# Math Help - [SOLVED] Infinite series convergence

1. ## [SOLVED] Infinite series convergence

I think it diverges, but I must find whether or not.
$\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \sin \big(\frac{1}{n}\big)$. The problem is that they ask me to use a linear function lesser than the sine function over $(0,\frac{\pi}{2})$. I have no idea of how to start this.

2. Hello
Originally Posted by arbolis
I think it diverges, but I must find whether or not.
$\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \sin \big(\frac{1}{n}\big)$. The problem is that they ask me to use a linear function lesser than the sine function over $(0,\frac{\pi}{2})$. I have no idea of how to start this.
The only linear functions mapping $\mathbb{R}$ into $\mathbb{R}$ are $f_a(x)=ax$ for $a\in\mathbb{R}$ hence the problem boils down to finding a constant $a$ such that $\sin x \geq ax$ for $x\in\left(0,\frac{\pi}{2} \right)$.

Since $(\sin x)''=-\sin x\leq0$ for $x\in\left[0,\frac{\pi}{2} \right]$, the sine function is a concave function on this interval thus the line which passes through the points $(0,0)$ and $\left( \frac{\pi}{2},1 \right)$ is under the curve of $x\mapsto \sin x$. In other words, $\boxed{\sin x \geq \frac{2}{\pi}x}$ as long as $x\in\left(0,\frac{\pi}{2} \right)$.

If you don't know what a concave function is, you can show that $g:x\mapsto \sin x-\frac{2}{\pi}x$ is non negative on $\left[0,\frac{\pi}{2} \right]$.
Hint : show that $g(0)=g\left(\frac{\pi}{2}\right)=0$ and that g is increasing on $\left[ 0,\arccos (2/\pi) \right]$ and decreasing on $\left[ \arccos (2/\pi), \frac{\pi}{2}\right]
$
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Note : choosing $a=\frac{2}{\pi}$ is useful (compulsory !) if one uses the fact that $x\mapsto \sin x$ is a concave function. If one uses the second method, $a$ can be any real number which lies in $\left( 0, 2/\pi\right]$.

3. Thanks to both! I know what a concave function is.
I'm not sure how to finish the exercise. As we have $\sin \big(\frac{1}{x}\big) \geq \frac{2x}{\pi}$, does that mean that $\sin (\frac{1}{n})\geq \frac{2}{\pi} \cdot \frac{1}{n}$ holds? If yes, then I know how to finish this.

4. Originally Posted by arbolis
As we have $\sin \big(\frac{1}{x}\big) \geq \frac{2x}{\pi}$, does that mean that $\sin (\frac{1}{n})\geq \frac{2}{\pi} \cdot \frac{1}{n}$ holds?
Yes since if $n$ is a positive integer then $\frac{1}{n} \in (0,1] \subset (0,\pi/2)$.

5. Originally Posted by arbolis
Thanks to both! I know what a concave function is.
I'm not sure how to finish the exercise. As we have $\sin \big(\frac{1}{x}\big) \geq \frac{2x}{\pi}$, does that mean that $\sin (\frac{1}{n})\geq \frac{2}{\pi} \cdot \frac{1}{n}$ holds? If yes, then I know how to finish this.
From flyingsquirels post, you have $\sin(1/x) \ge \frac{2}{\pi x}$ for $x \ge 2/\pi$.

RonL