Use the techniques of geometric series

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the evaluation of the series \( S_n = \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{7^n}{n!} \) using techniques related to geometric series and various convergence tests. Participants explore different methods for determining convergence and evaluating the series, including the ratio test and the Maclaurin series for \( e^x \).

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests using the ratio test to evaluate the series \( S_n = \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{7^n}{n!} \).
  • Another participant introduces the Maclaurin series for \( e^x \) as a potential approach to evaluate the series.
  • Further contributions reiterate the series expansion for \( e^7 \) and note that the original problem specifies \( n=1 \), which may affect the evaluation.
  • One participant proposes that the expression \( e^x - 1 = \sum_{k=1}^{\infty} \frac{x^k}{k!} \) could be relevant to the discussion.
  • A later reply expresses confidence that the ratio test should work for the series in question.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the appropriate method to evaluate the series, with some favoring the ratio test and others suggesting the use of the Maclaurin series. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the series is defined starting from \( n=1 \), which may influence the evaluation and the choice of convergence tests.

karush
Gold Member
MHB
Messages
3,240
Reaction score
5
$\tiny{242.WS10.a}$
\begin{align*}
&\textsf{use the techniques of geometric series} \\
&-\textsf {telescoping series, p-series, n-th term } \\
&-\textsf{divergence test, integral test, comparison test,} \\
&-\textsf{limit comparison test,ratio test, root test, } \\
&-\textsf {absolute convergence, alternating series test}
\end{align*}\begin{align*}
\displaystyle
S_n&=\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{7^n}{n!}\\
&=
\end{align*}
$\textsf{not sure what test to use on this, was thinking ratio test?}$
🎃
 
Physics news on Phys.org
If we are to simply evaluate the given series, consider the following Maclaurin series:

$$e^x=\sum_{k=0}^{\infty}\frac{x^k}{k!}$$

Can you proceed?
 
\begin{align*}
\displaystyle
S_n&=\sum_{n=0}^{\infty} \frac{7^n}{n!}\\
e^7 &=1+7+\frac{7^2}{2!}
+\frac{7^3}{3!}+\frac{7^4}{4!}+\cdots \\
e^7 &=1+7+\frac{49}{2}+\frac{343}{6}+\frac{2401}{24}+\cdots
\end{align*}
$\textsf{however this problem was given with }$ $n=1$
🎃
 
karush said:
\begin{align*}
\displaystyle
S_n&=\sum_{n=0}^{\infty} \frac{7^n}{n!}\\
e^7 &=1+7+\frac{7^2}{2!}
+\frac{7^3}{3!}+\frac{7^4}{4!}+\cdots \\
e^7 &=1+7+\frac{49}{2}+\frac{343}{6}+\frac{2401}{24}+\cdots
\end{align*}
$\textsf{however this problem was given with }$ $n=1$
🎃

So, then I would write:

$$e^x-1=\sum_{k=1}^{\infty}\frac{x^k}{k!}$$ ;)
 
karush said:
$\tiny{242.WS10.a}$
\begin{align*}
&\textsf{use the techniques of geometric series} \\
&-\textsf {telescoping series, p-series, n-th term } \\
&-\textsf{divergence test, integral test, comparison test,} \\
&-\textsf{limit comparison test,ratio test, root test, } \\
&-\textsf {absolute convergence, alternating series test}
\end{align*}\begin{align*}
\displaystyle
S_n&=\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{7^n}{n!}\\
&=
\end{align*}
$\textsf{not sure what test to use on this, was thinking ratio test?}$
🎃

The ratio test should work fine :)
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K