How Can We Modify Convergent Series to Make Their Product Diverge?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding sequences \( a_n \) and \( b_n \) such that the series \( \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} a_n \) and \( \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} b_n \) converge, while the series \( \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} \left( \sqrt{a_n} \cdot b_n \right) \) diverges. This involves exploring properties of convergent series and their products.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants have attempted various forms for \( a_n \) and \( b_n \), such as \( a_n = 1/n^2 \) and \( b_n = (-1)^n / n \), but have not found successful combinations. Questions about modifying the series to maintain convergence while affecting the divergence of their product have been raised.

Discussion Status

Some participants have expressed frustration in finding suitable sequences and have been encouraged to modify their approaches. There is an ongoing exploration of how to adjust the convergence rates of the series while considering the implications for their product.

Contextual Notes

Participants are required to demonstrate their efforts before receiving further assistance, which has led to discussions about acceptable forms of \( a_n \) and \( b_n \) and the need for creative modifications to achieve the desired outcome.

AfterSunShine
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Homework Statement


Find a_n & b_n such that \sum_{n=0}^{\infty}a_n & \sum_{n=0}^{\infty}b_n are convergent series, but \displaystyle \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} \left( \sqrt{a_n} \cdot b_n \right) diverges.

Homework Equations


None.

The Attempt at a Solution


Try too hard for this but still cannot find such a_n & b_n.
 
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AfterSunShine said:

Homework Statement


Find a_n & b_n such that \sum_{n=0}^{\infty}a_n & \sum_{n=0}^{\infty}b_n are convergent series, but \displaystyle \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} \left( \sqrt{a_n} \cdot b_n \right) diverges.

Homework Equations


None.

The Attempt at a Solution


Try too hard for this but still cannot find such a_n & b_n.

That is not an acceptable post. You must show your efforts before we can offer tutorial help. Show us what you have tried so far please...
 
There is nothing to show here
basically I tried a_n = 1/n^2 & b_n = (-1)^n / n but failed
tried a_n = 1/n^2 & b_n = arctan (1/n) but failed
and so on...
 
AfterSunShine said:
basically I tried a_n = 1/n^2 & b_n = (-1)^n / n but failed
That is not so bad as a start. Can you modify the series in order to keep them converging, but doing so significantly slower?
And then you'll need some trick to get the product diverging - something that changes the sign flip thing...
 
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