I know that [tex]\sum[/tex] of tan(1/x^2) converges, but why?

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Discussion Overview

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.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presumes that \(x\) is an integer and suggests specifying the domain, noting that for large \(x\), \(\tan(1/x^2) \sim 1/x^2\), which implies convergence if \(x > 0\).
  • Another participant proposes using inequalities derived from the Taylor series of sine and cosine to establish an upper bound for \(\tan(1/x^2)\), suggesting that this leads to convergence via the comparison test.
  • Some participants engage in a debate about the validity of dividing inequalities, with one asserting that it is not permissible while another counters that it can be done under certain conditions, leading to a correction of the initial claim.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

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.

Contextual Notes

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.

appgolfer
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I know that [tex]\sum[/tex] of tan(1/x^2) converges, but why?
 
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I presume x is supposed to be an integer, but you should specify domain.
In any case, for large x, tan(1/x2) ~ 1/x2, which implies convergence (assuming x starts > 0).
 


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.
 


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.

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!
 


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!

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...
 


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.

I stand corrected!

You have to be careful WHICH PART of the inequality you divide though...

I guess I wasn't careful enough!
 

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