How Does the Sum of $\frac{1}{\sqrt{1 + n^2} + n}$ Diverge?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the divergence of the series $\sum\limits_{n = 1}^{\infty}\left(\sqrt{1 + n^2} - n\right)$, specifically analyzing the expression $\frac{1}{\sqrt{1 + n^2} + n}$ and its comparison to the harmonic series $\frac{1}{n}$. Participants explore various approaches to demonstrate the divergence of the series, including limit comparison tests and properties of the Riemann Zeta function.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that $\sqrt{1 + n^2} - n$ can be rewritten as $\frac{1}{\sqrt{1 + n^2} + n}$, suggesting this form is useful for analysis.
  • Others argue that $\frac{1}{\sqrt{1+n^2}+n}$ behaves similarly to $\frac{1}{n}$ as $n$ approaches infinity, indicating a potential divergence.
  • A later reply suggests using the limit comparison test to show that if the limit converges, both series diverge.
  • Some participants express that it may be easier to argue divergence by noting that $\frac{1}{n} > \frac{1}{\sqrt{1+n^2}+n}$ and referencing the convergence criteria of the Riemann Zeta function.
  • Another participant emphasizes the need to find a general term smaller than the series term to properly demonstrate divergence, indicating caution in the approach.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the best method to demonstrate divergence, with multiple competing views on the approach and reasoning involved.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding the assumptions made about the behavior of the series and the conditions under which the comparisons are valid. The reliance on properties of the Riemann Zeta function and the specifics of the limit comparison test are also points of contention.

Dustinsfl
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$\sum\limits_{n = 1}^{\infty}\left(\sqrt{1 + n^2} - n\right)$

$$
\sqrt{1 + n^2} - n = \frac{1}{\sqrt{1 + n^2} + n}
$$
Now what?
 
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dwsmith said:
$\sum\limits_{n = 1}^{\infty}\left(\sqrt{1 + n^2} - n\right)$

$$
\sqrt{1 + n^2} - n = \frac{1}{\sqrt{1 + n^2} + n}
$$
Now what?

\[\frac{1}{\sqrt{1+n^2}+n}\sim \frac{1}{n}\]

So it makes sense to compare this to $\dfrac{1}{n}$. I'd suggest using the limit comparison test to do this and show that

\[\lim_{n\to\infty}\dfrac{\dfrac{1}{n}}{\dfrac{1}{ \sqrt{1+n^2} +n}}\rightarrow L\]

If the limit converges (i.e. $L<\infty$), both terms have the same behavior (in this case, the limit should converge, implying that both series diverge).

I hope this helps!
 
Chris L T521 said:
\[\frac{1}{\sqrt{1+n^2}+n}\sim \frac{1}{n}\]

So it makes sense to compare this to $\dfrac{1}{n}$. I'd suggest using the limit comparison test to do this and show that

\[\lim_{n\to\infty}\dfrac{\dfrac{1}{n}}{\dfrac{1}{ \sqrt{1+n^2} +n}}\rightarrow L\]

If the limit converges (i.e. $L<\infty$), both terms have the same behavior (in this case, the limit should converge, implying that both series diverge).

I hope this helps!

Wouldn't it be easier than to say that $\frac{1}{n} > \frac{1}{\sqrt{1+n^2}+n}$ and the Riemann Zeta function only converges for the $\text{Re}(\sigma) >1$. Since $\text{Re} (\sigma) =1$, it diverges.
 
dwsmith said:
Wouldn't it be easier than to say that $\frac{1}{n} > \frac{1}{\sqrt{1+n^2}+n}$ and the Riemann Zeta function only converges for the $\text{Re}(\sigma) >1$. Since $\text{Re} (\sigma) =1$, it diverges.

I'm not that confident with working with Zeta functions. However, I must say that in order to show divergence, you need to find a general term that is smaller than the term of the series you're looking at; that is, if you're comparing two series $\sum a_n$ and $\sum b_n$ and $a_n\leq b_n$, then $\sum b_n$ diverges if $\sum a_n$ does. So, if you want to use zeta functions, you want to find some multiple $k$ of the summand term in $\zeta(1)$ such that $\dfrac{k}{n}<\dfrac{1}{\sqrt{1+n^2}+n}$.

It's going to diverge no matter what, but you need to be careful in showing how it does so.
 

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