Chapter 9: Problem 40
Find the radius of convergence and the interval of convergence. $$\sum_{k=2}^{\infty}(-1)^{k+1} \frac{x^{k}}{k(\ln k)^{2}}$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The radius of convergence is 1 and the interval of convergence is [-1, 1].
Step by step solution
01
Analyze the General Term
Identify the general term of the given series. The general term is \((-1)^{k+1} \frac{x^{k}}{k(\ln k)^{2}}\). Here, \(a_k = \frac{(-1)^{k+1} x^{k}}{k(\ln k)^{2}}\), where \(k \geq 2\).
02
Apply the Ratio Test
To determine the radius of convergence, we will apply the ratio test. Compute the ratio of consecutive terms,\[L = \lim_{k \to \infty} \left| \frac{a_{k+1}}{a_k} \right| = \lim_{k \to \infty} \left| \frac{(-1)^{k+2} x^{k+1} / ((k+1)(\ln(k+1))^2)}{(-1)^{k+1} x^{k} / (k(\ln k)^2)} \right|\]Simplify to get:\[L = \lim_{k \to \infty} \left| x \cdot \frac{k(\ln k)^2}{(k+1)(\ln(k+1))^2} \right| = |x| \cdot \lim_{k \to \infty} \frac{k(\ln k)^2}{k(\ln k)^2 + O(k)}\]As \(k \to \infty\), this limit simplifies to \(|x| \cdot 1 = |x|\). The series converges when \(|x| < 1\).
03
Determine the Radius of Convergence
From the ratio test result, we find that the series converges absolutely when \(|x| < 1\). Therefore, the radius of convergence \(R\) is \(1\).
04
Check the Interval of Convergence
To find the interval of convergence, test the endpoints \(x = -1\) and \(x = 1\).- For \(x = -1\): The series becomes \(\sum_{k=2}^\infty \frac{(-1)^{k+1}(-1)^k}{k(\ln k)^2} = \sum_{k=2}^\infty \frac{1}{k(\ln k)^2}\), which is a convergent series by the integral test.- For \(x = 1\): The series becomes \(\sum_{k=2}^\infty \frac{(-1)^{k+1}}{k(\ln k)^2}\), which converges by the Alternating Series Test because the terms decrease in absolute value and tend to zero.Therefore, the series converges for \(-1 \leq x \leq 1\).
05
Combine Results
The radius of convergence is \(R = 1\), and the interval of convergence is \([-1, 1]\).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Interval of Convergence
The interval of convergence is essential in determining where a series converges. It showcases the values of \(x\) for which the power series converges.- To find this interval, first calculate the radius of convergence (often denoted as \(R\)).- The interval is typically of the form \((-R, R)\) but may include endpoints upon further testing.For the given series \(\sum_{k=2}^{\infty} (-1)^{k+1} \frac{x^{k}}{k(\ln k)^{2}}\),- After applying the ratio test, we found that \(|x| < 1\) for convergence.- Testing the endpoints by substituting \(x = -1\) and \(x = 1\) reveals that both endpoints allow for convergence. Consequently, the interval of convergence is \([-1, 1]\). Explore each endpoint using the necessary tests for more confidence in your conclusion.
Ratio Test
The ratio test is a method used to determine the convergence of a series.- The test analyzes the limit of the absolute value of the ratio of consecutive terms \(|a_{k+1}/a_k|\).- If the limit \(L < 1\), the series converges absolutely.- If \(L > 1\) or \(L = \infty\), the series diverges.- If \(L = 1\), the test is inconclusive.For our series, the ratio test shows \(L = |x|\). Therefore, the convergence condition \(|x| < 1\) is satisfied, giving us the radius of convergence as \(R = 1\). This simplifies the interval determination and offers a crucial insight into where the series converges firmly.
Alternating Series Test
The alternating series test helps us judge the convergence of series where terms alternate in sign.An alternating series \(\sum (-1)^{k} b_k\) converges if:
- The absolute value of the terms \(b_k\) decreases monotonically.
- The limit of the terms \(b_k\) as \(k\) approaches infinity is zero.
Integral Test
The integral test is applicable to series with positive, continuous, and decreasing terms. It links the convergence of a series to the corresponding improper integral.Given a series \(\sum a_k\), the integral test says:- If \(\int_{a}^{\infty} f(x)\,dx\) converges, then so does \(\sum a_k\).- If \(\int_{a}^{\infty} f(x)\,dx\) diverges, \(\sum a_k\) does too.For \(x = -1\), the series becomes \(\sum \frac{1}{k(\ln k)^2}\). Using the integral test, we examine:\[\int_{2}^{\infty} \frac{1}{x(\ln x)^2}\, dx\]. This integral converges, thus showing the series converges for \(x = -1\), proving the series converges at this endpoint. The integral test is highly valuable in conjunction with other tests to understand full interval behavior.