Calculus 2 (Power Series) when the limit is zero by root test

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the application of the root test in determining the convergence of power series, specifically when the limit equals zero. The root test confirms that if the limit of the k-th root of the absolute value of x is zero, the series converges absolutely for all x, leading to an infinite radius of convergence. Participants emphasize that the root test is applicable only for series with positive terms and that absolute convergence implies convergence for negative values of x as well.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of power series and convergence
  • Familiarity with the root test for series convergence
  • Knowledge of absolute convergence in calculus
  • Basic concepts of limits in mathematical analysis
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the implications of absolute convergence in series
  • Learn about the comparison test for series convergence
  • Explore the ratio test and its applications in power series
  • Investigate the concept of radius of convergence in more depth
USEFUL FOR

Students of calculus, particularly those studying power series, mathematicians, and educators looking to deepen their understanding of series convergence techniques.

yeny
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Hi guys!

Here's a problem i was working on. I solved it by root test and got absolute value of x on the outside of the limit and the limit equaled zero. Is it wrong to multiply the outside absolute value by the zero I got from the limit? or is that okay?

In general, when we are solving power series problems, is it okay to think of R equals infinity when the limit is zero? is that always the case? the interval of convergence is (-inf, +inf)

what are the steps that YOU would take to solve such a problem?

hope this makes sense. THANK YOU !

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yeny said:
Hi guys!

Here's a problem i was working on. I solved it by root test and got absolute value of x on the outside of the limit and the limit equaled zero. Is it wrong to multiply the outside absolute value by the zero I got from the limit? or is that okay?

In general, when we are solving power series problems, is it okay to think of R equals infinity when the limit is zero? is that always the case? the interval of convergence is (-inf, +inf)

what are the steps that YOU would take to solve such a problem?

hope this makes sense. THANK YOU !
The root test only works for series of positive terms. So you should start by taking the absolute value of $|x|$. When you find that the series converges you can then use the fact that absolute convergence implies convergence to deduce the result for negative $x$.

Apart from that, your answer is correct. The limit of the $k$th root is zero, so you can conclude that the series converges (absolutely) for all $x$. That is expressed informally by saying that the radius of convergence is infinite.
 

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