Prove that the series converges

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around proving the convergence of the series \(\sum\sqrt{a_n}/n\) given that \(\sum a_n\) converges and \(a_n > 0\). Participants are exploring various convergence tests and relationships between the series.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • One participant attempts to apply the comparison test but encounters difficulties due to the behavior of \(a_n\) as it approaches zero. Others suggest exploring the implications of divergence in related series and consider partitioning the series into different segments based on term size.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active with participants offering hints and alternative approaches. There is an ongoing examination of the validity of certain convergence tests and the relationships between the terms of the series. No consensus has been reached yet, and multiple lines of reasoning are being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the constraints of the problem, including the behavior of \(a_n\) and the implications of the comparison test. There is also mention of specific series properties that may affect the convergence analysis.

embemilyy
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Homework Statement



If [itex]\sum(an)[/itex] converges, and an>0, prove that [itex]\sum\sqrt{an}/n[/itex] converges

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution



I'm trying to use the comparison test, since an>0. So I have to prove that an>[itex]\sqrt{an}[/itex]/n. But I keep getting stuck here because an approaches zero, so an is not greater than [itex]\sqrt{an}[/itex]
 
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I think so!

If [itex]\sum\sqrt{an}/n[/itex] diverges, then the limit as n approaches infinity of [itex](\sqrt{a(n+1)}/(n+1))/\sqrt{an}/n[/itex] is greater than or equal to 1, which implies that the limit as n approaches infinity of [itex]\sqrt{a(n+1)}/\sqrt{an}[/itex] is greater than or equal to 1, which implies that the limit as n approaches infinity of a(n+1)/an is strictly greater than 1, which implies divergence.
A contradiction, thus the above series is not divergent.

I think that's it. If so, thank you so much!
 
embemilyy said:
If [itex]\sum\sqrt{an}/n[/itex] diverges, then the limit as n approaches infinity of [itex](\sqrt{a(n+1)}/(n+1))/\sqrt{an}/n[/itex] is greater than or equal to 1
No, that isn't what I had in mind. [itex](\sqrt{a(n+1)}/(n+1))/\sqrt{an}/n[/itex] might not converge to a limit.
Thinking about it some more, I don't think the "comparison test 2" can help after all. The problem is that the ratio of consecutive terms of an could go the 'wrong' way occasionally. E.g. a2n+1 = a2n/10 = a2n-1/5.
But I think I see how to do it. Try partitioning the an series into two sums, one consisting of those terms ≤ 1/n2, and one consisting of those > 1/n2
 
Here's a different hint. Since$$
0\le (a-b)^2= a^2-2ab+b^2$$it follows that$$
ab\le \frac{a^2+b^2}{2}$$holds for any numbers ##a## and ##b##. See if you can use that.
 

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