Find the interval of convergence of this power series

In summary, the conversation discusses the use of the ratio test to determine the convergence of a series. The ratio test is applied and it is found that the series does not converge for any value of "x". However, the question in the book states that the series converges for |x| < √(5)/2. The expert notes that the numerator and denominator should be switched in the ratio test and clarifies that the terminology used in the question is incorrect as it does not involve a power series.
  • #1
Fernando Rios
96
10
Homework Statement
Find the interval of convergence of each of the following power series; be sure to investigate
the endpoints of the interval in each case.
Relevant Equations
∑((√(x^2+1))^n 2^n/(3^n + n^3))
∑((√(x2+1))n22/(3n+n3))

We use the ratio test:
ρn = |2(3n+n3)√(x2+1)/(3n+1+(n+1)3)|

ρ = |2√(x2+1)|

ρ < 1

|2√(x2+1)| < 1

No "x" satisfies this expression, so I conclude the series doesn't converge for any "x". However the answer in the book says the series converges for |x| < √(5)/2. What am I dong wrong?
 
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  • #2
You have to switch numerator and denominator in the ratio test.

Also, what you wrote down is no power series, so the question got the terminology wrong.
 
  • #3
Math_QED said:
You have to switch numerator and denominator in the ratio test.

Also, what you wrote down is no power series, so the question got the terminology wrong.
I wasn't reading the instructions for this problem. Thank you for your answer.
 

1. What is a power series?

A power series is a representation of a function as an infinite sum of terms, where each term is a power of a variable multiplied by a coefficient. It is typically written in the form of f(x) = c0 + c1x + c2x2 + c3x3 + ...

2. How do I find the interval of convergence for a power series?

To find the interval of convergence, you need to use the ratio test or the root test. These tests involve taking the limit of the absolute value of the ratio or root of consecutive terms in the series. If the limit is less than 1, the series will converge. If the limit is greater than 1, the series will diverge. If the limit is equal to 1, further tests may be needed to determine the convergence or divergence of the series.

3. What is the radius of convergence?

The radius of convergence is the distance from the center of the power series to the nearest point where the series converges. It is half of the length of the interval of convergence.

4. 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 will converge for all values of x, and the interval of convergence will be (-∞, ∞).

5. Are there any other methods for finding the interval of convergence?

Yes, there are other methods such as the integral test, comparison test, and alternating series test that can be used to determine the convergence or divergence of a power series. However, the ratio test and root test are the most commonly used methods for finding the interval of convergence.

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