Finding interval of convergence

In summary: If you can give a good reason why then then you are done. It looks pretty similar to the harmonic series 1/n to me.
  • #1
physics=world
110
0
1. Determine a power series, centered at zero for the function ∫f(x)dx. Identify the interval of convergence.

f(x) = ln(x+1) = ∫[itex]\frac{1}{x+1}[/itex]

2.


3. i found the power series, which is :

Ʃ ((-1)^(n))(x^(n+1)) / (n+1)


Im okay with that, but i need help on finding the interval of convergence...


to find it i do ratio test.. and i get


-1< x < 1


I need help on checking for the endpoints

the answer in the book is (-1,1]


how do i know that 1 converges? do i just plug in 1 into the function?
 
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  • #2
physics=world said:
1. Determine a power series, centered at zero for the function ∫f(x)dx. Identify the interval of convergence.

f(x) = ln(x+1) = ∫[itex]\frac{1}{x+1}[/itex]

2.


3. i found the power series, which is :

Ʃ ((-1)^(n))(x^(n+1)) / (n+1)


Im okay with that, but i need help on finding the interval of convergence...


to find it i do ratio test.. and i get


-1< x < 1


I need help on checking for the endpoints

the answer in the book is (-1,1]


how do i know that 1 converges? do i just plug in 1 into the function?

No, plug 1 into the series. See if the series converges. Do the same thing at x=(-1).
 
  • #3
okay so when i plug in 1 into the power series that i found..

i get

Ʃ (-1^n)(1^(n+1)) / (n+1)

how do i know if this converges or diverges?

do i use one of the series test?
 
  • #4
physics=world said:
okay so when i plug in 1 into the power series that i found..

i get

Ʃ[itex]\frac{(-1^n)(1^(n+1)}{n+1}[/itex]

how do i know if this converges or diverges?

do i use one of the series test?

Sure, use a series test. 1^(n+1)=1. Looks like the alternating series test might be a good one.
 
  • #5
hmm when i use the alternating series test is my a_n = (1^(n+1)) / (n+1)

because when i use that for a_n

i get (1^(infinity)) / (infinity)

or do we ignore (1^(n+1)) because it will always equal to 1?
 
  • #6
physics=world said:
hmm when i use the alternating series test


is my a_n = (1^(n+1)) / (n+1)

because when i use that for a_n

i get (1^(infinity)) / (infinity)

That is NOT the alternating series test. State the alternating series test.
 
  • #7
isnt it the lim as n -> infinity of a_n = 0

and

0 < a_n+1 ≤ a_n
 
  • #8
physics=world said:
isnt it the lim as n -> infinity of a_n = 0

and

0 < a_n+1 ≤ a_n

That's part of the premises. State the rest including the conclusion.
 
  • #9
Dick said:
That's part of the premises. State the rest including the conclusion.

conclusion?
 
  • #10
physics=world said:
conclusion?

The conclusion is that if a series satisfies certain conditions then it converges. Does your series satisfy all of the conditions.
 
  • #11
yes the series does satisfy the conditions for 1.
 
  • #12
physics=world said:
yes the series does satisfy the conditions for 1.

Alright. So it converges at x=1. Now try x=(-1).
 
  • #13
the lim as n -> infinity of (-1^(n+1)) / (n+1)

im i using the alternate series test correct for this one?
 
  • #14
physics=world said:
the lim as n -> infinity of (-1^(n+1)) / (n+1)

im i using the alternate series test correct for this one?

No, you left out the (-1)^n factor. Write out the first few terms of the series. Does it really alternate?
 
  • #15
okay. so it does not alternate it just stays negative
 
  • #16
physics=world said:
okay. so it does not alternate it just stays negative

Ok, then you need another test. Does it look like it converges to you?
 
  • #17
Dick said:
Ok, then you need another test. Does it look like it converges to you?

No it does not look like it will converge
 
  • #18
physics=world said:
No it does not look like it will converge

If you can give a good reason why then then you are done. It looks pretty similar to the harmonic series 1/n to me.
 

FAQ: Finding interval of convergence

What is the interval of convergence?

The interval of convergence is the range of values for which a given power series will converge or approach a finite value. It is typically expressed as an interval or a set of values.

How do you find the interval of convergence?

To find the interval of convergence, you can use a variety of methods such as the ratio test, root test, or comparison test. These tests involve evaluating the limit of the series and comparing it to known values to determine the convergence or divergence of the series.

What is the significance of the interval of convergence?

The interval of convergence is important because it tells us which values of the independent variable will result in a convergent series. This information is crucial in understanding the behavior and properties of the given power series.

Can the interval of convergence change for the same power series?

Yes, the interval of convergence can change depending on the method used to determine it. Different tests may result in different intervals, but they will all contain the same values for which the series converges.

What factors can affect the interval of convergence?

The interval of convergence can be influenced by the coefficients and exponents of the power series, as well as the method used to determine it. Additionally, the behavior of the series near the endpoints of the interval can also impact the overall interval of convergence.

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