1

Proof that if $a_n \in (0,1)$ then a sequence of products given by $$x_n = (1- a_1) (1- a_2)... (1- a_n)$$ is convergent to finite positive limit only when $S = \displaystyle \sum^{\infty}_{n=1} a_n < \infty$


I tried to apply someting similar to:

If $a_1,\ldots ,a_n >0$ and $S=a_1+\ldots + a_n <1$, then $(1+a_1)(1+a_2)\ldots (1+a_n)(1-S) < 1$

$$(1-a_1)(1-a_2)\ldots(1-a_n)=1-(a_1+a_2+\ldots+a_n)+(a_1a_2+a_1a_3+\ldots+a_{n-1}a_n) - (a_1a_2a_3+a_1a_2a_4+\ldots)+ \ldots$$

So: \begin{align*} 1&=1\\ a_1+a_2+\ldots+x_n &= S \\ a_1a_2+a_1a_3+\ldots+a_{n-1}a_n &< S^2 \\ a_1a_2a_3+a_1a_2a_4+\ldots &< S^3 \\ &\vdots \\ a_1a_2a_3\ldots a_{n-1}+\ldots &< S^{n-1}\\ a_1a_2\ldots a_n &< S^n. \end{align*}

It follows that $$(1+a_1)(1+a_2)\ldots(1+a_n) < 1-S+S^2- \ldots $$

And I don't know what to do next but I have a feeling that this idea can be implied that case.

mathp
  • 191
  • 2
    You should notice $$\ln(x_n)=\sum_{i=1}^{n}\ln(1-a_i)$$ Also observe $$\lim_{x\rightarrow 0^+} \frac{x}{\ln(1-x)}=1$$ – Matthew H. Jan 29 '21 at 03:22
  • I am sorry, I didn't switch from x's to a's (it was written with x's in the answer that I am following and that is attached to my question) – mathp Jan 29 '21 at 03:26
  • Could you show me where to apply that limit? – mathp Jan 29 '21 at 03:31
  • 1
    You want to make the product in the formula for $x_n$ into a sum and then apply limit comparison test – Matthew H. Jan 29 '21 at 03:34
  • Oh, yeah, I think I got it. Took me sme time, but I understand it now. Turns out that this question was way easier than that one that I've attached to it. Thank you :) – mathp Jan 29 '21 at 03:48

0 Answers0