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Plotting the expression ln(n)/sqrt(n) shows that the function first increases until about x = 7 or 8, and then decreases as x goes to infinity. In order to use the Integral test, however, doesn't the function have to be continually decreasing over the entire domain of the sum? --[[User:Reckman|Randy Eckman]] 21:38, 2 November 2008 (UTC) | Plotting the expression ln(n)/sqrt(n) shows that the function first increases until about x = 7 or 8, and then decreases as x goes to infinity. In order to use the Integral test, however, doesn't the function have to be continually decreasing over the entire domain of the sum? --[[User:Reckman|Randy Eckman]] 21:38, 2 November 2008 (UTC) | ||
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| + | Nah. It just needs to be decreasing as n approaches infinity. Think about it this way: you could change the sum so it includes all of the increasing terms, plus the sum from n past that point to infinity, and it would still be finite. --[[User:Jmason|John Mason]] | ||
Revision as of 16:47, 2 November 2008
Plotting the expression ln(n)/sqrt(n) shows that the function first increases until about x = 7 or 8, and then decreases as x goes to infinity. In order to use the Integral test, however, doesn't the function have to be continually decreasing over the entire domain of the sum? --Randy Eckman 21:38, 2 November 2008 (UTC)
Nah. It just needs to be decreasing as n approaches infinity. Think about it this way: you could change the sum so it includes all of the increasing terms, plus the sum from n past that point to infinity, and it would still be finite. --John Mason
