Sum series- Prove the equality of ratio and root.

In summary, the Root Test and Ratio Test have different limits depending on the sequence in question, but they both converge for sufficiently large values of n.
  • #1
Chipset3600
79
0
I found this on the internet, but did not find the proof.
Curious to me is that the the ratio and root test have the same conditions.
How can i basically prove this equality?

\(\displaystyle \frac{a_{n+1}}{a_{n}} = \sqrt[n]{a_{n}}\)

Thank you!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
So what is the sequence ${a_n}$?
 
  • #3
eddybob123 said:
So what is the sequence ${a_n}$?

There is no sequence, is just to prove...
 
  • #4
is a rule of sequences that I found.
If i use this rule in this exercise:
http://mathhelpboards.com/calculus-10/sum-series-convergence-divergence-6624.html
And apply limit in booth sides i will have the same result. But i want to know why this property is true...
 
Last edited:
  • #5
Chipset3600 said:
I found this on the internet, but did not find the proof.
Curious to me is that the the ratio and root test have the same conditions.
How can i basically prove this equality?

\(\displaystyle \frac{a_{n+1}}{a_{n}} = \sqrt[n]{a_{n}}\)

Thank you!
Hi Chipset! :DMy knowledge is a bit sketchy as far as series summation techniques, and if I've got this wrong, then hopefully some kind soul on here will take pity on both of us and correct me, but here goes... Firstly, with regards to both the Root Test and Ratio Test, you need to bear in mind that we are talking about the limiting value of a series term, or the limiting value of a quotient of consecutive series terms. So, for example, if we have a series of the form:\(\displaystyle \sum_{k=0}^{\infty}a_k\)then if the limit\(\displaystyle \lim_{k\to\infty}\, \Bigg|\frac{a_{k+1}}{a_k}\Bigg|=r\)exists, the series is absolutely convergent for \(\displaystyle r < 1\), divergent for \(\displaystyle r > 1\), and of undetermined convergence/divergence if \(\displaystyle r = 1\)Similarly, for the Root Test, if the limit\(\displaystyle \lim_{k\to\infty}\, \Bigg|\sqrt[k]{a_k}\Bigg|=r\)exists, then once again, the series in question is absolutely convergent for \(\displaystyle r < 1\), divergent for \(\displaystyle r > 1\), and of undetermined convergence/divergence if \(\displaystyle r = 0\).This is the bit where I'm not sure, but I suspect that you're approaching it the wrong way by assuming equality for

\(\displaystyle \frac{a_{n+1}}{a_{n}} = \sqrt[n]{a_{n}}\)

in the general sense. In the limit, as \(\displaystyle n\to\infty\), then equality should hold, but for a general, arbitrary series term, this is unlikely to be true.Can anyone add to or correct that...? Please and thankuppo! (Inlove)EDIT:

Apologies... I missed that last post of yours... :eek::eek::eek:
 
  • #6
Hi,
For an a sequence of positive terms, the following is true:

if \(\displaystyle \lim_{n\rightarrow\infty}{a_{n+1}\over a_n}\) exists, then \(\displaystyle \lim_{n\rightarrow\infty}a_n^{1/n}\) exists and the two limits are equal.

However, it's possible that \(\displaystyle \lim_{n\rightarrow\infty}a_n^{1/n}\) exists, but \(\displaystyle \lim_{n\rightarrow\infty}{a_{n+1}\over a_n}\) does not exist!

Example: let the sequence {an} be 1, 1/2, 1, 1/2 ... Then clearly the ratio of successive terms alternates between 2 and 1/2, so the limit of this ratio can't exist. But the nth root of any positive is very close to 1 provided n is sufficiently large. So the nth root of an does approach 1 as its limit.

The ratio and root tests have "generalizations", but this is more in the realm of advanced calculus. These tests involve the limit supremum and limit infimum of sequences. If you're up to it,
you can find a wealth of information about this on the web.
 

FAQ: Sum series- Prove the equality of ratio and root.

How can I prove the equality of ratio and root in a sum series?

The equality of ratio and root in a sum series can be proven using mathematical induction. This method involves showing that the equation holds true for the first term in the series, and then showing that if it holds true for any arbitrary term, it also holds true for the next term. By repeating this process, we can prove that the equation holds true for all terms in the series, thus proving the equality of ratio and root.

What is the significance of proving the equality of ratio and root in a sum series?

The equality of ratio and root in a sum series is significant because it allows us to find the sum of an infinite series. By proving this equality, we can use the geometric series formula to find the sum of a series, which has many practical applications in fields such as finance, physics, and engineering.

Can the equality of ratio and root be proven for all sum series?

Yes, the equality of ratio and root can be proven for all sum series that follow a geometric pattern. This includes series with a constant ratio between consecutive terms, such as 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, and series with a variable ratio, such as 2, 6, 18, 54, 162.

Are there any alternative methods for proving the equality of ratio and root in a sum series?

Yes, there are other methods for proving the equality of ratio and root in a sum series, such as the telescoping series method and the substitution method. However, mathematical induction is the most commonly used and accepted method for proving this equality.

Can the equality of ratio and root in a sum series be used for divergent series?

No, the equality of ratio and root in a sum series can only be used for convergent series. Divergent series, which do not have a finite sum, cannot be proven using this method.

Similar threads

Replies
3
Views
1K
Replies
5
Views
1K
Replies
2
Views
1K
Replies
8
Views
1K
Replies
6
Views
2K
Back
Top