Sum of an Infinite Series with Real Exponent p

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the convergence of the infinite series $\sum\limits_{n = 2}^{\infty}n^p\left(\frac{1}{\sqrt{n - 1}} - \frac{1}{\sqrt{n}}\right)$, where p is any fixed real number. Participants explore the behavior of the terms in the series and their implications for convergence, focusing on the asymptotic behavior of the difference between the square roots.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express that if the series were merely a telescoping series or a p-series, it would not pose a problem for convergence.
  • One participant proposes that the expression $\left( \frac{1}{\sqrt{n - 1}} - \frac{1}{\sqrt{n}} \right)$ behaves asymptotically like $\frac{n^{-3/2}}{2}$ as n approaches infinity.
  • Another participant provides a derivation of the asymptotic behavior, showing that $\frac{1}{\sqrt{n-1}} - \frac{1}{\sqrt{n}}$ can be expressed in terms of $n^{-3/2}$, suggesting a similar conclusion.
  • There are inquiries about the derivation of the asymptotic expression, indicating a desire for clarification on the reasoning behind it.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants have not reached a consensus on the convergence of the series or the validity of the asymptotic expressions. Multiple approaches and derivations are presented, but no agreement is evident regarding their implications.

Contextual Notes

Some participants' derivations rely on specific approximations and asymptotic expansions, which may depend on the behavior of n as it approaches infinity. The discussion does not resolve the implications of these approximations for the convergence of the series.

Dustinsfl
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$\sum\limits_{n = 2}^{\infty}n^p\left(\frac{1}{\sqrt{n - 1}} - \frac{1}{\sqrt{n}}\right)$
where p is any fixed real number.
If this was just the telescoping series or the p-series, this wouldn't be a problem.
 
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dwsmith said:
$\sum\limits_{n = 2}^{\infty}n^p\left(\frac{1}{\sqrt{n - 1}} - \frac{1}{\sqrt{n}}\right)$
where p is any fixed real number.
If this was just the telescoping series or the p-series, this wouldn't be a problem.

\[ \left( \frac{1}{\sqrt{n - 1}} - \frac{1}{\sqrt{n}} \right) \sim \frac{n^{-3/2}}{2}\]

CB
 
CaptainBlack said:
\[ \left( \frac{1}{\sqrt{n - 1}} - \frac{1}{\sqrt{n}} \right) \sim \frac{n^{-3/2}}{2}\]

CB

How did you come up with that though?
 
$\displaystyle \frac{1}{\sqrt{n-1}}- \frac{1}{\sqrt{n}}= \frac{\sqrt{n}- \sqrt{n-1}} {\sqrt{n^{2}-n}}= \frac{1}{\sqrt{n^{2}-n}\ (\sqrt{n}+\sqrt{n+1})} = \frac{1}{\sqrt{n^{3}-n^{2}} + \sqrt{n^{3}-2\ n^{2} + n}} \sim \frac{1}{2} n^{-\frac{3}{2}}$

Kind regards

$\chi$ $\sigma$
 
dwsmith said:
How did you come up with that though?

\[\begin{aligned}\frac{1}{\sqrt{n-1}}-\frac{1}{\sqrt{n}}&=\frac{1}{\sqrt{n}\sqrt{1-1/n}}-\frac{1}{\sqrt{n}}\\&= \frac{1}{\sqrt{n}}\left(1+(-1/2)(-n)^{-1}+O(n^{-2})\right)-\frac{1}{\sqrt{n}}\\ & = \dots \end{aligned}\]

CB
 

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