Power Series Converge Absolutely

In summary, the series converges absolutely for all values of x, as determined by using the Ratio Test with the absolute values of the terms. The resulting limit of 4|x| * lim (n->inf) 1/(n+1) = 0 places no restrictions on the values of x.
  • #1
whatlifeforme
219
0

Homework Statement


for what values of x does the series converge absolutely?

Homework Equations


[itex]\displaystyle \sum^{∞}_{n=1} \frac{4^n * x^n}{n!}[/itex]

The Attempt at a Solution


Ratio Test

[itex]\displaystyle \frac{4^{n+1} * x^{n+1}}{n+1)!} * \frac{n!}{4^n * x^n}[/itex]
4x * limit (n->inf) [itex]\displaystyle \frac{1}{n+1} = 0[/itex]

What do I do now since the limit is zero? I asked a similar question in another thread, but the limit turned out to be 1. I am sure that this limit is zero.
 
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  • #2
What was your purpose in calculating that? How is that number, whether it is 0 or 1 or whatever, tell you about the "radius of convergence"?
 
  • #3
whatlifeforme said:

Homework Statement


for what values of x does the series converge absolutely?


Homework Equations


[itex]\displaystyle \sum^{∞}_{n=1} \frac{4^n * x^n}{n!}[/itex]


The Attempt at a Solution


Ratio Test

[itex]\displaystyle \frac{4^{n+1} * x^{n+1}}{n+1)!} * \frac{n!}{4^n * x^n}[/itex]
4x * limit (n->inf) [itex]\displaystyle \frac{1}{n+1} = 0[/itex]

What do I do now since the limit is zero? I asked a similar question in another thread, but the limit turned out to be 1. I am sure that this limit is zero.

It means that the series converges for all values of x.

BTW, when you use the Ratio Test, you should be working with the absolute values of the terms in your series.

This is the ratio you should be working with:
$$ \frac{4^{n+1} * |x|^{n+1}}{(n+1)!} * \frac{n!}{4^n * |x|^n}$$
The result you get will be 4|x| ## \lim_{n \to \infty} 1/(n + 1)## = 0, which places no limits on the values of x.
 
  • #4
do i leave the answer at 4|x| limn→∞1/(n+1) = 0 and put -inf < x < inf. or do i need to prove this somehow?
 

FAQ: Power Series Converge Absolutely

What is a power series?

A power series is an infinite polynomial of the form $\sum_{n=0}^{\infty} a_nx^n$, where $a_n$ are the coefficients and $x$ is the independent variable.

What does it mean for a power series to converge absolutely?

A power series converges absolutely if the series of absolute values of its terms converges. In other words, the series converges regardless of the sign of its terms.

How can I determine if a power series converges absolutely?

There are several tests that can be used to determine absolute convergence, such as the ratio test, root test, and comparison test. These tests involve evaluating the limit of the ratio or root of consecutive terms, or comparing the series to a known convergent or divergent series.

Why is absolute convergence important?

Absolute convergence is important because it guarantees that the series will converge to a specific value, regardless of the order in which the terms are added. This allows for easier manipulation and calculation of the series.

What are some real-world applications of power series convergence?

Power series convergence is used in many areas of science and engineering, such as in the calculation of complex functions, in physics to model physical phenomena, and in economics to analyze financial data. It also plays a crucial role in the development of numerical methods and algorithms for solving mathematical problems.

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