Chapter 8: Problem 83
A glimpse ahead to power series. Use the Ratio Test to determine the values of \(x \geq 0\) for which each series converges. $$\sum_{k=1}^{\infty} x^{k}$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
Answer: The power series converges for values of \(x\) in the interval \([0,1)\).
Step by step solution
01
Identify the general term of the series
The general term of the given series is \(a_k = x^k\).
02
Write down the Ratio Test expression
Using the definition of the Ratio Test, find the expression as follows:
$$\lim_{k \to \infty} \left|\frac{a_{k+1}}{a_k}\right| = \lim_{k \to \infty} \left|\frac{x^{k+1}}{x^k}\right|$$
03
Simplify the expression
Simplify the expression from step 2 to get:
$$\lim_{k \to \infty} \left|\frac{x^{k+1}}{x^k}\right| = \lim_{k \to \infty} |x|$$
04
Determine convergence
In order for the series to converge, the Ratio Test requires the following condition to be met:
$$\lim_{k \to \infty} |x| < 1$$
Since the limit is just a constant value \(|x|\), the condition is the same as requiring \(|x| < 1\). We are given that \(x \geq 0\), so we can write the condition as:
$$0 \leq x < 1$$
05
State the interval of convergence
Based on our analysis using the Ratio Test, the power series \(\sum_{k=1}^{\infty} x^{k}\) converges for values of \(x\) in the interval \([0,1)\).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Power Series
A power series is a type of infinite series where each term consists of a variable raised to a power and multiplied by a coefficient. In mathematical terms, a power series can be represented as:
When handling power series, we often want to know when they will converge, meaning the sum approaches a finite limit rather than becoming infinitely large. Determining convergence depends on both the values of \(x\) and the coefficients \(a_k\). Techniques such as the Ratio Test help us establish the intervals of \(x\) for which a given power series converges.
- \( \sum_{k=0}^{\infty} a_k x^k \)
When handling power series, we often want to know when they will converge, meaning the sum approaches a finite limit rather than becoming infinitely large. Determining convergence depends on both the values of \(x\) and the coefficients \(a_k\). Techniques such as the Ratio Test help us establish the intervals of \(x\) for which a given power series converges.
Convergence
Convergence in the context of series, including power series, refers to the property where the sum of the series approaches a limit. If a series is converging, its terms get closer to a particular value, making it very important to ascertain if a given power series converges for particular values of \(x\).
The Ratio Test is a common tool for testing convergence of a series. It involves evaluating:
In our example, the power series \( \sum_{k=1}^{\infty} x^k \) converges for \(0 \leq x < 1\). This means that within this interval, the infinite series adds up to a finite number.
The Ratio Test is a common tool for testing convergence of a series. It involves evaluating:
- \( \lim_{k \to \infty} \left| \frac{a_{k+1}}{a_k} \right| \)
In our example, the power series \( \sum_{k=1}^{\infty} x^k \) converges for \(0 \leq x < 1\). This means that within this interval, the infinite series adds up to a finite number.
Infinite Series
An infinite series is essentially a sum of an infinite sequence of terms. Unlike finite sums, which have a definite number of terms, infinite series continue indefinitely. When dealing with infinite series, it’s crucial to determine if these sums converge to a finite value.
The convergence of an infinite series depends on the nature of its terms. The general form for an infinite series is:
In the case of power series like \( \sum_{k=1}^{\infty} x^k \), using convergence tests such as the Ratio Test helps identify which values—typically as intervals—allow the infinite series to yield a finite sum.
The convergence of an infinite series depends on the nature of its terms. The general form for an infinite series is:
- \( \sum_{k=0}^{\infty} a_k \)
In the case of power series like \( \sum_{k=1}^{\infty} x^k \), using convergence tests such as the Ratio Test helps identify which values—typically as intervals—allow the infinite series to yield a finite sum.