Finding Interval of Convergence for Alternating Series

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the interval of convergence for an alternating series represented by the summation of [(-1)^(n+1)(x-5)^n]/[n5^n] from n=1 to infinity. Participants are exploring convergence tests, particularly the ratio test, and discussing the behavior of the series as n approaches infinity.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to apply the ratio test to determine convergence, with some expressing confusion about the results. Questions arise regarding the limit behavior of the series and the conditions for convergence.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on applying the ratio test and clarifying the importance of taking limits. There is an ongoing exploration of the conditions necessary for convergence, with various interpretations being discussed.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of confusion regarding the application of the ratio test and the simplification of expressions. Participants are also addressing the need to consider absolute values in their calculations.

Rasine
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am trying to find the intervals of convergence for the summation, first deritive, and intergral of problems like this:

the sum of [(-1)^n+1(x-5)^n]/[n5^n] from n=1 to infinity

i know it is an alternating series and thus i am attempting to use that test to find convergence/diverigence
lim as n gose to infinty=0 and asub.n is less than or equal to a

when i try to find the limit, both the top and bottom go to infinity and then I'm trying to use l'hopital rule for an indeterminat form, but that's not wokring too well

maybe i need to use the raito test, but that doesn't seem to work well either

please point me in the right direction
 
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The ratio test should work perfectly for this series.
 
when i do the raito test...the lim as n goes to infinty is not 0...the series diverges ... how dose that work out...am i wrong?
 
Rasine said:
when i do the raito test...the lim as n goes to infinty is not 0...the series diverges ... how dose that work out...am i wrong?

I think you're wrong... Can you show your work using the ratio test?
 
well, for the raito test one condition has to be met inorder for the series to converge, that is the abs(an-10/an)<1

so for the series we have [(-1)^n+2(x-5)^n+1]/[(n+1)5^n+1] all divided by [(-1)^n+1(x-5)^n]/[n5^n]

i simplify and get [-(x-5)n]/[5(n+1)]<1

i am stuck here
 
Rasine said:
well, for the raito test one condition has to be met inorder for the series to converge, that is the abs(an-10/an)<1

so for the series we have [(-1)^n+2(x-5)^n+1]/[(n+1)5^n+1] all divided by [(-1)^n+1(x-5)^n]/[n5^n]

i simplify and get [-(x-5)n]/[5(n+1)]<1

i am stuck here


Well you need to remember that you're taking a limit, and that there is an absolute value so the whole (-1)^k stuff goes away.
 
ok so i get [(x-5)n]/[5(n+1)]<1 and i need to get a interval of convergence from this

i have no idea
 
Rasine said:
ok so i get [(x-5)n]/[5(n+1)]<1 and i need to get a interval of convergence from this

i have no idea

Did you read everything I said in my last post? You need to take the limit as n goes to infinity.
 
so [xn-5n]/[5n+5] as n goes to infinity would be [x-5]/5?
 
  • #10
Rasine said:
so [xn-5n]/[5n+5] as n goes to infinity would be [x-5]/5?

Yes, but in order for the series to converge what are the conditions on that expression.
 
  • #11
I don't know why you multiplied that n into x- 5, it's much simpler as
(|x-5|/5)(n/(n+1)). What is the limit of n/(n+1) as n goes to infinity?


(That's simpler to read in LaTex:
[tex]\frac{|x-5|}{5}\frac{n}{n+1}[/tex]
What is the limit of
[tex]\frac{n}{n+1}[/tex]
as n goes to infinity?)
 
  • #12
so [x-5]/5<1

and the interval is
-1<[x-5]/5<1
0<x<10
 
  • #13
Surely, there's a | key on your keyboard?
 
  • #14
thank you for all your help
 

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