Solve Summation Confusion: Homework Equations & Attempted Solution

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the evaluation of the summation A=\sum_{n=2}^{\infty}(n\log^{2}(n))^{-1} and the subsequent manipulation leading to the equation \sum_{n=2}^{\infty}\frac{\log A}{An\log^{2}(n)}=\log A. The user initially misapplies the summation by treating A as a variable rather than a constant, leading to an incorrect conclusion of zero. The correct approach involves recognizing that A is a summed expression, allowing the constant \log A to be factored out, simplifying the expression to \frac{\log A}{A} \sum_{n=2}^{\infty} (n \log^2(n))^{-1} = \log A.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of infinite series and summation notation.
  • Familiarity with logarithmic functions, specifically base 2 logarithms.
  • Knowledge of calculus concepts related to convergence of series.
  • Basic algebraic manipulation skills for handling constants in summations.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of logarithms and their applications in summation.
  • Learn about convergence tests for infinite series, particularly for logarithmic terms.
  • Explore advanced techniques in series manipulation, including factoring constants.
  • Review examples of similar summations to solidify understanding of the concepts discussed.
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Students and educators in mathematics, particularly those focused on calculus and series analysis, as well as anyone seeking to clarify concepts related to logarithmic summations and series convergence.

PhillipKP
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Homework Statement



This is kind of a question regarding summation.

All logs are to base 2.

Given

A=\sum_{n=2}^{\infty}(n\log^{2}(n))^{-1}

Why does the the Author get

\sum_{n=2}^{\infty}\frac{\log A}{An\log^{2}(n)}=\log A
?



Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



But working it out, I get

\sum_{n=2}^{\infty}\frac{\log A}{\sum_{n=2}^{\infty}(n\log^{2}(n))^{-1}n\log^{2}(n)}=\sum_{n=2}^{\infty}\frac{\log A}{\sum_{n=2}^{\infty}1}

Since A\approx1.013

log(A)\approx0.019

Therefore

\sum_{n=2}^{\infty}\frac{0.019}{\infty}=0

What did I do wrong?

Thanks for any help in advance.
 
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A is already a summed expression. Therefore, you can pull it out of the sum:
\frac{logA}{A} \Sigma \left( n \log^2(n) \right)^{-1}, which is (logA/A)*A=logA.
 
Too much help there, javier. A hint to pull a constant factor out of the sum would have been enough.
 
That was perfect thanks :)
 
Last edited:

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