Chapter 9: Problem 36
Find the radius of convergence and the interval of convergence. $$ \sum_{k=0}^{\infty} \frac{(-2)^{k} x^{k+1}}{k+1} $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
Radius of convergence: \( \frac{1}{2} \), Interval: \( \left(-\frac{1}{2}, \frac{1}{2} \right) \)
Step by step solution
01
Identify the General Term
The general term of the series \( a_k \) is \( \frac{(-2)^k x^{k+1}}{k+1} \). To analyze convergence, we'll focus on the term \( \frac{(-2)^k x^{k+1}}{k+1} \).
02
Rewrite the Series
Notice that each term can be rewritten as \( x \frac{(-2x)^k}{k+1} \). This shows that the series depends on the behavior of \( (-2x)^k \).
03
Apply the Ratio Test
Use the ratio test to find the radius of convergence, \( R \).\[\lim_{k \to \infty} \left| \frac{(-2x)^{k+1}/(k+2)}{(-2x)^k/(k+1)} \right| = \lim_{k \to \infty} \left| \frac{(-2x)(k+1)}{k+2} \right| = |2x| \lim_{k \to \infty} \frac{k+1}{k+2}\]
04
Evaluate the Limit
Calculate the limit from the ratio test:\[|2x| \lim_{k \to \infty} \frac{k+1}{k+2} = |2x| \times 1 = |2x|\]The ratio test tells us the series converges if \( |2x| < 1 \).
05
Solve for x to Find Radius of Convergence
The condition \( |2x| < 1 \) implies that \( |x| < \frac{1}{2} \). Thus, the radius of convergence is \( R = \frac{1}{2} \).
06
Determine the Interval of Convergence
Considering \( |x| < \frac{1}{2} \), the series converges within \( -\frac{1}{2} < x < \frac{1}{2} \). Check the endpoints separately.- For \( x = -\frac{1}{2} \): The series becomes \( \sum \frac{-1}{k+1}^k \) which diverges.- For \( x = \frac{1}{2} \): The series similarly becomes \( \sum \frac{-1}{k+1}^k \) which also diverges.Thus, the interval of convergence is \( \left(-\frac{1}{2}, \frac{1}{2} \right) \).
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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 an essential part of understanding when a power series converges to a function. It tells us the range of values of x for which the series converges absolutely. For the given series
- \( \sum_{k=0}^{\infty} \frac{(-2)^{k} x^{k+1}}{k+1} \), it converges absolutely within a certain interval.
- We first determine this interval by finding the radius of convergence using the ratio test, which gives us a preliminary idea.
- Once the radius is known, say R, we say the series converges for \( |x| < R \).
- In fact, we must check these points individually to confirm if the series still holds.
Ratio Test
The ratio test is a widely used tool for determining the behavior of series, especially power series. It helps us find if the series is converging absolutely or diverging.
- For a series with general term \( a_k \), the ratio test examines the limit of the absolute values of successive terms:
- If this limit is less than 1, the series converges absolutely.
- If it is greater than 1, the series diverges.
- And if it equals 1, the ratio test is inconclusive.
- The outcome provides the radius of convergence, which assists in determining the interval of convergence.
Power Series
A power series is a series of the form \( \sum_{k=0}^{\infty} a_k x^k \), where \( a_k \) are constants and x is a variable. These series are powerful tools in mathematical analysis, not just because they can represent functions, but because they reveal important properties about these functions.
- The series in our problem, \( \sum_{k=0}^{\infty} \frac{(-2)^k x^{k+1}}{k+1} \), slightly adjusts this definition because it involves \( x^{k+1} \) instead of simply \( x^k \), but is still treated as a power series.
- The series is characterized by how its terms involve powers of x, and any power series has a specific radius and interval of convergence.
- The key with power series is understanding how the coefficients \( a_k \) interact with x to determine whether the sum is finite, i.e., whether it converges.
- Understanding convergence helps us approximate functions and analyze their behaviors, especially within the radius of convergence.
Convergence Criteria
Convergence criteria are rules or tests used to determine whether a series converges or diverges. For power series, we often apply specific tests, like the ratio test, which serves as a primary criterion for establishing convergence.
- The main principle here is to find a mathematical condition where the series sum approaches a finite limit.
- The convergence criteria relied on the condition \( |2x| < 1 \), stemming from the ratio test, indicating absolute convergence within that bound.
- In broader terms, different types of convergence (absolute, conditional) can be targeted depending on the criterion being applied.
- Absolute convergence implies that the series converges regardless of rearrangement, a stronger form of convergence than conditional convergence.