Checking the convergence of this numerical series using the ratio test

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around checking the convergence of a numerical series using the ratio test, specifically focusing on the series involving factorials.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the application of the ratio test, discussing the limit of the ratio of consecutive terms. There are attempts to simplify expressions involving factorials and questions about the properties of factorials.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, raising questions about the ratio test and factorial properties. Some guidance has been offered regarding simplification techniques, and there is a recognition of the need for careful application of factorial properties.

Contextual Notes

There are mentions of challenges with understanding factorials and the importance of using absolute values in the ratio test, although the terms in this case are positive.

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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  • #11
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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