Chapter 5: Problem 4
Find the radius of convergence and interval of convergence for the given power series. $$ \sum_{k=0}^{\infty} k !(x-1)^{k} $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The radius of convergence is 0, and the interval of convergence is \( x = 1 \).
Step by step solution
01
Understanding the Problem
We need to find the radius of convergence and interval of convergence for the power series \( \sum_{k=0}^{\infty} k !(x-1)^{k} \). This involves determining the values of \( x \) for which this series converges.
02
Using the Ratio Test for Convergence
To find the radius of convergence, we can apply the Ratio Test to the series \( a_k = k! (x-1)^k \). The Ratio Test requires that we compute the limit \( L = \lim_{k \to \infty} \left| \frac{a_{k+1}}{a_k} \right| \).
03
Compute the Ratio
Calculate \( \frac{a_{k+1}}{a_k} = \frac{(k+1)! (x-1)^{k+1}}{k! (x-1)^k} = (k+1)|x-1| \).
04
Finding the Limit for the Ratio Test
The limit therefore becomes \( \lim_{k \to \infty} (k+1)|x-1| \). As \( k \to \infty \), this limit tends to infinity for any non-zero \( |x-1| \).
05
Conclusion of the Ratio Test
Since the limit tends to infinity whenever \( x eq 1 \), the series converges only for \( x = 1 \). The radius of convergence \( R \) is therefore 0.
06
Interval of Convergence
Given that the series converges only at the point \( x = 1 \), it follows that the interval of convergence is \( x = 1 \).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Understanding Power Series
A power series is incredibly useful in mathematics and engineering. It's a series of the form:\[\sum_{k=0}^{\infty} c_k (x-a)^{k}\]where \(c_k\) are coefficients and \(a\) is the center of the series. It represents a function similar to a polynomial but with infinitely many terms. The power series is centered at \(a\), meaning all terms are in the form \((x-a)^k\). This centering allows us to model functions as if they are polynomials near that specific point \(a\).
- Coefficients \(c_k\): Each term of the power series has a coefficient which influences the shape and convergence of the series.
- Center \(a\): This is the point around which the series is expanded. For our exercise's series, the center is \(x=1\).
Discovering the Interval of Convergence
The interval of convergence is the set of values for which a power series converges. For our purposes, finding this interval involves determining the values of \(x\) such that the series converges to a finite sum. For series centered at \(x=1\), we identify points where changing \(x\) leads to the series converging or diverging.
To check convergence at different \(x\) values, we calculate the radius of convergence \(R\):
To check convergence at different \(x\) values, we calculate the radius of convergence \(R\):
- Inside the interval where \(|x-a| < R\), the series converges.
- Outside, where \(|x-a| > R\), it diverges.
- The series only converges at \(x=1\), meaning the radius of convergence is \(R=0\).
- This results in a convergent interval of just the single point \(x=1\).
Utilizing the Ratio Test for Convergence
The Ratio Test is a potent method for assessing the convergence of series, especially power series. To employ the test, we evaluate the limit:\[L = \lim_{k \to \infty} \left| \frac{a_{k+1}}{a_k} \right|\]Here \(a_k\) is the general term of the power series. This test helps understand how quickly the terms of the series are approaching zero.
- Convergence: If \(L < 1\), the series converges.
- Divergence: If \(L > 1\), the series diverges.
- If \(L = 1\), the test is inconclusive; other methods might be necessary.