appgolfer
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I know that [tex]\sum[/tex] of tan(1/x^2) converges, but why?
The discussion centers around the convergence of the series \(\sum \tan(1/x^2)\), exploring the conditions and reasoning behind this convergence. Participants delve into mathematical inequalities, Taylor series, and the comparison test, while also addressing the implications of dividing inequalities.
Participants express differing views on the application of inequalities, particularly regarding the division of inequalities, indicating a lack of consensus on this aspect of the discussion.
There are unresolved assumptions regarding the domain of \(x\) and the conditions under which the inequalities hold. The discussion also reflects uncertainty about the implications of dividing inequalities in mathematical reasoning.
micromass said:For a more rigourous explanation, apply the inequalities
[tex]\sin\left(\frac{1}{x^2}\right)\leq \frac{1}{x^2}~\text{and}~1-\frac{1}{2x^4}\leq \cos\left(\frac{1}{x^2}\right)[/tex]
These inequalities follow immediately from regarding the Taylor series of sin and cos. This also gives you an inequality:
[tex]\tan\left(\frac{1}{x^2}\right)\leq\frac{\frac{1}{x^2}}{1-\frac{1}{2x^4}}[/tex]
Working this out should give you a nice upper bound of the tangent function. So the answer follows from the comparison test.
Mute said:You can't divide inequalities.
e.g., 1 < 1.5 and 0.25 < 0.5, but that doesn't mean that 1/0.25 < 1.5/0.5 => 4 < 3!
micromass said:Sure you can! If 0<a<b and 0<c<d, then [tex]\frac{a}{d}<\frac{b}{c}[/tex].
In your example, that would be 1<1.5 and 0.25<0.5, then [tex]\frac{1}{0.5}<\frac{1.5}{0.25}[/tex], which is perfectly true.
You have to be careful WHICH PART of the inequality you divide though...