Does \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{z^n}{n} Converge for |z| \leq 1, z \neq 1?

  • Thread starter Thread starter latentcorpse
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Convergence
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the convergence of the series \(\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{z^n}{n}\) for values of \(z\) such that \(|z| \leq 1\) and \(z \neq 1\). Participants are exploring different methods to establish convergence, particularly focusing on the behavior at the boundary of the convergence region.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of the ratio test and Abel's test to determine convergence. There are questions about the applicability of these tests, particularly on the boundary where \(|z|=1\). Some participants express uncertainty about the details of Abel's test and its implications for convergence.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing exploration of different convergence tests, with some participants suggesting that the ratio test indicates convergence for \(|z| < 1\). Others are considering the implications of Abel's test for the boundary case and discussing the conditions under which it can be applied. The conversation reflects a mix of understanding and uncertainty regarding the convergence criteria.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the series does not converge at \(z=1\) and are trying to clarify the conditions under which the tests can be applied, particularly regarding the limits involved in determining the radius of convergence.

latentcorpse
Messages
1,411
Reaction score
0
How does one show that [itex]\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{z^n}{n}[/itex] converges [itex]\forall z s.t. |z| \leq 1, z \neq 1[/itex]

i can show that it doesn't converge for z=1 (easy enough) but how do i do the rest of it?
 
Physics news on Phys.org


Try ratio test and Abel's test.
 


ratio test gives [itex]\frac{z}{1+\frac{1}{n}} \rightarrow z[/itex] as n goes to infinity

so this will be convergent for all z with |z|<1

i don't really understand abels test - how does that help here?

also it says you can't apply abels test on the boundary so how do i show it converges there also?
 


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abel's_test

Abel's works on the boundary |z|=1 except at z=1. Are you allowed to use Abel's test? If not, I guess you'd have to wade through its proof? The key step is summation by parts, along with a sine trick. I'm assuming z is complex. Real case is easy.
 


ok so abels test can be used here o say that it converges on the boundary ASSUMING that we know it converges for all |z|<1 - and we know this from the ratio test.

but abels test doesn't work on z=1 but we can tell it doesn't converge there.
and then we are done.

is that all acceptable?
 


latentcorpse said:
How does one show that [itex]\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{z^n}{n}[/itex] converges [itex]\forall z s.t. |z| \leq 1, z \neq 1[/itex]

i can show that it doesn't converge for z=1 (easy enough) but how do i do the rest of it?

There should be a theorem or proposition in your book that says:
If [itex]\sum a_n (z-a)^n[/itex] is a given power series with radius of convergence [itex]R[/itex], then
[tex]R = \lim_{n\to \infty} \left| \frac{a_n}{a_{n+1}} \right|[/tex]
if this limit exists.
 


wouldn't that limit be 0 as [itex]z^n < z^{n+1} \Rightarrow \lim_{n \rightarrow \infty} |\frac{z^n}{z^{n+1}}|=0[/itex] as the n bits just go to 1 in the limit
 


latentcorpse said:
wouldn't that limit be 0 as [itex]z^n < z^{n+1} \Rightarrow \lim_{n \rightarrow \infty} |\frac{z^n}{z^{n+1}}|=0[/itex] as the n bits just go to 1 in the limit

Look what I posted. I didn't say [itex]z^n[/itex]. The formula I gave has [itex]a_n[/itex]'s in it.
 


Thm 1: If [tex]\left|\frac{b_{n+1}}{b_n}\right|\to L<1[/tex] then [tex]\sum b_n[/tex] converges absolutely.

Thm 2: If [tex]\left|\frac{a_{n+1}}{a_n}\right|\to L[/tex] then [tex]R=1/L[/tex] is the radius of convergence of [tex]\sum a_n z^n[/tex].

You can use either thm. Which one do you want to use? If you want to use Thm 1, you have to use [tex]b_n=a_n z^n[/tex]. If Thm 2, just use [tex]a_n[/tex]
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K