Sum of reciprocals of the triangle numbers

Let $r=2$, and we can see that

$$\frac{2n-2}n=2-\frac2n<2$$

Similarly, as $n\to\infty$, the limit is $2$, so this is the least rational number satisfying the inequality.


First, let's point out that it isn't obvious why there is a "least" such rational number. For instance, if $S_n = 2$ for all $n$, then there isn't such a least rational number. So let's first prove that $r$ exists.

Let $A = \{x \in \Bbb Q: S_n < x, \forall n\}$. The question should read:

Prove that $\min A$ exists and find its value.

$$S_n = \sum_{k=1}^n \frac1{\sum_{t = 1}^k t} = \sum_{k=1}^n \frac1{\frac{k(k+1)}2} = 2\left( \sum_{k=1}^n \frac1k - \sum_{k=1}^n \frac1{k+1}\right) \\ = 2 \left(1 - \frac1{n+1} \right)$$

If $x \in A$, then $S_n < x, \forall n \implies \lim S_n \le x \implies 2 \le x$, so $2$ is a lower bound of $A$. On the other hand, $2 \in A$. Thus, $2 = \min A$; in particular, $\min A$ exists.