Finding Intervals of Convergence

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the interval of convergence for a given power series. Participants are attempting to determine the correct bounds for convergence based on their calculations and interpretations of inequalities.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are sharing their attempts at finding the interval of convergence, including various pairs of numbers they have tested. There is a focus on simplifying inequalities derived from the power series.

Discussion Status

Some participants have pointed out potential errors in the original poster's approach, specifically regarding a sign mistake in the inequality. There is ongoing exploration of whether the endpoints of the interval converge, with suggestions to check specific values.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention the need to input answers into WeBWorK, which may impose specific formatting requirements for the interval of convergence. There is also a focus on the necessity of checking convergence at the endpoints of the interval.

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Find the interval of convergence for the given power series.
[PLAIN]http://img52.imageshack.us/img52/3632/c1786dba870d63ff1a827d9.png
The series is convergent
from x= ___ to
x = ____

Attempt


[PLAIN]http://img412.imageshack.us/img412/7411/image00.jpg


Attempted solutions:

I have to input the answer into something called WeBWorK and I've tried a bunch of different pairs of number, the only ones i remember try were

0, 8
0, 4
0, -8

among many others.

Can anyone tell me what I'm doing wrong?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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You have a sign mistake. You should get

[tex]\left| \frac{x-4} 4\right| < 1[/tex]

so

[tex]-1 < \frac{x-4} 4 < 1[/tex]
 
Well after simplifying that inequality, I get the intervals to be (x=0, x=8), and like I said before, it still isn't correct.

Did I make a mistake somewhere else?
 
No. It converges on (0,8). The only remaining question is whether it converges at the two end points, 0 and 8, which need to be checked separately. You might need to give an answer in one of these forms:

(0,8), [0,8), (0,8], [0,8]

where the square bracket indicates convergence at that end. Check x = 0 and x = 8.
 

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