Number theoryDifficulty 8.0ShortlistFind the answer
Let C={4,6,8,9,10,…} be the set of composite positive integers. For each n∈C let an be the smallest positive integer k such that k ! is divisible by n. Determine whether the following series converges: n∈C∑(nan)n
A number or a short expression. Spacing and $ signs are ignored.
Solution
The series converges. We will show that nan≤32 for n>4; then the geometric series ∑(32)n majorizes the series. Case 1: n has at least two distinct prime divisors. Then n can be factored as n=qr with some co-prime positive integers q,r≥2; without loss of generality we can assume q>r. Notice that q∣q ! and r∣r!∣q !, so n=qr∣q !; this shows an≤q and therefore nan≤nq=r1≤21. Case 2: n is the square of a prime, n=p2 with some prime p≥3. From p2∣p⋅2p∣(2p) ! we obtain an=2p, so nan=p22p=p2≤32. Case 3: n is a prime power, n=pk with some prime p and k≥3. Notice that n=pk∣p⋅p2⋯pk−1, so an≤pk−1 and therefore nan≤pkpk−1=p1≤21.
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