Radius of Divergence: Find R & Interval of Convergence

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves analyzing the convergence of a power series given by the expression \(\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}\frac{(-4)^{n}}{\sqrt{n}}(x+4)^{n}\). The original poster is tasked with finding the radius of convergence (R) and the interval of convergence.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply the ratio test to determine R and the interval of convergence, but encounters issues with the results being marked incorrect. Some participants affirm the correctness of the calculations, while others question the notation of the interval and the implications of open versus closed endpoints.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing discussion regarding the notation of the interval of convergence, with participants clarifying the need to check endpoints when using the ratio test. Some guidance has been provided on how to interpret the results of the test in relation to the endpoints of the interval.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the ratio test can be inconclusive at the endpoints, leading to the necessity of checking convergence separately for those points. The original poster expresses confusion regarding the notation of the interval and the reasoning behind open and closed intervals.

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Homework Statement


I have this problem to consider the power series,
\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}\frac{(-4)^{n}}{\sqrt{n}}(x+4)^{n}
So, i need to find the R and interval of convergence.

Homework Equations



The Attempt at a Solution



This is what i did:
\lim_{n\rightarrow \infty} {\frac{(-4)^{n+1}(x+4)^{n+1}}{\sqrt{n+1}}}\frac{\sqrt{n}}{(-4)^{n}(x+4)^{n}}

and this is what i get after i finished calculating for R = 4|x+4| \rightarrow R = 1/4 and the interverval for convergence = (-17/4, -15/4)

When i submitted this answer into webwork, the system said it was wrong. So, can somebody please guide me to the correct path of calculating this question please.
 
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Your answer looks correct to me.
 
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Yes, the answer is correct but i just noticed that i enter the interval in the wrong notations. It supposed to be (-17/4,-15/4]. I just don't understand why one interval is open, and the other one is closed.
 
When you use the Ratio test for interval of convergence, you have to check the end points, this is because the test is inconclusive when the limit is 1.
 
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You have to check the borders separately. If you do that, you'll see one gives a convergent series, the other one does not.

Edit: Didn't see Panphobia's post before.
 
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So, when one point is convergent we use the closed interval, and open if it diverges?
 
Yes, because it is included in the interval.
 
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ok that makes sense. Thanks for the replies and the help.
 
Abner said:
Yes, the answer is correct but i just noticed that i enter the interval in the wrong notations. It supposed to be (-17/4,-15/4]. I just don't understand why one interval is open, and the other one is closed.
Technical point. (-17/4, -15/4] is one interval. The two numbers are endpoints of this interval, not intervals themselves.
 
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