Help Convergence test for series

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the values of x for which the series \(\sum \frac{1}{(k^x)(2^k)}\) converges. Participants are exploring convergence tests, particularly the ratio test, and the implications of varying x on the convergence behavior of the series.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of the ratio test and the conditions under which the series converges or diverges. There is an exploration of how different values of x affect the convergence, with some questioning the assumptions made in the application of the test.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants offering insights into the convergence behavior of the series based on different values of x. Some guidance has been provided regarding the ratio test and the importance of considering cases for x, but no consensus has been reached on the specific values of x that ensure convergence.

Contextual Notes

Participants are grappling with the definitions of convergence and the implications of their findings, indicating a need for clarification on the concept of convergence in the context of series.

Puppy27
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Find the value of x so that the series below converge.[/b]

[tex]\sum[/tex] 1/ [(k^x) * (2^k)] (k=1 to [tex]\infty[/tex])
Using ratio test, I 've got
[(1/2) * 1^x] < 1 for all x in R
But when I use different value of x, series converge and diverge!

Really need your help! Thank you so much
 
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I think we could say that for every x, the series can be convergent. But it's not uniformly convergent.
For all x ∈R,it's convergent. Just notice that if we assume S(x)=∑1/ [(k^x) * (2^k)] , we could find an integral number n with 1/ [(k^x) * (2^k)] <[(k^n) / (2^k)] .
let Sn=Σ[(k^n) / (2^k)], you could easily calculate Sn-0.5Sn, then for every n, the series can be convergent. But, unfortunately, the speed of the convergency depends on the integral n, which is based on x, so we could not say that the series uniformly converge.
 
That is why my lecturer asks to find values of x (or I think the range of value of x) to make this series converge

Help me please!
 
The ratio of consecutive terms is [tex]\frac{ k^x 2^k}{(k+1)^x 2^{k+1}} = \frac{1}{2} \cdot \left( \frac{k}{k+1} \right)^x[/tex].

You were incorrect to simply replace the k/(k+1) term with 1 straight away. You have to consider how different x values affect the term by breaking it up into cases. What if x is negative?
 
sorry, but the ratio test is using limit of Uk+1/Uk when k goes to infinity, right?
So that is why I get (1/2) * 1^x which is (1/2) for all x
 
So what is the problem? You said that when you test different values for x, some diverge and some converge. Which ones do you think make it diverge? You know that it must converge, so try to see where your reasoning is faulty.
 
sorry, I mistake the definition of convergence! I first thought a series converge when k increases, the value of each component in the series will increase.

so sorry!
 

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