Help with infinite series

In summary, the radius of convergence for the series is infinity and the interval of convergence is from -∞ to +∞. The ratio test was used to show that the limit ratio is zero, indicating that the series converges for all values of x. The radius of convergence is thus infinity and the interval of convergence is from -∞ to +∞.
  • #1
stunner5000pt
1,461
2

Homework Statement


Find the radius of convergence and interval of convergence for the following infinite series
[tex] \sum_{n=1}^{\∞} \frac{x^n n^2}{3 \cdot 6 \cdot 9 \cdot ... (3n)} [/tex]



Homework Equations


Ratio test


The Attempt at a Solution


Using ratio test we get
im not sure how to put absolute value signs but
[tex] \frac{(n+1)^2 x^{n+1}}{3 \cdot 6 \cdot 9 ... (3n) \cdot 3(n+1)} \frac{3 \cdot 6 \cdot 9 \cdot 3n}{n^2 x^n} [/tex]

and this becomes
[tex] \frac{(n+1)^2 x}{3 n^2 (n+1)} [/tex]
and that simplifies to

[tex] \frac{x(n+1)}{3n^2} [/tex]

now here is where I have the trouble. the bottom of the fraction above is 'stronger' than the top which means that when we put the above < 1, it does not solve.

Can you please check if I did all the math correctly? Your assistance is greatly appreciated!
 
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  • #2
stunner5000pt said:
[tex] \frac{x(n+1)}{3n^2} [/tex]
Yes, this looks right. Now ignore the ##x## for a moment, and consider this limit:
$$\lim_{n \rightarrow \infty} \frac{n+1}{3n^2}$$
What does this equal?
 
  • #3
You should have absolute values:$$
\lim_{n \rightarrow \infty}\left| \frac {x(n+1)}{3n^2}\right |$$
What do you get for that limit and what does it tell you?
 
  • #4
LCKurtz said:
You should have absolute values:$$
\lim_{n \rightarrow \infty}\left| \frac {x(n+1)}{3n^2}\right |$$
What do you get for that limit and what does it tell you?

thanks for your reply.

Isn't the limit zero? Wouldnt that mean that we can't make the limit <1?
 
  • #5
stunner5000pt said:
thanks for your reply.

Isn't the limit zero? Wouldnt that mean that we can't make the limit <1?

In my book, 0 < 1. What does that tell you about the series?
 
  • #6
LCKurtz said:
In my book, 0 < 1. What does that tell you about the series?

Ok that's perfect. that tells me that series converges.
How would I find the radius of convergence, though?
 
  • #7
stunner5000pt said:
Ok that's perfect. that tells me that series converges.
How would I find the radius of convergence, though?

Well, for what values of x does it converge?
 
  • #8
LCKurtz said:
Well, for what values of x does it converge?

it would converge for all x?

Would that mean the interval of convergence is -∞ to +∞ ?
Does that mean the radius is infinity?
 
  • #9
Since the limit ratio was zero no matter what value x has, the answer to all three questions is yes.
 
  • #10
LCKurtz said:
Since the limit ratio was zero no matter what value x has, the answer to all three questions is yes.

Thank you for your help
 

1. What is an infinite series?

An infinite series is a mathematical expression that represents the sum of an infinite number of terms. It is typically written in the form of a_n = a_1 + a_2 + a_3 + ..., where a_n is the nth term in the series and a_1, a_2, a_3, etc. are the individual terms.

2. How do you determine if an infinite series converges or diverges?

There are several tests that can be used to determine the convergence or divergence of an infinite series, such as the comparison test, ratio test, and integral test. These tests involve evaluating the behavior of the terms in the series and determining if they approach a finite value or infinity as the number of terms increases.

3. What is the difference between a convergent and a divergent series?

A convergent series is one in which the sum of the terms approaches a finite value as the number of terms increases. In contrast, a divergent series is one in which the sum of the terms approaches infinity as the number of terms increases.

4. Can an infinite series have a finite sum?

Yes, an infinite series can have a finite sum if it is convergent. This means that the sum of the terms in the series approaches a finite value as the number of terms increases, rather than approaching infinity.

5. How are infinite series used in real-world applications?

Infinite series have various applications in fields such as physics, engineering, and economics. They can be used to approximate values for complex calculations, model natural phenomena, and analyze trends in data. Additionally, many mathematical concepts, such as calculus and differential equations, rely on the use of infinite series.

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