Finding the Interval of Convergence for Power Series | Ratio Test Explained

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the interval of convergence for the power series \(\sum \frac{x^n}{\sqrt{n}}\) using the ratio test. Participants are examining the application of the ratio test to determine convergence properties of the series.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply the ratio test and concludes that the interval of convergence is \((-∞, ∞)\). Other participants question the limit used in the ratio test and suggest re-evaluating the calculations, particularly focusing on the terms involved in the limit.

Discussion Status

Contextual Notes

Participants are addressing potential discrepancies in the application of the ratio test, particularly regarding the placement of terms in the limit. There is also a reference to a textbook that may have different conventions.

xtrubambinoxpr
Messages
86
Reaction score
0
Find the interval of convergence for the power series \sum \frac{x^n}{\sqrt{n}}

using the ratio test I get that the absolute value of x * the lim of square root of n over square root of n+1 = 0. so that being said i believe the interval of convergence is (-∞,∞) by the ratio test
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
Think about your limit again! The convergence radius is
\lim_{n \rightarrow \infty} \frac{a_n}{a_{n+1}}=\lim_{n \rightarrow \infty} \sqrt{\frac{n+1}{n}}=\cdots
 
vanhees71 said:
Think about your limit again! The convergence radius is
\lim_{n \rightarrow \infty} \frac{a_n}{a_{n+1}}=\lim_{n \rightarrow \infty} \sqrt{\frac{n+1}{n}}=\cdots

Why? using the ratio test you get X^n+1 / sqrt(n+1) * the reciprocal of the original expression. So the x^n cancel out. leaving it in the form with n / n+1 square root
 
vanhees71 said:
Think about your limit again! The convergence radius is
\lim_{n \rightarrow \infty} \frac{a_n}{a_{n+1}}=\lim_{n \rightarrow \infty} \sqrt{\frac{n+1}{n}}=\cdots

also i notice you have n+1 in the denominator. Isnt it the numerator in the original formula? that's how it is in my book anyways
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 24 ·
Replies
24
Views
3K