Power Series: Find Interval & Radius of Convergence

In summary, the conversation discusses using the ratio test to determine the convergence of the series (k! * (x^k)). The person asking the question is confused about pulling out the x in front of the limit, but it is allowed since x is a constant in this case.
  • #1
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Homework Statement



[tex]\Sigma[/tex] (from index k = 1 until infinity)

Within the Sigma is the series : (k! * (x^k))


Homework Equations



Ratio Test : lim as k approaches infinity |a(k+1) / ak|

The Attempt at a Solution



When I apply the ration test to the series and simplify I get lim k --> inf (x * (k+1))

My confusion lies in the fact that the text answers this limit as infinity(which is pretty obvious if you're only taking k into consideration) and they pull the x out in front of the limit. I thought you could only do that with constants?
 
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  • #2


No, you can take out anything that does not depend on k. Whether it is a function of other things does not matter. The point is that you are checking convertence "pointwise"- that means that you are taking the limit as k goes to infinity for a fixed x. For the purposes of this problem, "x" is a constant.
 

What is a power series?

A power series is an infinite series of the form ∑ cn(x-a)n, where cn are constants and a is a fixed value. It is used to represent functions as an infinite sum of powers of x.

How do you find the interval of convergence for a power series?

To find the interval of convergence for a power series, you can use the ratio test or the root test. These tests will determine if the series converges or diverges for a particular value of x. The interval of convergence is the range of values for x where the series converges.

What is the radius of convergence for a power series?

The radius of convergence for a power series is the distance from the center point, a, to the nearest point where the series converges. It can be found using the ratio test or the root test.

Can a power series have an infinite radius of convergence?

Yes, it is possible for a power series to have an infinite radius of convergence. This means that the series converges for all values of x. It is also possible for the series to have a finite radius of convergence, meaning it only converges for a specific range of values for x.

Why is it important to find the interval and radius of convergence for a power series?

It is important to find the interval and radius of convergence for a power series because it tells us where the series will converge and where it will diverge. This information is crucial in determining the accuracy and usefulness of the power series in representing a particular function.

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