspect it might have something to do with squeeze theorem.
Or rather, why is n [itex]\geq 3[/itex] a good value?
(I'm not sure if this should be homework because technically it isn't but some clarification on the question I have would be great!)

Let [itex]N \in \mathbb{N}[/itex]. If [itex]f : [N, \infty) \to \mathbb{R}[/itex] is a strictly decreasing strictly positive function, then [itex]\sum_{n=N}^M f(n)[/itex] can be bounded by [tex] \int_{N}^M f(x)\,dx \leq \sum_{n=N}^M f(n) \leq f(N) + \int_{N+1}^M f(x-1)\,dx <br /> = f(N) + \int_N^{M-1} f(x)\,dx.[/tex] To see this, draw the graphs of [itex]f(x)[/itex], [itex]f([x])[/itex] and [itex]f(x-1)[/itex], where [itex][x][/itex] is the greatest integer less than or equal to [itex]x[/itex] and compare the areas under each. Thus by the squeeze theorem, [tex] \lim_{M \to \infty} \int_{N}^M f(x)\,dx \leq \lim_{M \to \infty}\sum_{n=N}^M f(n) \leq <br /> f(N) + \lim_{M \to \infty} \int_N^{M-1} f(x)\,dx \leq f(N) + \lim_{M \to \infty} \int_N^M f(x)\,dx[/tex] so that the sum converges if and only if the integral converges.

[itex]\ln(x)/x[/itex] is not strictly decreasing or strictly positive on [itex][1,\infty)[/itex] and isn't even defined for [itex]x = 0[/itex]. It is strictly increasing on [itex](0, e][/itex] and is then strictly decreasing and strictly positive on [itex][e, \infty)[/itex]. Thus we must take [itex]N = 3[/itex] and split the sum as [tex] \lim_{M \to \infty} \sum_{n=1}^M \frac{\ln(n)}n = \frac{\ln(2)}2 + \lim_{M \to \infty} \sum_{n=3}^M\frac{\ln(n)}n.[/tex]
 
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ln(n)/n > 1/n (n>2). ∑1/n diverges, therefore ∑ln(n)/n diverges.
 
pasmith said:
Let [itex]N \in \mathbb{N}[/itex]. If [itex]f : [N, \infty) \to \mathbb{R}[/itex] is a strictly decreasing strictly positive function, then [itex]\sum_{n=N}^M f(n)[/itex] can be bounded by [tex] \int_{N}^M f(x)\,dx \leq \sum_{n=N}^M f(n) \leq f(N) + \int_{N+1}^M f(x-1)\,dx <br /> = f(N) + \int_N^{M-1} f(x)\,dx.[/tex] To see this, draw the graphs of [itex]f(x)[/itex], [itex]f([x])[/itex] and [itex]f(x-1)[/itex], where [itex][x][/itex] is the greatest integer less than or equal to [itex]x[/itex] and compare the areas under each. Thus by the squeeze theorem, [tex] \lim_{M \to \infty} \int_{N}^M f(x)\,dx \leq \lim_{M \to \infty}\sum_{n=N}^M f(n) \leq <br /> f(N) + \lim_{M \to \infty} \int_N^{M-1} f(x)\,dx \leq f(N) + \lim_{M \to \infty} \int_N^M f(x)\,dx[/tex] so that the sum converges if and only if the integral converges.

[itex]\ln(x)/x[/itex] is not strictly decreasing or strictly positive on [itex][1,\infty)[/itex] and isn't even defined for [itex]x = 0[/itex]. It is strictly increasing on [itex](0, e][/itex] and is then strictly decreasing and strictly positive on [itex][e, \infty)[/itex]. Thus we must take [itex]N = 3[/itex] and split the sum as [tex] \lim_{M \to \infty} \sum_{n=1}^M \frac{\ln(n)}n = \frac{\ln(2)}2 + \lim_{M \to \infty} \sum_{n=3}^M\frac{\ln(n)}n.[/tex]

Hi

Why isn't ln(x)/x strictly increasing on the domain [1,∞)?
ln(x)/x - ln(x-1)/(x-1) gives a positive increment and continues on as our domain tends towards infinity. Or is it categourically "not strictly decreasing" because it grows too slow?
To begin with, what is the definitition of strictly positive in this context?
 
ln(x)/x is decreasing -> 0.
 

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