Understanding the Divergence of Series 1/(nln(n)): A Quick Explanation

  • Thread starter Thread starter frasifrasi
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Series
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the convergence and divergence of the series 1/(n ln(n)). Participants are examining the conditions under which the series diverges, despite the terms approaching zero.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the distinction between the convergence of the sequence and the divergence of the series. Questions are raised about the application of the integral test and the comparison test in determining convergence.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing insights into the necessary conditions for convergence and divergence. Some guidance has been offered regarding the use of the integral test, while there are differing interpretations of the comparison test.

Contextual Notes

There is a focus on the limit condition for convergence, with participants noting that satisfying this condition alone is insufficient for concluding convergence of the series. The discussion also references specific tests for convergence without resolving the overall question.

frasifrasi
Messages
276
Reaction score
0
why does the series 1/(nln(n)) diverge? I thought it converged since the limit goes to 0.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
No, the SEQUENCE

\left\{ \frac{1}{n\ln n} \right\}

converges because the limit of the terms go to 0.

However, the SERIES

\sum_{n=2}^\infty \frac{1}{n\ln n}

diverges using the integral test.
 
For the series

\sum_{n=1}^\infty a_n

the condition that

\lim_{n\to\infty} a_n = 0

is necessary for convergence, however it is not sufficient. That is, satisfying the limit condition is not enough to conclude that the series converges.
 
I see, so

1/n will diverge since p <= 1 and 1/nln(n) is smaller than that, so it will converge as well--is that a correct comparison test?
 
No, it's not. if an converges and bn< an then bn converges. If an diverges and bn> an then bn diverges. If an diverges and bn< an, you don't have any information as to whether bn converges or not.
As rs1n said, use the integral test.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
29
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Replies
2
Views
1K