MHB Series Convergence and Divergence III

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The discussion focuses on determining the convergence of a Taylor series using different tests. The user expresses uncertainty about their answer for part c, where they applied the roots test instead of the ratio test, leading to an interval of [-∞, ∞]. For parts a and b, they calculated intervals of [-5, 5] and (-∞, ∞), respectively. Another participant suggests using the ratio test for part c, confirming that the radius of convergence is 2, with the interval of convergence being -4 < x < 0, while also noting the need to check the endpoints. The conversation emphasizes the importance of selecting the appropriate convergence test for accurate results.
ardentmed
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Hey guys,

I have a few quick questions for the problem set I'm working on at the moment:
View attachment 2774
I'm highly doubtful of my answer for c. I used the roots test instead of the ratio test, which gives 1/n, which I took the limit of to get an interval of [-∞ , ∞]

As for a and b, I got [-5,5] and (-∞, ∞) respectfully.

Thanks in advance.
 

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ardentmed said:
Hey guys,

I have a few quick questions for the problem set I'm working on at the moment:
https://www.physicsforums.com/attachments/2774
I'm highly doubtful of my answer for c. I used the roots test instead of the ratio test, which gives 1/n, which I took the limit of to get an interval of [-∞ , ∞]

As for a and b, I got [-5,5] and (-∞, ∞) respectfully.

Thanks in advance.

The general formula of a Taylor Series is $\sum_{n=0}^{\infty} a_n(x- \xi)^n$

At part $c$,it is: $a_n=\frac{(-1)^n}{n2^n} , \xi=-2$

$$ \rho=\lim_{n \to +\infty} \sqrt[n]{|a_n|}= \lim_{n \to +\infty} \sqrt[n]{\frac{1}{n2^n}}=\frac{1}{2}$$

$$R=\frac{1}{ \rho}=2$$

So,the series converges absolutely for $x \in (\xi-R, \xi+R)=(-4,0)$ and diverges for $x \notin [-4,0]$

So,now it remains to check if the series converges for $x=-4 \text{ and for } x=0$.
 
ardentmed said:
Hey guys,

I have a few quick questions for the problem set I'm working on at the moment:
https://www.physicsforums.com/attachments/2774
I'm highly doubtful of my answer for c. I used the roots test instead of the ratio test, which gives 1/n, which I took the limit of to get an interval of [-∞ , ∞]

As for a and b, I got [-5,5] and (-∞, ∞) respectfully.

Thanks in advance.

Why not do the ratio test for (c) as well?

$\displaystyle \begin{align*} \lim_{n \to \infty} \frac{ \left| a_{n + 1} \right| }{\left| a_n\right| } &< 1 \\ \lim_{n \to \infty} \frac{\left| \left( -1 \right) ^{n+1} \frac{\left( x + 2 \right) ^{n+1}}{\left( n + 1 \right) \, 2^{n+1}} \right| }{\left| \left( -1 \right) ^n \frac{\left( x + 2 \right) ^n}{n\,2^n} \right| } &< 1 \\ \lim_{n \to \infty} \frac{\frac{\left| x + 2 \right| ^{n + 1} }{\left( n + 1 \right) \, 2^{n + 1} }}{\frac{\left| x + 2 \right| ^n }{n\,2^n}} &< 1 \\ \lim_{n \to \infty} \frac{n\,2^n \, \left| x + 2 \right| ^{n + 1}}{\left( n + 1 \right) \, 2^{n + 1} \, \left| x + 2 \right| ^n } &< 1 \\ \frac{ \left| x + 2 \right| }{2} \, \lim_{n \to \infty} \frac{n}{n + 1} &< 1 \\ \frac{ \left| x + 2 \right| }{2} \, \lim_{n \to \infty} \left( 1 - \frac{1}{n + 1} \right) &< 1 \\ \frac{\left| x + 2 \right| }{2} \cdot 1 &< 1 \\ \frac{ \left| x + 2 \right| }{2} &< 1 \\ \left| x + 2 \right| &< 2 \\ -2 < x + 2 &< 2 \\ -4 < x &< 0 \end{align*}$

So your radius of convergence is 2, and your integral of convergence may be -4 < x < 0, but you will also need to check the endpoints.
 
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