Checking the convergence of this numerical series using the ratio test

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on applying the ratio test to the numerical series defined by the expression \(\sum_{n=0}^\infty \frac{(2n)!}{(n!)^2}\). Participants analyze the limit \(\lim_{n \rightarrow +\infty} \frac{a_{n+1}}{a_n}\) and simplify the factorial expressions involved. Key insights include the importance of using the fundamental property of factorials, \(n! = n \cdot (n-1)!\), to simplify the series. The conversation emphasizes the necessity of understanding factorial properties to effectively apply the ratio test.

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  • Understanding of the ratio test in series convergence
  • Familiarity with factorial notation and properties
  • Basic knowledge of limits in calculus
  • Ability to manipulate algebraic expressions involving factorials
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  • Learn advanced properties of factorials and their applications in combinatorics
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DottZakapa
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Homework Statement
using ratio test verify if converges
Relevant Equations
convergence tests
## \sum_{n=0}^\infty \frac {(2n)!}{(n!)^2} ##

##\lim_{n \rightarrow +\infty} {\frac {a_{n+1}} {a_n}}##

that becomes

##\lim_{n \rightarrow +\infty} {\frac { \frac {(2(n+1))!}{((n+1)!)^2}} { \frac {(2n)!}{(n!)^2}}}##

##\lim_{n \rightarrow +\infty} \frac {(2(n+1))!(n!)^2}{((n+1)!)^2(2n)!}##

##\lim_{n \rightarrow +\infty} \frac {(2n+2))!(n!)(n!)}{(n+1)!(n+1)!(2n)!}##

then i don't know what else i can do
 
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First of all, what does the ratio test say?
 
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Gaussian97 said:
First of all, what does the ratio test say?
##\lim_{n \rightarrow +\infty} {\frac {a_{n+1}} {a_n}}##

that becomes

##\lim_{n \rightarrow +\infty} {\frac { \frac {(2(n+1))!}{((n+1)!)^2}} { \frac {(2n)!}{(n!)^2}}}##

##\lim_{n \rightarrow +\infty} \frac {(2(n+1))!(n!)^2}{((n+1)!)^2(2n)!}##

##\lim_{n \rightarrow +\infty} \frac {(2n+2))!(n!)(n!)}{(n+1)n!(n+1)n!(2n)!}##
 
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Actually the ratio test uses the absolute values, in this case, all terms are positive so doesn't matter but is important to know exactly do the theorems say.

Ok, now using the properties of factorials, do you see any way to simplify this expression?
 
Gaussian97 said:
Ok, now using the properties of factorials, do you see any way to simplify this expression?
that is the point, I've already applied all the factorial properties that are in my knowledge. if there are others could you please tell me them? I would really appreciate it :) .
i have always problems with factorials.
thanks
 
Well, actually you only need the most fundamental property:
$$n! = n \cdot (n-1)!$$
 
Gaussian97 said:
Well, actually you only need the most fundamental property:
$$n! = n \cdot (n-1)!$$
like this?
##\lim_{n \rightarrow +\infty} \frac {(2n+2)!}{(n+1)(n+1)2n(n-1)!}##
 
Well, a little bit better. Be careful because ##(2n)!\neq 2n\cdot(n-1)!##, and you can still use this property to further simplify you answer (you can actually get rid of all the factorial terms using this property)
 
Gaussian97 said:
Well, a little bit better. Be careful because ##(2n)!\neq 2n\cdot(n-1)!##, and you can still use this property to further simplify you answer (you can actually get rid of all the factorial terms using this property)
##2n(2n-2)! ?##
 
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DottZakapa said:
##2n(2n-2)! ?##
No, use better the property in the form $$x! = x\cdot(x-1)!,$$ if you substitute ##x=2n## what do you obtain?
 
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Gaussian97 said:
No, use better the property in the form $$x! = x\cdot(x-1)!,$$ if you substitute ##x=2n## what do you obtain?
Very good! you've been super good, did not consider it.
thanks a lot.
Now it simplified as it should
 

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