Ratio Test for Sum $\tiny{206.10.5.84}$

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the application of the ratio test to determine the convergence of the series \( S_{84} = \sum_{k=1}^{\infty} \frac{(4x)^k}{5k} \). Participants explore the conditions under which this series converges, including the implications of the ratio test and related calculations.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the series and applies the ratio test, calculating \( \frac{a_{n+1}}{a_n} = \frac{4xk}{k+1} \) and questioning the convergence condition \( 4|x| < 1 \).
  • Another participant confirms the application of the ratio test, stating that the series converges absolutely if \( \lim_{k\to\infty}\left|\frac{4xk}{k+1}\right| < 1 \), leading to the condition \( 4|x| < 1 \).
  • A third participant provides a detailed expansion of the series and discusses its derivative, suggesting that the integral converges for \( |x| < \frac{1}{4} \), which may imply a different convergence condition.
  • One participant expresses gratitude for the assistance received, indicating the complexity of the topic.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the application of the ratio test and the condition \( 4|x| < 1 \) for absolute convergence. However, there is a lack of consensus regarding the implications of the series expansion and the derived condition \( |x| < \frac{1}{4} \), which introduces potential disagreement.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes various mathematical steps and assumptions that may not be fully resolved, such as the relationship between the convergence conditions derived from the ratio test and those suggested by the series expansion.

karush
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$\tiny{206.10.5.84}$
\begin{align*}
\displaystyle
S_{84}&=\sum_{k=1}^{\infty}
\frac{(4x)^k}{5k}\\

\end{align*}
$\textsf{ ratio test}$
$$\frac{a_{n+1}}{a_n}
=\frac{ \frac{(4x)^{k+1}}{5(k+1)}}{ \frac{(4x)^k}{5k}}
=\frac{4xk}{k+1} $$
$\textsf{W|A says this converges at $4|x|<1 $ so how??}$
 
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The ratio test says a sum converges absolutely if

$$\lim_{n\to\infty}\left|\frac{a_{n+1}}{a_n}\right|<1$$

We have

$$\lim_{k\to\infty}\left|\frac{4xk}{k+1}\right|=4|x|$$

so the series converges absolutely if $4|x|<1$.
 
$$\sum_{k=1}^\infty\frac{(4x)^k}{5k}=\frac{4x}{5}+\frac{16x^2}{10}+\frac{64x^3}{15}+\frac{256x^4}{20}+\frac{1024x^5}{25}+\cdots$$

$$\frac{\text d}{\text{d}x}\left(\sum_{k=1}^\infty\frac{(4x)^k}{5k}\right)=\frac45+\frac{16x}{5}+\frac{64x^2}{5}+\frac{256x^3}{5}+\frac{1024x^4}{5}+\cdots$$

$$S=\int\frac45\left(\sum_{k=1}^\infty(4x)^{k-1}\right)\,\text{d}x,\quad\text{ which converges for }|x|<\frac14$$

$$S=\frac45\int\frac{1}{1-4x}\,\text{d}x=\frac45\cdot-\frac14\log(1-4x)+C=-\frac15\log(1-4x),\quad|x|<\frac14;\,C=0$$
 
this has been a difficult section so the help here has been very appreciated..
☕
 

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