Chapter 9: Problem 54
Show that if \(\lim _{n \rightarrow 0}\left|c_{n+1} / c_{n}\right|=L \neq 0\), then the radius of convergence of \(\sum_{n=0}^{\infty} c_{n} x^{n}\) is \(1 / L\).
Short Answer
Expert verified
The radius of convergence is \(1/L\).
Step by step solution
01
Identify the Ratio Test Condition
Recall the ratio test for the convergence of power series. The ratio test states that the radius of convergence, \( R \), for the series \( \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} c_n x^n \) can be found using \( \lim_{n \to \infty} \left| \frac{c_{n+1}}{c_n} \right| = L \). If this limit exists and is equal to \( L \), then the series converges if \( |x| < 1/L \).
02
Consider Series Radius of Convergence
Recognize that if \( \lim_{n \to \infty} \left| \frac{c_{n+1}}{c_n} \right| = L \) and \( L eq 0 \), it provides information about the radius of convergence. Specifically, convergence occurs when \( |x| < 1/L \), so the radius of convergence, \( R \), is \( 1/L \).
03
Apply the Definition for Convergence
Based on the limit, when \( \lim_{n \to \infty} \left| \frac{c_{n+1}}{c_n} \right| = L \), the power series \( \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} c_n x^n \) converges absolutely if the condition \( |x| < 1/L \) holds. Hence, the radius of convergence is determined as \( 1/L \).
04
Conclusion
Therefore, by the ratio test, the radius of convergence of the series \( \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} c_n x^n \) is \( 1/L \) when \( L eq 0 \).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Ratio Test
The Ratio Test is a handy tool used to determine the convergence of a series, particularly a power series. The idea is to examine the limit of the ratio of consecutive terms in the series. If we have a series \( \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} c_n x^n \), the Ratio Test advises looking at \[ \lim_{n \to \infty} \left| \frac{c_{n+1}}{c_n} \right| = L. \]
This test is particularly useful for determining the radius of convergence, a concept linked closely to power series. In simpler terms, the bolder the step from one term to the next, the stricter our condition for convergence becomes.
- If the limit \( L < 1 \), the series converges absolutely for all \( x \).
- If \( L > 1 \) or \( L = \infty \), the series diverges.
- If \( L = 1 \), the test is inconclusive and additional tests might be needed.
This test is particularly useful for determining the radius of convergence, a concept linked closely to power series. In simpler terms, the bolder the step from one term to the next, the stricter our condition for convergence becomes.
Power Series
A power series is a type of infinite series that resembles polynomial expressions but extends indefinitely. It takes the form \[ \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} c_n x^n, \] where \( c_n \) are coefficients, and \( x \) is the variable. These series can be thought of as a generalization of polynomials with infinitely many terms. They are used to represent functions in a more flexible manner.
The power and beauty of power series lie in their ability to approximate functions around a certain point, offering a precise understanding of function behavior within their radius of convergence.
- Power series can converge (sum up to a finite value) for certain values of \( x \), which form an interval centered at the origin.
- The extent of this interval is described by the radius of convergence, \( R \).
- If \( |x| < R \), the series converges; if \( |x| > R \), it diverges.
The power and beauty of power series lie in their ability to approximate functions around a certain point, offering a precise understanding of function behavior within their radius of convergence.
Absolute Convergence
Absolute convergence is a strong form of convergence concerning series. For a series \( \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} a_n \), absolute convergence implies that the series of absolute values \[ \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} |a_n| \] also converges.
The condition \( |x| < 1/L \) obtained from the Ratio Test ensures absolute convergence within the radius defined. This highlights the series' behavior in its convergent state, unaffected by individual term changes within the bound.
- This form of convergence guarantees that rearranging the terms of the series does not affect its limit.
- In simpler terms, if a series converges absolutely, it will also converge normally, but not necessarily vice-versa.
- Absolute convergence is particularly important in the context of power series because once a series converges absolutely for a value of \( x \), it provides assurance of stability and flexibility in mathematical manipulations, such as term rearrangement.
The condition \( |x| < 1/L \) obtained from the Ratio Test ensures absolute convergence within the radius defined. This highlights the series' behavior in its convergent state, unaffected by individual term changes within the bound.