# Homework Help: Need hint regarding Euler's constant question

1. Jun 8, 2010

### librastar

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

Show that Euler's constant is 0 < $$\gamma$$ < 1

2. Relevant equations

According to my book, $$\gamma$$ = lim((1+1/2+....+1/n) - log n) as n approaches infinity

3. The attempt at a solution

First I assume $$\gamma$$ is equal to 0.

Then I will get lim(1+1/2+....+1/n) = lim (log n) as n approaches infinity.

However 1+1/2+....+1/n is a harmonic series which diverges, so the equality does not hold.

So $$\gamma$$ does not equal 0.

Next I assume $$\gamma$$ is less than 0.

Since log function never yields negative result, this implies that lim(1+1/2+....+1/n) < lim(log n) as n approaches infinity.

Again due to the divergent nature of harmonic series, the inequality does not hold.

These are all I have for now.

=================================

I feel I have logic error in the attempt to solve the problem, and I hope that someone will give me a hint on the correct solution.

2. Jun 8, 2010

### gabbagabbahey

Keep in mind that

$$\lim_{x\to a} [f(x)-g(x)]=\lim_{x\to a}f(x)-\lim_{x\to a}g(x)$$

Is only true if both the limits on the RHS exist.

I haven't tried the problem yet, but you might consider using the squeeze theorem.

3. Jun 8, 2010

### Office_Shredder

Staff Emeritus
For proving the positivity of $$\gamma$$ you should think about Riemann sums

4. Jun 9, 2010

### lanedance

just to add to you first post, log(n) also diverges, so the harmonic argument doesn't quite hold

5. Jun 10, 2010

### Gib Z

Same for showing it is less than 1. Very simple and nice when you see the idea.