Chapter 9: Problem 6
Determine whether \(\left\\{\frac{2^{n}}{n !}\right\\}_{n=0}^{\infty}\) converges or diverges.
Short Answer
Expert verified
The sequence converges.
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Expression
We are given a sequence: \( \left\{ \frac{2^{n}}{n !} \right\}_{n=0}^{\infty} \). The expression consists of \( 2^n \), which grows exponentially, and \( n! \), which grows factorially as \( n \) increases.
02
Consider the Ratio Test
The Ratio Test is useful here. For a series \( \sum a_n \), if \( \lim_{n \to \infty} \left|\frac{a_{n+1}}{a_n}\right| < 1 \), the series converges. We set \( a_n = \frac{2^n}{n!} \) and calculate the ratio \( \frac{a_{n+1}}{a_n} \).
03
Calculate the Ratio
Compute \( \frac{a_{n+1}}{a_n} = \frac{\frac{2^{n+1}}{(n+1)!}}{\frac{2^n}{n!}} = \frac{2^{n+1} \cdot n!}{2^n \cdot (n+1)!} = \frac{2 \cdot n!}{(n+1) \cdot n!} = \frac{2}{n+1} \).
04
Evaluate the Limit
Now, find the limit \( \lim_{n \to \infty} \frac{2}{n+1} = 0 \). Since this limit is less than 1, according to the Ratio Test, the series \( \sum \frac{2^n}{n!} \) converges.
05
Conclude Based on the Series
Since the series \( \sum \frac{2^n}{n!} \) converges, the sequence \( \left\{ \frac{2^n}{n!} \right\}_{n=0}^{\infty} \) itself approaches 0 as \( n \) approaches infinity, meaning that the sequence converges.
Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!
-
Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
-
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
-
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
-
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.
Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91Ó°ÊÓ!
Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Ratio Test
The Ratio Test is a fundamental tool for determining the convergence or divergence of an infinite series. It leverages the growth pattern of consecutive terms. When trying to decide if a series \( \sum a_n \) converges, the Ratio Test inspects the limit of the absolute value of the ratio between consecutive terms. Here's how it works:
- Compute \( r = \lim_{n \to \infty} \left| \frac{a_{n+1}}{a_n} \right| \).
- Analyze the result:
- Compute \( r = \lim_{n \to \infty} \left| \frac{a_{n+1}}{a_n} \right| \).
- Analyze the result:
- If \( r < 1 \), the series converges.
- If \( r > 1 \) or is infinite, the series diverges.
- If \( r = 1 \), the test is inconclusive.
Factorial Growth
Factorial growth refers to the pace at which products of consecutive integers increase. In mathematical terms, the factorial of a number \( n \) is denoted as \( n! \) and is defined as the product of all positive integers less than or equal to \( n \).
Here are some key properties:
Here are some key properties:
- Factorial values grow very quickly compared to linear and polynomial functions.
- Even at moderately large values of \( n \), factorial numbers rapidly outpace other forms of mathematical growth, such as exponential growth based on small bases.
Exponential Growth
Exponential growth characterizes a process where a quantity increases by a constant multiplicative factor over equal increments of time or, in this context, in the sequence index. It is often expressed as \( a^n \) where \( a \) is the base and \( n \) the exponent.
Considerations of exponential growth include:
Considerations of exponential growth include:
- This type of growth can be significantly rapid, especially for larger bases and exponents.
- Growth is consistent in percentage terms, meaning the increment size grows as the number becomes larger.