MHB Series Multiplication: Investigate Convergence

Click For Summary
The discussion focuses on the multiplication of two alternating series, specifically $\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} (-1)^{n} \frac{1}{n^{\frac{3}{4}}}$ and $\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} (-1)^{n} \frac{1}{n^{\frac{1}{4}}}$. Participants explore how to express the product of these series and investigate its convergence. A key point raised is the use of the Leibniz formula and the need to analyze the inner sum $\sum_{k=0}^{n} k^{-3/4}(n-k)^{-1/4}$ for convergence. The function $f(x) = x^{3/4}(1-x)^{1/4}$ is introduced to help establish bounds for the series, leading to the conclusion that the inner sum diverges. Understanding the behavior of these series is crucial for determining the convergence of their product.
Lisa91
Messages
29
Reaction score
0
I multiplied two series $\displaystyle \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} (-1)^{n} \frac{1}{n^{\frac{3}{4}}}$ and $\displaystyle \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} (-1)^{n} \frac{1}{n^{\frac{1}{4}}}$. I got $\displaystyle 1 + \frac{1}{2^{\frac{3}{4}}2^{\frac{1}{4}}}+\cdots$ I don't know how to write it with symbols so that I could investigate whether it's convergent or not. I'd be thankful for your help!
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
Lisa91 said:
I multiplied two series $\displaystyle \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} (-1)^{n} \frac{1}{n^{\frac{3}{4}}}$ and $\displaystyle \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} (-1)^{n} \frac{1}{n^{\frac{1}{4}}}$. I got $\displaystyle 1 + \frac{1}{2^{\frac{3}{4}}2^{\frac{1}{4}}}+\cdots$ I don't know how to write it with symbols so that I could investigate whether it's convergent or not. I'd be thankful for your help!
Welcome. :] I fixed your latex. I hope the following is what you were after. Using the product formula...$\begin{aligned} \bigg(\sum_{n=0}^{\infty} (-1)^n n^{-3/4}\bigg) \bigg(\sum_{n=0}^{\infty} (-1)^n n^{-1/4}\bigg) = \sum_{n=0}^{\infty}\sum_{k=0}^{n}(-1)^k k^{-3/4}(-1)^{n-k}(n-k)^{-1/4} = \sum_{n=0}^{\infty}\sum_{k=0}^{n}(-1)^n k^{-3/4}(n-k)^{-1/4}\end{aligned}$
 
First of all, may I write it like this \sum_{n=0}^{\infty}(-1)^{n}\sum_{k=0}^{n} k^{-3/4}(n-k)^{-1/4}?
\sum_{k=0}^{n} k^{-3/4}(n-k)^{-1/4} I read that if I want to investigate whether the whole series is convergent or not I have to investigate this guy at first.
I think I could compare this guy with something that I know but I am a bit confused about 'n' and 'k'. Should I care about 'n' in this one. May I assume that it's fixed?

Then I'll investigate: \sum_{n=0}^{\infty}(-1)^{n}\sum_{k=0}^{n} k^{-3/4}(n-k)^{-1/4}. I could apply the Leibniz formula but once again what about 'n' and 'k'.
 
Lisa91 said:
First of all, may I write it like this \sum_{n=0}^{\infty}(-1)^{n}\sum_{k=0}^{n} k^{-3/4}(n-k)^{-1/4}?
\sum_{k=0}^{n} k^{-3/4}(n-k)^{-1/4} I read that if I want to investigate whether the whole series is convergent or not I have to investigate this guy at first.
I think I could compare this guy with something that I know but I am a bit confused about 'n' and 'k'. Should I care about 'n' in this one. May I assume that it's fixed?

Then I'll investigate: \sum_{n=0}^{\infty}(-1)^{n}\sum_{k=0}^{n} k^{-3/4}(n-k)^{-1/4}. I could apply the Leibniz formula but once again what about 'n' and 'k'.
For $x$ in the interval $0\leqslant x\leqslant 1$, the function $f(x) = x^{3/4}(1-x)^{1/4}$ has a maximum value $3^{3/4}/4$ (which occurs when $x=3/4$). Putting $x=k/n$, you see that $k^{3/4}(n-k)^{1/4} \leqslant 3^{3/4}n/4$. Therefore $\displaystyle\sum_{k=0}^{n} k^{-3/4}(n-k)^{-1/4} \geqslant \frac{4(n+1)}{3^{3/4}n}>1$.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 29 ·
Replies
29
Views
3K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
4K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K