What is the interval of convergence for this power series?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around determining the interval of convergence for the power series given by the summation from n=1 to infinity of (x-2)^n/(n*3^n). Participants explore the application of the ratio test and the necessary steps to arrive at the correct interval.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant states that their teacher found the interval of convergence to be -1 <= x <= 5 based on the condition x-2/3 < 1.
  • Another participant questions whether the first poster remembered to take the limit in their calculations.
  • A third participant provides a detailed application of the ratio test, showing the steps leading to the condition |x-2|/3 < 1 for convergence.
  • A later reply acknowledges the oversight of not taking the limit and expresses gratitude for the clarification.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the interval of convergence, as the initial claim by the first poster is not fully validated or challenged with a definitive conclusion.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reveals a potential misunderstanding regarding the application of the ratio test, particularly the importance of taking the limit, which remains unresolved.

oldunion
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summation from n=1 to infinity (x-2)^n/(n*3^n).

My teacher got -1 <= x<= 5 as the interval of convergence because he found that x-2/3<1

Using the ratio test i get (x-2)n/(n+1)3, consistantly. This is driving me wild. :smile:
 
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Did you remember to take the limit?
 
[tex]\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{(x-2)^n}{n3^n}[/tex]

So using the ratio test we get,

[tex]\lim_{n\rightarrow\infty}\frac{(x-2)^{n+1}}{(n+1)3^{n+1}}*\frac{n3^n}{(x-2)^n}[/tex]

This reduces to

[tex]\lim_{n\rightarrow\infty}\frac{(x-2)n3^n}{(n+1)3^{n+1}}[/tex]

Which further reduces to...

[tex]\lim_{n\rightarrow\infty}\frac{n(x-2)}{3(n+1)}[/tex]

So, evaluating the limit we get:

[tex]\frac{{\mid}x-2{\mid}}{3} < 1[/tex]

I think Hurkyl's advice was easier than my work.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
ah yes, that's it! i forgot the limit. thank you
 

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