Finding interval of convergence

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the interval of convergence for a power series derived from the function ∫f(x)dx, where f(x) = ln(x+1). Participants are exploring the convergence of the series at the endpoints of the interval determined by the ratio test.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the use of the ratio test to find the interval of convergence, initially determining -1 < x < 1. They raise questions about how to check the convergence at the endpoints x = 1 and x = -1, considering the application of series tests.

Discussion Status

There is ongoing exploration of the convergence of the series at x = 1, with some participants suggesting the use of the alternating series test. The discussion has progressed to checking the conditions for convergence at both endpoints, with differing opinions on the behavior of the series at x = -1.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of homework guidelines, focusing on the mathematical reasoning behind convergence tests without providing definitive solutions. The original poster expresses uncertainty about the convergence at the endpoints, prompting further inquiry into the series behavior.

physics=world
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1. Determine a power series, centered at zero for the function ∫f(x)dx. Identify the interval of convergence.

f(x) = ln(x+1) = ∫[itex]\frac{1}{x+1}[/itex]

2.


3. i found the power series, which is :

Ʃ ((-1)^(n))(x^(n+1)) / (n+1)


Im okay with that, but i need help on finding the interval of convergence...


to find it i do ratio test.. and i get


-1< x < 1


I need help on checking for the endpoints

the answer in the book is (-1,1]


how do i know that 1 converges? do i just plug in 1 into the function?
 
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physics=world said:
1. Determine a power series, centered at zero for the function ∫f(x)dx. Identify the interval of convergence.

f(x) = ln(x+1) = ∫[itex]\frac{1}{x+1}[/itex]

2.


3. i found the power series, which is :

Ʃ ((-1)^(n))(x^(n+1)) / (n+1)


Im okay with that, but i need help on finding the interval of convergence...


to find it i do ratio test.. and i get


-1< x < 1


I need help on checking for the endpoints

the answer in the book is (-1,1]


how do i know that 1 converges? do i just plug in 1 into the function?

No, plug 1 into the series. See if the series converges. Do the same thing at x=(-1).
 
okay so when i plug in 1 into the power series that i found..

i get

Ʃ (-1^n)(1^(n+1)) / (n+1)

how do i know if this converges or diverges?

do i use one of the series test?
 
physics=world said:
okay so when i plug in 1 into the power series that i found..

i get

Ʃ[itex]\frac{(-1^n)(1^(n+1)}{n+1}[/itex]

how do i know if this converges or diverges?

do i use one of the series test?

Sure, use a series test. 1^(n+1)=1. Looks like the alternating series test might be a good one.
 
hmm when i use the alternating series test is my a_n = (1^(n+1)) / (n+1)

because when i use that for a_n

i get (1^(infinity)) / (infinity)

or do we ignore (1^(n+1)) because it will always equal to 1?
 
physics=world said:
hmm when i use the alternating series test


is my a_n = (1^(n+1)) / (n+1)

because when i use that for a_n

i get (1^(infinity)) / (infinity)

That is NOT the alternating series test. State the alternating series test.
 
isnt it the lim as n -> infinity of a_n = 0

and

0 < a_n+1 ≤ a_n
 
physics=world said:
isnt it the lim as n -> infinity of a_n = 0

and

0 < a_n+1 ≤ a_n

That's part of the premises. State the rest including the conclusion.
 
Dick said:
That's part of the premises. State the rest including the conclusion.

conclusion?
 
  • #10
physics=world said:
conclusion?

The conclusion is that if a series satisfies certain conditions then it converges. Does your series satisfy all of the conditions.
 
  • #11
yes the series does satisfy the conditions for 1.
 
  • #12
physics=world said:
yes the series does satisfy the conditions for 1.

Alright. So it converges at x=1. Now try x=(-1).
 
  • #13
the lim as n -> infinity of (-1^(n+1)) / (n+1)

im i using the alternate series test correct for this one?
 
  • #14
physics=world said:
the lim as n -> infinity of (-1^(n+1)) / (n+1)

im i using the alternate series test correct for this one?

No, you left out the (-1)^n factor. Write out the first few terms of the series. Does it really alternate?
 
  • #15
okay. so it does not alternate it just stays negative
 
  • #16
physics=world said:
okay. so it does not alternate it just stays negative

Ok, then you need another test. Does it look like it converges to you?
 
  • #17
Dick said:
Ok, then you need another test. Does it look like it converges to you?

No it does not look like it will converge
 
  • #18
physics=world said:
No it does not look like it will converge

If you can give a good reason why then then you are done. It looks pretty similar to the harmonic series 1/n to me.
 

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