Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the convergence or divergence of the series $$\sum^{\infty}_{n=1}\frac{\Gamma(n+\frac{1}{2})}{n\Gamma{(n+\frac{1}{4})}}$$ and later a corrected series $$\sum^{\infty}_{n=1} \frac{\Gamma{(n+\frac{1}{4})}}{n\Gamma{(n+\frac{1}{2})}}$$. Participants explore properties of the Gamma function and apply various convergence tests.
Discussion Character
- Technical explanation
- Mathematical reasoning
- Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- Some participants note that for \(x > 2\), \(\Gamma(x)\) is increasing, leading to the inequality \(\frac{\Gamma(n+\frac{1}{2})}{\Gamma(n+\frac{1}{4})} > 1\).
- One participant argues that since the series \(\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{1}{n}\) diverges, if \(a_n > 1\) for all \(n\), then \(\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{a_n}{n}\) also diverges.
- A participant corrects their earlier statement, indicating they intended to analyze a different series involving \(\Gamma(n+\frac{1}{4})\) and \(\Gamma(n+\frac{1}{2})\).
- Another participant introduces a recursive relation for \(b_n = \frac{\Gamma(n+\frac{1}{4})}{\Gamma(n+\frac{1}{2})}\) and derives a relationship for \(a_n\) based on this recursive definition.
- The 'Raabe test' is mentioned as a method for establishing convergence, with calculations leading to a limit that suggests convergence.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express differing views on the convergence of the original and corrected series. While some calculations suggest convergence, there is no consensus on the overall conclusion regarding the original series.
Contextual Notes
Participants rely on properties of the Gamma function and specific convergence tests, but there are unresolved assumptions regarding the behavior of the series and the conditions under which the tests apply.