Proving Convergence of e^z Series Using Ratio Test on Coefficients

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on proving the convergence of the series representation of the exponential function \( e^z \) using the ratio test on its coefficients. Participants explore the application of the ratio test, the implications of the results, and the concept of the radius of convergence in the context of power series.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants present the series representation \( e^z = \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} \frac{z^n}{n!} \) and apply the ratio test to the coefficients \( \frac{1}{n!} \), concluding that the limit approaches 0, suggesting an infinite radius of convergence.
  • Others argue that the ratio test should be applied to the terms of the series rather than the coefficients, raising questions about the validity of the initial approach.
  • One participant asserts that if the ratio test yields a limit of 0, it implies an infinite radius of convergence for power series, inviting counterexamples to challenge this assertion.
  • Another participant emphasizes that while the limit of the ratio test can indicate convergence, it does not imply that \( \frac{1}{0} \) can be treated as infinity without further justification.
  • There is a mention of the root test also providing the radius of convergence, suggesting that multiple methods can be used to analyze convergence.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the application of the ratio test, particularly regarding whether it should be applied to coefficients or terms. While some agree on the implications of a limit of 0 indicating an infinite radius of convergence, others challenge this interpretation, leading to an unresolved discussion.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the assumptions made about the application of the ratio test and the treatment of limits approaching 0. The discussion does not resolve whether the application of the ratio test to coefficients is valid in this context.

Poirot1
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I am trying to prove e^z converges on all C. Here is my attempt.

e^z=series(z^n/n!)

use the ratio test on the coefficents 1/n! gives lim(1/(n+1))=0, which from rudin means radius of convergence R=1/0 -> R=infinity.
 
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Poirot said:
I am trying to prove e^z converges on all C. Here is my attempt.

e^z=series(z^n/n!)

use the ratio test on the coefficents 1/n! gives lim(1/(n+1))=0, which from rudin means radius of convergence R=1/0 -> R=infinity.

You should know that $\displaystyle e^z = \sum_{z = 0}^{\infty}\frac{z^n}{n!}$.

The ratio test states that when you evaluate $\displaystyle \lim_{n \to \infty}\left|\frac{a_{n+1}}{a_n}\right|$, if this limit is less than 1, the series is convergent, if this limit is greater than 1, the series is divergent, and if the limit is 1, the test is inconclusive. Since you are trying to find the values for which this series is convergent, you need to set $\displaystyle \lim_{n \to \infty}\left|\frac{a_{n+1}}{a_n}\right| < 1$, simplify, and see what values of z will satisfy that inequality.
 
Poirot said:
I am trying to prove e^z converges on all C. Here is my attempt.

e^z=series(z^n/n!)

use the ratio test on the coefficents 1/n! gives lim(1/(n+1))=0, which from rudin means radius of convergence R=1/0 -> R=infinity.

The ratio test applies to the terms not the coefficients.

CB
 
Yes you can do it that way but you can also do the test on the coefficents then let R be the reciprocal. I have done this before so I know it works, I was just wondering when you get 0 can you just say 1/0 = infinity?
 
No, you can't "just say" that. However, it is fairly easy to prove that if $a_n$ converges to 0 then $\frac{1}{a_n}$ does not converge. If you add that $a_n> 0$ for all n, then if diverges to $+\infty$.
 
In the context of radius of convergence R must be greater than or equal to 0. I'm pretty convinced that, for power series, whener the ratio/root test of co-efficents gives 0, then we have infinite radius of convergence. Anyone who cares to contradict that is free to give a counter example.
 
Poirot said:
In the context of radius of convergence R must be greater than or equal to 0. I'm pretty convinced that, for power series, whener the ratio/root test of co-efficents gives 0, then we have infinite radius of convergence. Anyone who cares to contradict that is free to give a counter example.

Yes you are correct. The ratio test give the radius of convergence whenever the limit exists. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power_series#Radius_of_convergence) The root test also give the radius of convergence. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cauchy–Hadamard_theorem)
 

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