Chapter 6: Problem 15
Find the radius of convergence \(R\) and interval of convergence for \(\sum a_{n} x^{n}\) with the given coefficients \(a_{n}\). $$ \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{n x^{n}}{2^{n}} $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The radius of convergence is 2, and the interval is \((-2, 2)\).
Step by step solution
01
Identify the series format
The given series is \( \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{n x^{n}}{2^{n}} \). This is a power series of the form \( \sum a_{n} x^{n} \) where \( a_{n} = \frac{n}{2^n} \).
02
Apply the Ratio Test
To find the radius of convergence \( R \), apply the Ratio Test:\[ \lim_{n \to \infty} \left| \frac{a_{n+1}}{a_n} \right| \].For our series, this becomes:\[ \lim_{n \to \infty} \left| \frac{\frac{n+1}{2^{n+1}}}{\frac{n}{2^n}} \right| = \lim_{n \to \infty} \left| \frac{n+1}{n} \cdot \frac{1}{2} \right| = \lim_{n \to \infty} \left(1 + \frac{1}{n}\right) \cdot \frac{1}{2} \].
03
Evaluate the Limit
To evaluate the limit, simplify to:\[ \lim_{n \to \infty} \left( \frac{n+1}{2n} \right) = \lim_{n \to \infty} \left( \frac{1 + \frac{1}{n}}{2} \right) \].As \( n \to \infty \), \( \frac{1}{n} \to 0 \), so the limit is \( \frac{1}{2} \).
04
Find the Radius of Convergence
The Ratio Test implies convergence when the limit is less than 1:\[ \left| x \right| \cdot \frac{1}{2} < 1 \].Therefore, \( \left| x \right| < 2 \). This gives the radius of convergence \( R = 2 \).
05
Determine the Interval of Convergence
With the radius \( R = 2 \), the interval is initially \( -2 < x < 2 \). Check endpoints separately as the Ratio Test does not provide information on convergence at the endpoints.- For \( x = 2 \): the series becomes \( \sum \frac{n \cdot 2^n}{2^n} = \sum n \), which diverges.- For \( x = -2 \): the series becomes \( \sum \frac{n \cdot (-2)^n}{2^n} = \sum (-1)^n n \), which also diverges as it is not absolutely convergent.Thus, the interval of convergence is \( (-2, 2) \).
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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 a range of values where a power series converges. In a power series like \( \sum a_{n} x^n \), the series may not converge for all values of \( x \). Rather, it converges within an interval on the real number line.
To find this interval, we first find the radius of convergence \( R \), which determines how "wide" the convergence region is around the center of the series, typically \( x = 0 \). The series converges for \( |x| < R \). This results in an initial interval \( (-R, R) \).
To find this interval, we first find the radius of convergence \( R \), which determines how "wide" the convergence region is around the center of the series, typically \( x = 0 \). The series converges for \( |x| < R \). This results in an initial interval \( (-R, R) \).
- We also need to evaluate the behavior at the endpoints, \(-R\) and \(R\), separately, as convergence can change at these points.
- If the series converges at an endpoint, that endpoint is included in the interval. If not, it remains excluded.
- For the given exercise, the radius of convergence is \( R = 2 \), and the interval is \((-2, 2)\), with both endpoints excluded because the series diverges there.
Power Series
A power series is an infinite series in the form \( \sum a_{n} x^n \), where \( a_{n} \) are coefficients and \( x \) is a variable. Each term in the series involves a power of \( x \), hence the name "power series."
- These series are central in mathematical analysis, including calculus and functions.
- They represent functions as infinite polynomials, allowing us to study function behaviors using series concepts.
- Within its interval of convergence, a power series behaves like a polynomial.
Ratio Test
The Ratio Test is a tool for determining series convergence. It is particularly useful for power series. The test involves taking the limit of the absolute value of the ratio of successive terms.
For a series \( \sum a_{n} \), the Ratio Test is applied by evaluating:\[\lim_{n \to \infty} \left| \frac{a_{n+1}}{a_{n}} \right|\]Results interpretation:
For a series \( \sum a_{n} \), the Ratio Test is applied by evaluating:\[\lim_{n \to \infty} \left| \frac{a_{n+1}}{a_{n}} \right|\]Results interpretation:
- If the limit \( L < 1 \), the series converges absolutely.
- If \( L > 1 \), the series diverges.
- If \( L = 1 \), the test is inconclusive.
Convergence
Convergence in the context of series, especially power series, refers to the behavior of a series as its terms are added indefinitely. For a series to converge, the sums must approach a finite limit.
- Absolute convergence implies convergence even when all terms are replaced by their absolute values.
- Conditional convergence occurs when the series converges but not absolutely.
- Divergence occurs when the series does not approach a finite limit.