Power Series Convergence Assistance

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the convergence of the power series $$\sum_{n = 2}^\infty \frac{(n-1)(-1)^n}{n!}$$ Participants explore methods to determine the sum to which the series converges, including the use of the Ratio Test and manipulation of known series expansions, specifically the Maclaurin series for \(e^{-1}\).

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant applies the Ratio Test and concludes that the series converges since the limit approaches \(0\), indicating \(L < 1\).
  • Another participant references the Maclaurin series for \(e^{-1}\) and suggests expressing the given series in terms of this known series.
  • A participant expresses confusion about manipulating the series and requests clarification on the steps needed to proceed.
  • One participant proposes a series of manipulations to express the original series in terms of the Maclaurin series, leading to a new expression for \(S\) that involves sums of alternating series.
  • The same participant continues to manipulate the series, attempting to simplify \(S\) further but leaves the final expression unresolved.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants appear to agree on the convergence of the series but have not reached a consensus on the exact sum to which it converges. There are differing approaches to manipulating the series, and the discussion remains unresolved regarding the final value of the sum.

Contextual Notes

Some manipulations rely on the properties of alternating series and factorials, but the steps taken by participants may depend on specific interpretations of convergence and series manipulation techniques. The final expression for \(S\) remains incomplete, indicating potential gaps in the reasoning or assumptions made.

theCalc
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
The power series

$$\sum_{n = 2}^\infty \frac{(n-1)(-1)^n}{n!}$$

converges to what number?

So far, I've tried using the Ratio Test and the limit as n approaches infinity equals $0$. Also since $L<1$, the power series converges by the Ratio Test.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
Maclaurin tells us:

$$e^{-1}=\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}\frac{(-1)^n}{n!}$$

You can write the given series in terms of the above. :)
 
I'm a bit lost and confused as to how I would manipulate the series, could you explain what steps would I need to take? Thanks.
 
Well, I think the first thing I would do is write:

$$e^{-1}=1-1+\sum_{n=2}^{\infty}\frac{(-1)^n}{n!}=\sum_{n=2}^{\infty}\frac{(-1)^n}{n!}$$

Next, let's write:

$$S=\sum_{n=2}^{\infty}\left(\frac{(-1)^n(n-1)}{n!}\right)=\sum_{n=2}^{\infty}\left(\frac{(-1)^nn}{n!}\right)-\sum_{n=2}^{\infty}\left(\frac{(-1)^n}{n!}\right)$$

$$S=\sum_{n=2}^{\infty}\left(\frac{(-1)^n}{(n-1)!}\right)-\sum_{n=2}^{\infty}\left(\frac{(-1)^n}{n!}\right)$$

$$S=\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}\left(\frac{(-1)^{n+1}}{n!}\right)-\sum_{n=2}^{\infty}\left(\frac{(-1)^n}{n!}\right)$$

$$S=1-\sum_{n=2}^{\infty}\left(\frac{(-1)^n}{n!}\right)-\sum_{n=2}^{\infty}\left(\frac{(-1)^n}{n!}\right)$$

$$S=1-2\sum_{n=2}^{\infty}\left(\frac{(-1)^n}{n!}\right)=\,?$$
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
4K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
5K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
5K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K