[Math] Convergence of $\sum^\infty_{n=1}\arctan(\frac 1 {\sqrt n}) $ and how to approach trigonometric expressions in sums

calculusdivergent-seriessequences-and-series

Does $$\sum^\infty_{n=1}\arctan\left(\frac 1 {\sqrt n}\right)$$ converge?

The series probably diverges and I should probably use the comparison test, but I don't know what to use.

Note: no integral test.

My other question is, in general, when there are trigonometric expressions in series, what is the recommended approach?

Best Answer

Here is a non-asymptotic solution.

Notice that for all $x \leq 1$, $$ \arctan(x) = \int_0^x \frac{dt}{1+t^2} \geq \int_0^x\frac{dt}{2} = \frac{x}{2}. $$ Therefore $$ \sum_{n=1}^\infty \arctan\left(\frac{1}{\sqrt{n}}\right) \geq \frac{1}{2}\sum_{n=1}^\infty \frac{1}{\sqrt{n}} = +\infty. $$

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