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

  • Context: MHB 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Dustinsfl
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Sum
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The series $\sum\limits_{n = 1}^{\infty}\left(\sqrt{1 + n^2} - n\right)$ diverges. This conclusion is reached by applying the limit comparison test with the series $\sum\limits_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{1}{n}$. The expression $\sqrt{1 + n^2} - n$ simplifies to $\frac{1}{\sqrt{1 + n^2} + n}$, which behaves asymptotically like $\frac{1}{n}$ as \( n \) approaches infinity. Thus, both series exhibit the same divergence behavior, confirming that the original series diverges.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of series convergence and divergence
  • Familiarity with the limit comparison test
  • Basic knowledge of asymptotic analysis
  • Introduction to the Riemann Zeta function
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the limit comparison test in detail
  • Explore asymptotic behavior of functions
  • Learn about the properties of the Riemann Zeta function
  • Investigate other convergence tests for series
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, students studying calculus or real analysis, and anyone interested in series convergence and divergence techniques.

Dustinsfl
Messages
2,217
Reaction score
5
$\sum\limits_{n = 1}^{\infty}\left(\sqrt{1 + n^2} - n\right)$

$$
\sqrt{1 + n^2} - n = \frac{1}{\sqrt{1 + n^2} + n}
$$
Now what?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
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.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
4K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
5K