Chapter 8: Problem 188
Show that \(\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} n x^{n-1}\) converges for \(|x|<1\).
Short Answer
Expert verified
The series \( \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} n x^{n-1} \) converges for \( |x|<1 \) as proven by the Root Test.
Step by step solution
01
Rewrite the series as a power series
Notice that the series \( \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} n x^{n-1} \) can be rewritten as \( \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} (n+1) x^n \). This is because when \( n=0 \), the term (n+1)x^n becomes 0, so it doesn't change the sum of the series.
02
Apply the Root Test
The Root Test can be applied to any series in the form \( \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} a_n x^n \). If \( |x| \) times the nth root of \( |a_n| \) tends to a limit as \( n \) approaches infinity, and this limit is less than 1, then the series converges absolutely. So first we calculate the n-th root of \( |a_n| \), which in this case is the n-th root of \( |n+1| \), and this tends to 1 as \( n \) approaches infinity. Since \( |x| \) satisfies \( |x|<1 \), this limit is indeed less than 1, so the series converges.
03
Conclusion
As a result, we have shown using the Root Test that the series \( \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} n x^{n-1} \) converges for \( |x|<1 \).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Root Test
The Root Test is a powerful method used to determine whether an infinite series converges. It's particularly handy when dealing with series of the form \( \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} a_n x^n \). Why is it called the "Root Test"? Because it involves taking the nth root of each term.
Here's how it works: Calculate the limit of the nth root of the absolute value of the terms \( a_n \). Essentially, you're looking for:
Here's how it works: Calculate the limit of the nth root of the absolute value of the terms \( a_n \). Essentially, you're looking for:
- \( \lim_{{n\to\infty}} \sqrt[n]{|a_n|} \)
- If \( L < 1 \), the series absolutely converges.
- If \( L > 1 \) or the limit doesn't exist, the series diverges.
- If \( L = 1 \), the test is inconclusive.
Infinite Series
Let's dive into the concept of infinite series, which is at the heart of this problem. An infinite series is a sum of infinitely many numbers arranged in a specific order. Mathematically, it's often presented as \( \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} a_n \), where \( a_n \) represents the terms of the series.
The broader classes of infinite series we deal with are:
The broader classes of infinite series we deal with are:
- Convergent Series: If the series has a finite sum as you add more terms, it's convergent.
- Divergent Series: If the sum grows indefinitely or oscillates as you add more terms, it's divergent.
- Transformation: Notice the shift in terms which simplified applying the Root Test.
Absolute Convergence
The concept of absolute convergence is crucial when dealing with series. An infinite series \( \sum a_n \) is said to converge absolutely if the series of absolute values \( \sum |a_n| \) converges. Absolute convergence is stronger than regular convergence.
Why is it important? Because:
Why is it important? Because:
- If a series converges absolutely, it converges in the usual sense, and you can rearrange its terms without affecting the sum.
- This stability makes absolute convergence a robust concept to work with.
- The magnitude of every term in the series, when summed indefinitely, results in a finite limit.
- It's resistant to any alternative arrangements of its terms.