Solving Problems with Harmonic or P-Series - Tips & Tricks

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the convergence and divergence of series, specifically focusing on the harmonic series and p-series. Participants are analyzing the characteristics of these series in the context of a homework problem.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the nature of the series 1/n, identifying it as both a harmonic series and a p-series with p=1. There is an exploration of the implications of this classification on convergence and divergence.

Discussion Status

There is an acknowledgment of the correctness of identifying the series as divergent, but some participants question the completeness of the reasoning, suggesting that understanding the conditions for convergence is also important. Multiple interpretations of the problem are being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the problems in this section are strictly about convergence or divergence, indicating a focus on the correctness of reasoning rather than just the final answer.

tony873004
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Homework Statement


From the example:
blah, blah, blah, = 1/n which is divergent (harmonic serics)

The Attempt at a Solution



blah, blah, blah, =1/n which is a p-series with p=1, therefore divergent.

We both get the same answer, but since all the problems in this section are either convergent or divergent, coming up with the right answer doesn't always mean you did it right.
 
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Uh what is your question actually?
 
You're both right. The sum 1/n is the harmonic series, but is it also a p-series with p=1. Hence, both comments are correct.
 
Although It depends what you know about the conditions on p for convergence.
 

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