Sum series- Prove the equality of ratio and root.

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on proving the equality of the ratio test and the root test for series convergence, specifically the relationship $$\frac{a_{n+1}}{a_{n}} = \sqrt[n]{a_{n}}$$. It is established that if the limit $$\lim_{n\rightarrow\infty}{a_{n+1}\over a_n}$$ exists, then $$\lim_{n\rightarrow\infty}a_n^{1/n}$$ also exists and they are equal. However, the reverse is not necessarily true, as demonstrated by the example of the sequence {1, 1/2, 1, 1/2...}, where the ratio limit does not exist while the root limit approaches 1. The discussion highlights the conditions under which these tests apply and their implications for series convergence.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of series convergence and divergence
  • Familiarity with the Ratio Test and Root Test for series
  • Knowledge of limits in calculus
  • Basic concepts of sequences and their behavior
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the detailed proofs of the Ratio Test and Root Test in calculus textbooks
  • Explore advanced calculus topics such as limit supremum and limit infimum
  • Investigate examples of sequences where the ratio limit does not exist
  • Learn about the generalizations of the Ratio and Root Tests
USEFUL FOR

Mathematics students, educators, and anyone interested in series convergence, particularly those studying calculus or advanced mathematical analysis.

Chipset3600
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I found this on the internet, but did not find the proof.
Curious to me is that the the ratio and root test have the same conditions.
How can i basically prove this equality?

$$\frac{a_{n+1}}{a_{n}} = \sqrt[n]{a_{n}}$$

Thank you!
 
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So what is the sequence ${a_n}$?
 
eddybob123 said:
So what is the sequence ${a_n}$?

There is no sequence, is just to prove...
 
is a rule of sequences that I found.
If i use this rule in this exercise:
http://mathhelpboards.com/calculus-10/sum-series-convergence-divergence-6624.html
And apply limit in booth sides i will have the same result. But i want to know why this property is true...
 
Last edited:
Chipset3600 said:
I found this on the internet, but did not find the proof.
Curious to me is that the the ratio and root test have the same conditions.
How can i basically prove this equality?

$$\frac{a_{n+1}}{a_{n}} = \sqrt[n]{a_{n}}$$

Thank you!
Hi Chipset! :DMy knowledge is a bit sketchy as far as series summation techniques, and if I've got this wrong, then hopefully some kind soul on here will take pity on both of us and correct me, but here goes... Firstly, with regards to both the Root Test and Ratio Test, you need to bear in mind that we are talking about the limiting value of a series term, or the limiting value of a quotient of consecutive series terms. So, for example, if we have a series of the form:$$\sum_{k=0}^{\infty}a_k$$then if the limit$$\lim_{k\to\infty}\, \Bigg|\frac{a_{k+1}}{a_k}\Bigg|=r$$exists, the series is absolutely convergent for $$r < 1$$, divergent for $$r > 1$$, and of undetermined convergence/divergence if $$r = 1$$Similarly, for the Root Test, if the limit$$\lim_{k\to\infty}\, \Bigg|\sqrt[k]{a_k}\Bigg|=r$$exists, then once again, the series in question is absolutely convergent for $$r < 1$$, divergent for $$r > 1$$, and of undetermined convergence/divergence if $$r = 0$$.This is the bit where I'm not sure, but I suspect that you're approaching it the wrong way by assuming equality for

$$\frac{a_{n+1}}{a_{n}} = \sqrt[n]{a_{n}}$$

in the general sense. In the limit, as $$n\to\infty$$, then equality should hold, but for a general, arbitrary series term, this is unlikely to be true.Can anyone add to or correct that...? Please and thankuppo! (Inlove)EDIT:

Apologies... I missed that last post of yours... :o:o:o
 
Hi,
For an a sequence of positive terms, the following is true:

if $$\lim_{n\rightarrow\infty}{a_{n+1}\over a_n}$$ exists, then $$\lim_{n\rightarrow\infty}a_n^{1/n}$$ exists and the two limits are equal.

However, it's possible that $$\lim_{n\rightarrow\infty}a_n^{1/n}$$ exists, but $$\lim_{n\rightarrow\infty}{a_{n+1}\over a_n}$$ does not exist!

Example: let the sequence {an} be 1, 1/2, 1, 1/2 ... Then clearly the ratio of successive terms alternates between 2 and 1/2, so the limit of this ratio can't exist. But the nth root of any positive is very close to 1 provided n is sufficiently large. So the nth root of an does approach 1 as its limit.

The ratio and root tests have "generalizations", but this is more in the realm of advanced calculus. These tests involve the limit supremum and limit infimum of sequences. If you're up to it,
you can find a wealth of information about this on the web.
 

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