Finding power series for given values of a sum

In summary, the conversation discusses a series and its convergence. It is determined that the series is a geometric series and has a simple formula for its sum. The conversation also mentions finding the radius of convergence, but it is clarified that this only determines what values of x will allow the series to converge, not what it will converge to. Ultimately, the value of x that will make the series converge to 5 is found.
  • #1
Telemachus
835
30

Homework Statement


I have this exercise which I'm not sure how to solve.
It says: Consider the series [tex]\displaystyle\sum_{0}^{\infty}x^n[/tex] Does exists any value of x for which the series converges to five? ¿and to 1/3?

Well, I've reasoned that if there exists that value, then it must be inside of the radius of convergence for the series. So I've found the radius of convergence:

[tex]a_n=1[/tex]

[tex]R=\displaystyle\lim_{n \to{}\infty}{\left |{\displaystyle\frac{a_n}{a_{n+1}}}\right |}=1[/tex]

But now I don't know how to proceed.
 
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  • #2
First of all, your formula for the radius of convergence looks a bit off. Where is the 1/2 coming from? And where is the x? That said, finding the radius of convergence will only let you know what values of x will allow the series to converge, not what it will converge to.

Do you know what the geometric series is? When does it converge? What does it converge to?
 
  • #3
Sorry, I've corrected it, I did [tex]a_{n+1}=2[/tex] but its 1, I've just corrected it.

Thanks.
 
  • #4
[tex]\sum_{n= 0}^\infty x^n[/itex] is a geometric series. There is a simple formula for its sum. Do you know what it is?
 
  • #5
Yes, thanks. I've found it. I didn't realized it was a geometric series because I haven't been dealing with series for a while, but it was easy :)
 

FAQ: Finding power series for given values of a sum

What is a power series?

A power series is an infinite series of the form ∑n=0∞ an(x − c)n, where an is a sequence of numbers and c is a constant. It is a mathematical representation of a function, where each term is a polynomial of increasing degree.

How do you find the power series for a given sum?

To find the power series for a given sum, you can use the Taylor series expansion. This involves finding the derivatives of the function at a given point and plugging them into the general formula for a power series. Alternatively, you can use known power series representations of common functions and manipulate them to get the desired result.

What are some common power series representations?

Some common power series representations include the geometric series, binomial series, and exponential series. The geometric series is of the form 1 + x + x2 + x3 + ..., the binomial series is of the form (1 + x)n, and the exponential series is of the form ex = 1 + x + x2/2! + x3/3! + ...

What is the purpose of finding a power series for a given sum?

Finding a power series for a given sum allows us to approximate the value of a function at a certain point. By using a finite number of terms, we can get a close approximation of the function's value, which can be useful in various mathematical and scientific applications.

Are there any limitations to finding a power series for a given sum?

Yes, there are limitations to finding a power series for a given sum. The function must be continuous and infinitely differentiable at the point where the power series is being evaluated. Additionally, the power series may only converge within a certain interval, so it may not accurately represent the function outside of that interval.

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