Real Analysis Question regarding Series

christianrhiley
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Homework Statement



Let {a_n} be a monotonically decreasing sequence of positive real numbers with lim a_n = 0. Show the radius of convergence of \suma_nx^{}n is at least 1.


The Attempt at a Solution


I have no real attempt at a solution since I'm unsure how to proceed. I've tried using the power series definition and using a fixed x_0, but I get nowhere using this method. Can someone outline how this proof might look? Thanks.
 
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The radius of convergence is given by
\lim_{n \to \infty} \left| \frac{a_n}{a_{n+1}} \right|.

If {a_n} is decreasing and lim a_n = 0, then what can we say about this limit?
 
Is the fact that a_n = 0 as n approaches infinity needed? I find no reason for it.
 
Solved It!

Solved It!
 
There are two things I don't understand about this problem. First, when finding the nth root of a number, there should in theory be n solutions. However, the formula produces n+1 roots. Here is how. The first root is simply ##\left(r\right)^{\left(\frac{1}{n}\right)}##. Then you multiply this first root by n additional expressions given by the formula, as you go through k=0,1,...n-1. So you end up with n+1 roots, which cannot be correct. Let me illustrate what I mean. For this...
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