Asymptotic Power Series Behavior

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the asymptotic behavior of the power series defined by f(x) = ∑₁^∞ aₙ xⁿ, where the limit of the ratio of coefficients aₙ₊₁/aₙ approaches 1/n. Participants conclude that under these conditions, the function f(x) grows asymptotically as e^x. The series has an infinite radius of convergence, allowing it to converge uniformly everywhere. The key insight is that if the coefficients behave like those of the Taylor series for e^x, then f(x) will exhibit similar exponential growth.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of power series and their convergence properties.
  • Familiarity with limits and asymptotic notation (e.g., Θ notation).
  • Knowledge of the Taylor series expansion for e^x.
  • Basic concepts in real analysis related to series and functions.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of power series and their convergence criteria.
  • Learn about asymptotic analysis and how to apply Θ notation in mathematical proofs.
  • Explore the Taylor series and its applications in approximating functions.
  • Investigate the relationship between series coefficients and their growth rates in real analysis.
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Mathematicians, physicists, and students in advanced calculus or real analysis who are interested in the behavior of power series and their applications in theoretical physics.

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Homework Statement



Suppose [tex]f(x) = \sum_1^\infty a_n x^n[/tex] is a power series such that [tex]\lim a_{n+1}/a_n \to 1/n[/tex]. Show that the magnitude of f(x) grows asymptotically as [tex]e^x[/tex].

This is not a homework question. But, if I know why it is true (or if it is), then I can use it to answer a quantum mechanics question.

The Attempt at a Solution



If the coefficients were actually in ratios of 1/n, as opposed to limiting to that ratio, then after factoring out the first coefficient, you would be left with the power series for [tex]e^x[/tex].

Or, one can easily show that f(x) grows faster than any polynomial, but that doesn't quite get us there either.

f(x) has infinite radius of convergence, so it converges uniformly everywhere.

The difficulty is that there are three limits. You want the limit of the coefficients to determine the limit of the function which is the limit of the series of those coefficients.

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Clarification
----------------------------
By [tex]\lim a_{n+1}/a_n \to 1/n[/tex], I meant [tex]a_{n+1}/a_n[/tex] grows theta of [tex]1/n[/tex].
I'm trying to translate my physics notes into something mathematical. There, it just says, "for large n [tex]a_{n+1}/a_n[/tex] goes like [tex]1/n[/tex], which is the same as the Taylor series for [tex]e^x[/tex], so the power series of [tex]a_n[/tex] has the same asymptotics as [tex]e^x[/tex]."
I feel like there's some analysis which validates this claim, but it's hard to translate into precise language.
 
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upsidedowntop said:

Homework Statement



Suppose [tex]f(x) = \sum_1^\infty a_n x^n[/tex] is a power series such that [tex]\lim a_{n+1}/a_n \to 1/n[/tex]. Show that the magnitude of f(x) grows asymptotically as [tex]e^x[/tex].

it is not clear what you mean by [itex]\lim a_{n+1}/a_n \to 1/n[/itex]. if it is the limit as n approaches infinity (or as n approaches anything), then the result cannot have n in the expression. if the ratio [itex]a_{n+1}/a_n[/itex] is always of the order [itex]1/n[/itex] then that shows the radius of convergence is infinite. however, i am not sure what it says about the growth of the power series. certainly the coefficients for [itex]e^x[/itex] have this pattern, so I think the idea that any series with this pattern will grow exponentially is probably correct. However, I don't really have an idea as to how to show that.

cheers.
 

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