Series Multiplication: Investigate Convergence

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    Multiplication Series
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the multiplication of two alternating series and the investigation of their convergence. Participants explore the mathematical formulation of the product of these series and the conditions under which convergence can be analyzed.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses uncertainty about how to properly write the product of the series $\displaystyle \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} (-1)^{n} \frac{1}{n^{\frac{3}{4}}}$ and $\displaystyle \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} (-1)^{n} \frac{1}{n^{\frac{1}{4}}}$ in a way that facilitates convergence investigation.
  • Another participant provides a reformulation of the series product using a double summation, suggesting a method to express the product mathematically.
  • Participants discuss whether the expression $\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}(-1)^{n}\sum_{k=0}^{n} k^{-3/4}(n-k)^{-1/4}$ is valid for analyzing convergence, raising questions about the roles of 'n' and 'k' in the summation.
  • There is mention of applying the Leibniz formula for alternating series, with participants questioning how to handle the variables 'n' and 'k' in this context.
  • A participant introduces a comparison involving the function $f(x) = x^{3/4}(1-x)^{1/4}$, noting its maximum value and suggesting that the sum $\sum_{k=0}^{n} k^{-3/4}(n-k)^{-1/4}$ is greater than 1 under certain conditions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the proper formulation for investigating convergence, and multiple viewpoints regarding the treatment of variables 'n' and 'k' remain unresolved.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the assumptions made about the variables in the summation and the dependence on the definitions of convergence for alternating series. The discussion does not resolve these aspects.

Lisa91
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I multiplied two series $\displaystyle \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} (-1)^{n} \frac{1}{n^{\frac{3}{4}}}$ and $\displaystyle \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} (-1)^{n} \frac{1}{n^{\frac{1}{4}}}$. I got $\displaystyle 1 + \frac{1}{2^{\frac{3}{4}}2^{\frac{1}{4}}}+\cdots$ I don't know how to write it with symbols so that I could investigate whether it's convergent or not. I'd be thankful for your help!
 
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Lisa91 said:
I multiplied two series $\displaystyle \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} (-1)^{n} \frac{1}{n^{\frac{3}{4}}}$ and $\displaystyle \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} (-1)^{n} \frac{1}{n^{\frac{1}{4}}}$. I got $\displaystyle 1 + \frac{1}{2^{\frac{3}{4}}2^{\frac{1}{4}}}+\cdots$ I don't know how to write it with symbols so that I could investigate whether it's convergent or not. I'd be thankful for your help!
Welcome. :] I fixed your latex. I hope the following is what you were after. Using the product formula...$\begin{aligned} \bigg(\sum_{n=0}^{\infty} (-1)^n n^{-3/4}\bigg) \bigg(\sum_{n=0}^{\infty} (-1)^n n^{-1/4}\bigg) = \sum_{n=0}^{\infty}\sum_{k=0}^{n}(-1)^k k^{-3/4}(-1)^{n-k}(n-k)^{-1/4} = \sum_{n=0}^{\infty}\sum_{k=0}^{n}(-1)^n k^{-3/4}(n-k)^{-1/4}\end{aligned}$
 
First of all, may I write it like this \sum_{n=0}^{\infty}(-1)^{n}\sum_{k=0}^{n} k^{-3/4}(n-k)^{-1/4}?
\sum_{k=0}^{n} k^{-3/4}(n-k)^{-1/4} I read that if I want to investigate whether the whole series is convergent or not I have to investigate this guy at first.
I think I could compare this guy with something that I know but I am a bit confused about 'n' and 'k'. Should I care about 'n' in this one. May I assume that it's fixed?

Then I'll investigate: \sum_{n=0}^{\infty}(-1)^{n}\sum_{k=0}^{n} k^{-3/4}(n-k)^{-1/4}. I could apply the Leibniz formula but once again what about 'n' and 'k'.
 
Lisa91 said:
First of all, may I write it like this \sum_{n=0}^{\infty}(-1)^{n}\sum_{k=0}^{n} k^{-3/4}(n-k)^{-1/4}?
\sum_{k=0}^{n} k^{-3/4}(n-k)^{-1/4} I read that if I want to investigate whether the whole series is convergent or not I have to investigate this guy at first.
I think I could compare this guy with something that I know but I am a bit confused about 'n' and 'k'. Should I care about 'n' in this one. May I assume that it's fixed?

Then I'll investigate: \sum_{n=0}^{\infty}(-1)^{n}\sum_{k=0}^{n} k^{-3/4}(n-k)^{-1/4}. I could apply the Leibniz formula but once again what about 'n' and 'k'.
For $x$ in the interval $0\leqslant x\leqslant 1$, the function $f(x) = x^{3/4}(1-x)^{1/4}$ has a maximum value $3^{3/4}/4$ (which occurs when $x=3/4$). Putting $x=k/n$, you see that $k^{3/4}(n-k)^{1/4} \leqslant 3^{3/4}n/4$. Therefore $\displaystyle\sum_{k=0}^{n} k^{-3/4}(n-k)^{-1/4} \geqslant \frac{4(n+1)}{3^{3/4}n}>1$.
 

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