Sum of an Infinite Series with Real Exponent p

In summary, The given series can be simplified to a form that is similar to a p-series with exponent -3/2, making it convergent for all values of p. This is due to the telescoping nature of the series, where the terms cancel out in pairs, leaving only a finite number of terms. This is also supported by the comparison test, where the series can be shown to be less than or equal to a p-series with exponent -3/2.
  • #1
Dustinsfl
2,281
5
$\sum\limits_{n = 2}^{\infty}n^p\left(\frac{1}{\sqrt{n - 1}} - \frac{1}{\sqrt{n}}\right)$
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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  • #2
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
 
  • #3
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?
 
  • #4
$\displaystyle \frac{1}{\sqrt{n-1}}- \frac{1}{\sqrt{n}}= \frac{\sqrt{n}- \sqrt{n-1}} {\sqrt{n^{2}-n}}= \frac{1}{\sqrt{n^{2}-n}\ (\sqrt{n}+\sqrt{n+1})} = \frac{1}{\sqrt{n^{3}-n^{2}} + \sqrt{n^{3}-2\ n^{2} + n}} \sim \frac{1}{2} n^{-\frac{3}{2}}$

Kind regards

$\chi$ $\sigma$
 
  • #5
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
 

FAQ: Sum of an Infinite Series with Real Exponent p

1. What is the formula for finding the sum of an infinite series with real exponent p?

The formula for finding the sum of an infinite series with real exponent p is given by S = a / (1 - r), where a is the first term of the series and r is the common ratio. This formula is valid for infinite geometric series with -1 < r < 1 and p > 1.

2. Can the sum of an infinite series with real exponent p be negative?

Yes, the sum of an infinite series with real exponent p can be negative. This can happen when the common ratio is between -1 and 0, and the first term is negative. In this case, the terms in the series will alternate between positive and negative, resulting in a negative sum.

3. What happens if the common ratio in an infinite series with real exponent p is equal to 1?

If the common ratio in an infinite series with real exponent p is equal to 1, then the series is no longer considered an infinite series. The sum of the series will be infinite or undefined, as the terms will continue to increase without bound.

4. How do you know if an infinite series with real exponent p is convergent or divergent?

An infinite series with real exponent p is convergent if the absolute value of the common ratio (|r|) is less than 1. If |r| is greater than or equal to 1, then the series is divergent. This means that the sum of the series either approaches a finite number or approaches infinity, respectively.

5. Can the sum of an infinite series with real exponent p be greater than the first term of the series?

Yes, the sum of an infinite series with real exponent p can be greater than the first term of the series. This can happen when the common ratio is between 0 and 1, and the first term is positive. In this case, the terms in the series will decrease in value, resulting in a sum that is greater than the first term.

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