# Show That the Series $\frac{1}{n}+ \frac{1}{n+1} +\dots + \frac{1}{2n}$ Converges to a Number Between $\frac{1}{2}$ and $1$ [duplicate]

$$a_n = \frac{1}{n}+ \frac{1}{n+1} +\dots + \frac{1}{2n}$$ converges to a number between $$\frac{1}{2}$$ and $$1$$. I know that it converges to Ln(2) but we still haven't learned about integrals in my class, so calculating its limits kills the purpose of the exercise.

I've been trying for a while, I tried with this theorem that states that if $$a_n \leq b_n$$ for all n greater or equal to some N, then $$\lim_{n\to\infty} a_n \leq \lim_{n\to\infty} b_n$$

So my aproach was to find two sequences such that their limits are $$\frac{1}{2}$$ and $$1$$, I used these $$\frac{n}{2n+1}$$ and $$\frac{n}{n+1}$$, the limit of the first one is $$\frac{1}{2}$$ and the limit of the second one is $$1$$, and we have that $$\frac{n}{2n+1} \leq \frac{1}{n}+ \frac{1}{n+1} +\dots + \frac{1}{2n} \leq \frac{n}{n+1}$$ for all $$n \geq 6$$, I've been trying to prove that with induction but I have been unable to do it. Is there any other way to prove that the limit is between $$\frac{1}{2}$$ and $$1$$?, or if someone could give me a hint with the induction proof, I would be very grateful.

Hint 1: $$a_{n+1}-a_n=\left( \frac{1}{n+1}+ \frac{1}{n+1} +\dots + \frac{1}{2n+2} \right)-\left(\frac{1}{n}+ \frac{1}{n+1} +\dots + \frac{1}{2n}\right)\\ = \frac{1}{2n+1}+\frac{1}{2n+2}- \frac{1}{n}<\frac{1}{2n}+\frac{1}{2n}- \frac{1}{n}=0$$

Hint 2:

$$a_n =\frac{1}{n}+ \frac{1}{n+1} +\dots + \frac{1}{2n} \geq \frac{1}{2n}+ \frac{1}{2n} +\dots + \frac{1}{2n}$$

Let the base case be $$n = 3$$. Then $$1/3+1/4+1/5+1/6 = 19/20$$ is between $$1/2$$ and $$1$$. Now assuming it is true for all $$n$$, $$a_{n+1} = \sum_{k=n+1}^{2(n+1)}\frac{1}{k}$$ is equal to $$a_n-1/n+1/(2n+1)+1/(2n+2) = a_n - \frac{3n+2}{(2n+1)(2n+2)n} < a_n$$. This proves that $$a_n$$ will be less than $$1$$ for all $$n \ge 3$$.

You don't need any inductive proof to prove that $$a_n$$ is greater than $$1/2$$, Since $$\frac{1}{2} \le \sum_{k=n}^{2n}\frac{1}{2n} = \frac{n+1}{2n} \le \sum_{k=n}^{2n}\frac{1}{k}$$

Therefore, $$a_n$$ is between $$1/2$$ and $$1$$ for all $$n \ge 3$$.

Edit: Since $$a_n$$ is continuously decreasing and is always above $$1/2$$, it must converge.

• To complete the proof, you should prove the convergence of $\{a_n\}$. – Feng Shao Jul 5 '19 at 4:57
• I edited the answer. – Varun Vejalla Jul 5 '19 at 4:59

If you enjoy harmonic numbers $$S_n=\sum_{i=0}^n \frac 1{n+1}=H_{2 n}-H_{n-1}$$ I you use the asymptotics $$H_p=\gamma +\log \left({p}\right)+\frac{1}{2 p}-\frac{1}{12 p^2}+O\left(\frac{1}{p^4}\right)$$ apply it twice and continue with Taylor series to get $$S_n=\log (2)+\frac{3}{4 n}+\frac{1}{16 n^2}+O\left(\frac{1}{n^4}\right)$$ which show the limit and how it is approached.

This also gives a quick approximation of the partial sum. For example $$S_{10}=\frac{178964263}{232792560}\approx 0.7687714$$ while the above expression would give $$\frac{121}{1600}+\log (2)\approx 0.7687722$$

Approximately half of the terms are $$\ge\frac{2}{3n}$$ and the rest are $$\ge\frac1{2n}$$ so give or take an error of the order of $$1/n$$, $$S_n$$ is at least $$\frac n2\frac2{3n}+\frac n2\frac1{2n}=\frac13+\frac14=\frac{7}{12}.$$ While it's obvious the limit must be at least $$1/2$$, we have got a lower bound which is strictly greater than that.


• Quote from the question: “I know that it converges to Ln(2) but we still haven't learned about integrals in my class, so calculating its limits kills the purpose of the exercise.” – Martin R Jul 5 '19 at 6:48
• @MartinR You're right. I'll try to modify my answer. Thanks. – Felix Marin Jul 5 '19 at 6:50
• You are welcome to edit your answer. Just note that a possible duplicate target has already been pointed out. – Martin R Jul 5 '19 at 6:51