Simplifying a sum involving lnx

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    Simplifying Sum
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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves evaluating the limit of a sum that includes the natural logarithm function, specifically comparing two expressions involving the limit as n approaches infinity. The context is within the realm of calculus and analysis, focusing on the properties of logarithmic functions and their behavior in summation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between the sum of logarithms and the factorial function, with one participant attempting to manipulate the expression involving ln(n!). Questions arise regarding the correct application of logarithmic identities and the evaluation of limits.

Discussion Status

Several participants are actively engaging with the problem, with one noting a typo in their initial reasoning. There is an acknowledgment of the need to calculate limits separately, and one participant expresses gratitude for the insights provided by others. The discussion reflects a collaborative effort to clarify the steps involved without reaching a definitive conclusion.

Contextual Notes

One participant mentions difficulty with notation in LaTeX, indicating a potential barrier to clear communication of mathematical expressions. Additionally, there is a focus on the order of terms in the logarithmic sum, which may influence the understanding of the problem.

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Homework Statement



I need to show that the lim n->inf ( [(1/n) * sum from k=1 to n of ln(k) ] - ln(n) )
is equal to the lim n->inf ( (1/n) sum from k=1 to n of ln(k/n) )



The Attempt at a Solution


I showed that the sum of ln(n) from k=1 to n is ln(n!) using ln(a) + ln(b) = ln(a+b). I am not sure how to get from (1/n)ln(n!) - ln(n) to (1/n)sum-ln(k/n).


I apologize for the non-tex stuff... but I am not sure how to do some of the symbols for this in tex yet. Thank you for your help.
 
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ln(a) + ln(b) ≠ ln(a+b), but ln(a) + ln(b) = ln(ab).
Try working with that.
 
Whoops. Actually that was a typo in my first post. I know that ln(a)+ln(b) ≠ ln(a+b):redface:
 
Did you try calculating both the limits separately?
 
I have found a solution to this. Continuing from where you left, i can write it as:
\frac{\ln (n!)-n\ln (n)}{n}
which is equal to
\frac{\ln (\frac{n!}{n^n})}{n}

We can write the last term as
\frac{1}{n}(\ln \frac{1}{n}+\ln \frac{2}{n}+\ln \frac{3}{n}...
 
Oooh. I got up to (1/n)ln(n!/n^n) but did not see that it gives what you have for the last step. After thinking about it I can see why this is. Also, I did try to calculate both limits separately... but I could not find a way to the solution by doing so. I appreciate your input.

I was looking at ln(n!) as [ ln(n) + ln(n-1) + ln(n-2) + ... + ln(2) + ln(1) ] instead of in the opposite order, or [ ln(1) + ln(2) + ln(3) + ... ln(n-1) + ln(n) ]. After I reversed the order, I saw how you obtained the solution :-P

Thank you for your input and help.
 

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