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Ch. 11 - Power Series
Briggs - Calculus: Early Transcendentals 3rd Edition
Briggs3rd EditionCalculus: Early TranscendentalsISBN: 9780136847243Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 11, Problem 11.2.17

Radius and interval of convergence Determine the radius and interval of convergence of the following power series.


∑ₖ₌₁∞ (xᵏ/kᵏ)

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1
Identify the given power series: \(\displaystyle \sum_{k=1}^{\infty} \frac{x^{k}}{k^{k}}\).
To find the radius of convergence, apply the Root Test, which involves computing \(\lim_{k \to \infty} \sqrt[k]{\left| \frac{x^{k}}{k^{k}} \right|} = \lim_{k \to \infty} \frac{|x|}{k}\).
Evaluate the limit: since \(\lim_{k \to \infty} \frac{|x|}{k} = 0\) for all real \(x\), the Root Test tells us the series converges for all \(x\).
Conclude that the radius of convergence \(R\) is infinite, meaning \(R = \infty\).
Since the radius of convergence is infinite, the interval of convergence is \((-\infty, \infty)\).

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Power Series

A power series is an infinite sum of terms in the form a_k(x - c)^k, where a_k are coefficients and c is the center. Understanding power series involves recognizing how the variable x affects convergence depending on its distance from the center.
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Radius of Convergence

The radius of convergence is the distance from the center within which a power series converges absolutely. It can be found using tests like the root or ratio test, and it defines the interval where the series behaves well.
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Interval of Convergence

The interval of convergence is the set of x-values for which the power series converges. It includes all points within the radius of convergence and requires separate checking of endpoints to determine if they are included.
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Interval of Convergence