Chapter 10: Problem 7
In Exercises \(7-14,\) write out the first eight terms of each series to show how the series starts. Then find the sum of the series or show that it diverges. $$ \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} \frac{(-1)^{n}}{4^{n}} $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The series converges to \( \frac{4}{5} \).
Step by step solution
01
Identify the General Term
The general term of the series is given by \( a_n = \frac{(-1)^n}{4^n} \). This term takes alternating positive and negative values depending on \( n \). We will use this to find the first eight terms of the series.
02
Compute the First Eight Terms
Substitute \( n = 0, 1, 2, \ldots, 7 \) into the general term \( a_n \) to get the first eight terms:\[\begin{align*}a_0 &= \frac{(-1)^0}{4^0} = 1,\a_1 &= \frac{(-1)^1}{4^1} = -\frac{1}{4},\a_2 &= \frac{(-1)^2}{4^2} = \frac{1}{16},\a_3 &= \frac{(-1)^3}{4^3} = -\frac{1}{64},\a_4 &= \frac{(-1)^4}{4^4} = \frac{1}{256},\a_5 &= \frac{(-1)^5}{4^5} = -\frac{1}{1024},\a_6 &= \frac{(-1)^6}{4^6} = \frac{1}{4096},\a_7 &= \frac{(-1)^7}{4^7} = -\frac{1}{16384}.\end{align*}\]
03
Determine the Type of Series
The series appears to alternate in sign, which suggests it might be an alternating geometric series. Recognizing the pattern, this series is a geometric series with the first term \( a = 1 \) and common ratio \( r = -\frac{1}{4} \).
04
Check for Convergence
A geometric series converges if the absolute value of the common ratio \( |r| < 1 \). In this case, \( |r| = \left| -\frac{1}{4} \right| = \frac{1}{4} < 1 \), so the series converges.
05
Calculate the Sum of the Series
The sum \( S \) of an infinite geometric series is given by the formula:\[S = \frac{a}{1 - r}\]where \( a \) is the first term and \( r \) is the common ratio. Substituting into the formula:\[S = \frac{1}{1 - \left(-\frac{1}{4}\right)} = \frac{1}{1 + \frac{1}{4}} = \frac{1}{\frac{5}{4}} = \frac{4}{5}\]The series converges with a sum of \( \frac{4}{5} \).
Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!
-
Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
-
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
-
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
-
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.
Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91Ó°ÊÓ!
Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Convergence of Series
In mathematics, a series is a sum of the terms of a sequence. For an infinite series, we look at the sum of an unending sequence of terms. To determine whether this sum reaches a finite limit, we consider the concept of convergence.
A series converges if the sequence of partial sums approaches a particular value as the number of terms increases. For a geometric series, this happens when the absolute value of the common ratio, denoted as \( |r| \), is less than 1. If this condition is met, the series converges, meaning it adds up to a finite number.
For example, if the series has a common ratio \( r \) such that \( |r| < 1 \), we conclude that it converges. In the case of our series, \( r = -\frac{1}{4} \), and since \( |-\frac{1}{4}| = \frac{1}{4} < 1 \), the series is confirmed to converge.
A series converges if the sequence of partial sums approaches a particular value as the number of terms increases. For a geometric series, this happens when the absolute value of the common ratio, denoted as \( |r| \), is less than 1. If this condition is met, the series converges, meaning it adds up to a finite number.
For example, if the series has a common ratio \( r \) such that \( |r| < 1 \), we conclude that it converges. In the case of our series, \( r = -\frac{1}{4} \), and since \( |-\frac{1}{4}| = \frac{1}{4} < 1 \), the series is confirmed to converge.
Alternating Series
An alternating series is a series where the terms change sign alternately. This means some terms are positive, and others are negative, typically flipping back and forth following a specific pattern. The given series is an excellent example of an alternating series, as the terms switch between positive and negative based on the mathematical expression \((-1)^n\).
Alternating series are important because they provide specific convergence criteria. According to the Alternating Series Test, an alternating series converges if two conditions are met:
Alternating series are important because they provide specific convergence criteria. According to the Alternating Series Test, an alternating series converges if two conditions are met:
- The absolute values of the terms decrease as you progress through the series.
- The values of the terms tend toward zero as \(n\) increases.
Sum of Infinite Series
The ability to sum an infinite series to a finite number is fascinating and directly relates to the convergence of that series. The given mathematical example is a geometric series, which allows us to find the sum if it converges.
For a convergent geometric series with a starting term \(a\) and common ratio \(r\), the sum \(S\) of the infinite series can be calculated using the formula:
\[ S = \frac{a}{1 - r} \]
In our series, \(a = 1\) and \(r = -\frac{1}{4}\). Plugging these into the formula gives:
\[ S = \frac{1}{1 - \left(-\frac{1}{4}\right)} = \frac{1}{1 + \frac{1}{4}} = \frac{1}{\frac{5}{4}} = \frac{4}{5} \]
Thus, the series converges to a sum of \(\frac{4}{5}\), demonstrating how infinite components can collectively result in a finite value.
For a convergent geometric series with a starting term \(a\) and common ratio \(r\), the sum \(S\) of the infinite series can be calculated using the formula:
\[ S = \frac{a}{1 - r} \]
In our series, \(a = 1\) and \(r = -\frac{1}{4}\). Plugging these into the formula gives:
\[ S = \frac{1}{1 - \left(-\frac{1}{4}\right)} = \frac{1}{1 + \frac{1}{4}} = \frac{1}{\frac{5}{4}} = \frac{4}{5} \]
Thus, the series converges to a sum of \(\frac{4}{5}\), demonstrating how infinite components can collectively result in a finite value.