What Are the Radii and Intervals of Convergence for These Series?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the radius and interval of convergence for several series, specifically focusing on the series involving terms like \(\sum_{n=0}^\infty \frac{x^n}{(n^2)+1}\), \(\sum_{n=2}^\infty \frac{x^n}{\ln(n)}\), \(\sum_{n=1}^\infty \frac{n!x^n}{n^2}\), and \(\sum_{n=1}^\infty \frac{n!2^nx^n}{n^n}\). Participants are exploring the application of the Ratio Test in this context.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of the Ratio Test to find the radius and interval of convergence. There are questions regarding specific calculations, particularly in part (e), where one participant seeks clarification on potential errors in their reasoning. Others express curiosity about the consistency of the radii found.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided feedback on the calculations presented, suggesting that certain radii may need re-evaluation. There is an ongoing exploration of the endpoints of the intervals of convergence, and participants are actively questioning the assumptions made in their calculations.

Contextual Notes

There are indications that some series may converge at least at one endpoint of their intervals. Additionally, there is a note regarding the proper use of LaTeX for mathematical expressions, which may affect clarity in communication.

KarmaSquared
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Radius of convergence, interval of convergence

Homework Statement



Find the radius of convergence and the interval of convergence of the following series.

a) \sum_{n=0}^\infty \frac{x^n}{(n^2)+1}

c) \sum_{n=2}^\infty \frac{x^n}{ln(n)}

e) \sum_{n=1}^\infty \frac{n!x^n}{n^2}

f) \sum_{n=1}^\infty \frac{n!2^nx^n}{n^n}

Homework Equations



I think I use the Ratio test:

\lim_{n\rightarrow\infty} \frac{a_{n+1}}{a_n} = L < 1

The Attempt at a Solution



a) Let {a_n} = \frac{x^n}{(n^2)+1}
So:

\lim_{n\rightarrow\infty} \frac{a_{n+1}}{a_n} = \lim_{n\rightarrow\infty} \frac{x^(n+1)}{((n+1)^2)+1} * \frac{n^2+1}{x^n} = \lim_{n\rightarrow\infty} \frac{x*n^2+1}{n^2+2n+2} = \lim_{n\rightarrow\infty} x
Radius: 1, Interval of convergence (-1, 1)

c) Let {a_n} = \frac{x^n}{ln(n)}
So:

\lim_{n\rightarrow\infty} \frac{a_{n+1}}{a_n} = \lim_{n\rightarrow\infty} \frac{x^(n+1)}{ln(n+1)} * \frac{ln(n)}{x^n} = \lim_{n\rightarrow\infty} \frac{x*ln(n)}{ln(n+1)} = \lim_{n\rightarrow\infty} x
Radius: 1, Interval of convergence (-1, 1)

e) Let {a_n} = \frac{n!x^n}{n^2}
So:

\lim_{n\rightarrow\infty} \frac{a_{n+1}}{a_n} = \lim_{n\rightarrow\infty} \frac{(n+1)!x^(n+1)}{(n+1)^2} * \frac{n^2}{n!x^n} = \lim_{n\rightarrow\infty} \frac{n^2x}{n+1} = \lim_{n\rightarrow\infty} x
Radius: 1, Interval of convergence (-1, 1)

f) Let {a_n} = \frac{n!2^nx^n}{n^n}
So:

\lim_{n\rightarrow\infty} \frac{a_{n+1}}{a_n} = \lim_{n\rightarrow\infty} \frac{n+1!2^(n+1)x^(n+1)}{(n+1)^(n+1)} * \frac{n^n}{n!2^nx^n} = \lim_{n\rightarrow\infty} 2x * (\frac{n}{n+1})^n = \lim_{n\rightarrow\infty} 2x
Radius: 1/2, Interval of convergence (-0.5, 0.5)
 
Last edited:
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The radii for three of these seem alright; you may wish to check your ratio in part (e). A number of these series converge for at least one of the endpoints of their intervals of convergence.
 
dynamicsolo said:
The radii for three of these seem alright; you may wish to check your ratio in part (e). A number of these series converge for at least one of the endpoints of their intervals of convergence.

I thought it seemed weird that three of the radii were 1, thanks for checking them over :)

May I inquire which part of (e) you think I might have stumbled? Is it from:
\lim_{n\rightarrow\infty} \frac{(n+1)!x^(n+1)}{(n+1)^2} * \frac{n^2}{n!x^n} = \lim_{n\rightarrow\infty} \frac{n^2x}{n+1}

or

\lim_{n\rightarrow\infty} \frac{n^2x}{n+1} = \lim_{n\rightarrow\infty} x

Will check the endpoints in a bit, thanks again.
 
KarmaSquared said:
I thought it seemed weird that three of the radii were 1, thanks for checking them over :)

May I inquire which part of (e) you think I might have stumbled? Is it from:
\lim_{n\rightarrow\infty} \frac{(n+1)!x^{n+1}}{(n+1)^2} * \frac{n^2}{n!x^n} = \lim_{n\rightarrow\infty} \frac{n^2x}{n+1}

or

\lim_{n\rightarrow\infty} \frac{n^2x}{n+1} = \lim_{n\rightarrow\infty} x

Will check the endpoints in a bit, thanks again.

Just a note on LaTex: if you want exponents to show up you need to enclose them in curly brackets; i.e. x^{n+1}.
 
Oh thanks. I'm still working my way around with LaTeX.
 
This is not an equation:

\lim_{n\rightarrow\infty} \frac{n^2x}{n+1} = \lim_{n\rightarrow\infty} x

The left-hand side is correct. I believe you should find the radius of convergence for this series to be R = 0. (In fact, the original general term for this series should make one suspicious...)
 

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