Chapter 11: Problem 35
Determine the values of \(p\) for which the given series converges. \(\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{1}{p^{n}}\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
The series converges for \( p > 1 \).
Step by step solution
01
Identify the Type of Series
The given series is \( \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{1}{p^n} \). This is a geometric series where each term is in the form \( ar^n \) with \( a = \frac{1}{p} \) and \( r = \frac{1}{p} \).
02
Determine the Convergence Condition for Geometric Series
A geometric series \( \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} ar^n \) converges if the absolute value of the common ratio \( |r| < 1 \). For our series, the common ratio is \( r = \frac{1}{p} \).
03
Apply the Convergence Condition
Apply the convergence condition \( \left| \frac{1}{p} \right| < 1 \). This results in the inequality \( \frac{1}{p} < 1 \), which simplifies to \( p > 1 \).
04
Conclusion
The given series converges if \( p > 1 \). This is because, for \( p > 1 \), the terms of the series diminish to zero and the sum of the infinite geometric series exists.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Convergence Condition
When dealing with an infinite series, particularly a geometric series, it is important to understand under what conditions the series converges. The convergence condition is a criterion that indicates when the sum of an infinite series approaches a finite value.
- For a geometric series, the series converges if the absolute value of the common ratio is strictly less than 1.
- This means that each term becomes smaller and smaller, eventually approaching zero, which allows the series to sum up to a finite number.
Geometric Series
A geometric series is a sequence of numbers where each term after the first is found by multiplying the previous term by a constant, called the common ratio. It has the general form: \[ S = a + ar + ar^2 + ar^3 + \dots\]
- In our exercise, the first term \(a\) and the common ratio \(r\) are both equal to \( \frac{1}{p} \).
- The series looks like \( \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{1}{p^n} \), indicating it's a geometric series.
Infinite Series
An infinite series is a sum of terms that continues indefinitely. Mathematically, it is expressed as \( \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} a_n \). In simple terms, you keep adding numbers forever.
- Some infinite series, like a geometric series, can sum up to a finite number, which we call convergence.
- Others grow without bounds and thus diverge, meaning they do not sum to a finite limit.
Common Ratio
The common ratio is a key factor in determining the behavior of a geometric series. It is the fixed number you multiply by to get from one term to the next in a sequence.
- In our problem, the common ratio is \( \frac{1}{p} \).
- If this ratio satisfies the condition \(|r| < 1\), the series will converge.