Radius of Convergence for $\sum_{j=0}^{\infty} \frac{z^{2j}}{2^j}$

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the radius of convergence for the series $\sum_{j=0}^{\infty} \frac{z^{2j}}{2^j}$. Participants explore different methods for finding the radius of convergence, including the ratio test and the Cauchy root test, and discuss the implications of their findings on the original series.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that by letting $z^2 = x$, the series can be analyzed with a radius of convergence of $2$ using the ratio test.
  • Another participant reformulates the series as a geometric series, concluding that it converges for $|z| < \sqrt{2}$.
  • A third participant applies the Cauchy root test, arriving at a radius of convergence of $\sqrt{2}$ but questions the validity of their book's statement regarding the limit involving $x$.
  • A later reply reiterates the geometric series approach, emphasizing the need to express the series in a specific form to identify the common ratio and its convergence condition.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the application of convergence tests and the interpretation of the radius of convergence. There is no consensus on the best method to derive the radius, and some participants question the correctness of the book's explanation.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note that the series must be expressed in a certain way to clearly identify the convergence criteria, and there are unresolved questions regarding the application of the Cauchy root test and the presence of the $x$ term in the limit.

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Radius of convergence of $\displaystyle \sum_{j=0}^{\infty} \frac{z^{2j}}{2^j}$.

If I let $z^2 = x$ I get a series whose radius of convergence is $2$ (by the ratio test).

How do I get from this that the original series has a radius of convergence equal to $\sqrt{2}$?
 
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$$\dfrac{z^{2j}}{2^j}=\left(\dfrac{z}{\sqrt2}\right)^{2j}$$, so the series is a geometric series which converges for all $$|z|<\sqrt2$$.
 
Thank you.

Cauchy root test gives: $\displaystyle (\lim |a_n|^{1/n})^{-1} =\left(\lim \left|\frac{x^{2n}}{2^n}\right|^{1/n}\right)^{-1} = \lim \left|\frac{x^2}{2}\right| = \frac{1}{2} |x|$ and $\displaystyle \frac{1}{2} |x^2| < 1 \implies |x| < \sqrt{2}. $ So $R = \sqrt{2}$

However, my book says $R = (\lim |a_n|^{1/n})^{-1})$ (if it exists). Surely, that can't be right as I still have $x$ term in the limit?
 
greg1313 said:
$$\dfrac{z^{2j}}{2^j}=\left(\dfrac{z}{\sqrt2}\right)^{2j}$$, so the series is a geometric series which converges for all $$|z|<\sqrt2$$.

Technically it would need to be written as $\displaystyle \begin{align*} \left( \frac{z^2}{2} \right) ^j \end{align*}$ to be read off as a geometric series. So it converges where the absolute value of the common ratio $\displaystyle \begin{align*} \left| \frac{z^2}{2} \right| < 1 \implies \left| z^2 \right| < 2 \implies \left| z \right| < \sqrt{2} \end{align*}$...
 

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