Ratio test for infinite series

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around investigating the convergence of the series given by (2n)!/(n!n!). Participants are examining the steps involved in applying the ratio test to this series.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are questioning the definitions and substitutions made in the ratio test, particularly regarding the terms an and an+1. There is confusion about the steps leading to the second term and the cancellation of factorials in the numerator.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided clarifications on the substitutions used in the ratio test, while others continue to express uncertainty about specific steps and the reasoning behind them. The conversation is ongoing with multiple interpretations being explored.

Contextual Notes

There appears to be some confusion regarding the factorial terms and their manipulation, which may stem from differing interpretations of the series setup. Participants are actively questioning the assumptions made in the problem.

bobsmith76
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Homework Statement



Investigate the convergence of the following series.

(2n)!/(n!n!)

Screenshot2012-02-20at122944AM.png

The Attempt at a Solution



Number one, I don't see how they get that
if an = (2n)!, then an+1 = ((2n+2))!, it should be (2n+1)!

Number two, I don't see how they go to the second step, why is the second step not:

(n!n!(2n+2)!)/((n+1)!(n+1)!(2n)!)? why do they have that extra (2n)! in the numerator?

Number three, I don't see why n!n! cancels in the numerator in step 3.
 
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bobsmith76 said:

Homework Statement



Investigate the convergence of the following series.

(2n)!/(n!n!)

Screenshot2012-02-20at122944AM.png

The Attempt at a Solution



Number one, I don't see how they get that
if an = (2n)!, then an+1 = ((2n+2))!, it should be (2n+1)!

Number two, I don't see how they go to the second step, why is the second step not:

(n!n!(2n+2)!)/((n+1)!(n+1)!(2n)!)? why do they have that extra (2n)! in the numerator?

Number three, I don't see why n!n! cancels in the numerator in step 3.
Number one:
an+1 = ((2n+2))! results from basic substitution.

If \displaystyle a_{n}= (2n)!\,,\ \text{ then }a_{n+1}=(2(n+1))!\,,\text{ so that }a_{n+1}=(2n+2)!

Of course, this is not the same an as in the image you posted.
 
bobsmith76 said:
...

Number two, I don't see how they go to the second step, why is the second step not:

(n!n!(2n+2)!)/((n+1)!(n+1)!(2n)!)? why do they have that extra (2n)! in the numerator?

...

\displaystyle \frac{n!n!(2n+2)!}{(n+1)!(n+1)!(2n)!}=\frac{n!n!(2n+2)(2n+1)(2n)!}{(n+1)!(n+1)!(2n)!}

This is because
(2n+2)!=(2n+2)((2n+2)-1)((2n+2)-2)((2n+2)-3)((2n+2)-4)\dots(3)(2)(1)
=(2n+2)(2n+1)(2n)(2n-1)(2n-2)\dots(3)(2)(1)

=(2n+2)(2n+1)(2n)!​
 
bobsmith76 said:
...

Number three, I don't see why n!n! cancels in the numerator in step 3.
(n+1)!=(n+1)(n!)
 
Great advice I really appreciate it.
 

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