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Ch. 10 - Infinite Sequences and Series
Hass - Thomas' Calculus 15th Edition
Hass15th EditionThomas' CalculusISBN: 9780137616077Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 10, Problem 10.7.42

In Exercises 37–42, find the series’ radius of convergence.
∑ (from n = 1 to ∞) [ ( n / (n + 1) )ⁿ^ ² ] xⁿ (Hint: Apply the Root Test.)

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1
Identify the general term of the series as \(a_n = \left( \frac{n}{n+1} \right)^{n^2} x^n\).
Recall that the Root Test involves computing the limit \(L = \lim_{n \to \infty} \sqrt[n]{|a_n|}\) to determine convergence.
Apply the \(n\)th root to the absolute value of the general term: \(\sqrt[n]{|a_n|} = \sqrt[n]{\left( \frac{n}{n+1} \right)^{n^2} |x|^n} = \left( \frac{n}{n+1} \right)^n |x|\).
Evaluate the limit \(L = \lim_{n \to \infty} \left( \frac{n}{n+1} \right)^n |x|\). Recognize that \(\left( \frac{n}{n+1} \right)^n\) can be rewritten and simplified using properties of limits and exponentials.
Use the Root Test conclusion: the series converges if \(L < 1\), so set up the inequality involving \(|x|\) and solve for the radius of convergence.

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Key Concepts

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

Radius of Convergence

The radius of convergence of a power series is the distance from the center of the series within which the series converges absolutely. It determines the interval on the x-axis where the series represents a valid function. Finding this radius helps understand the domain of convergence for the series.
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Radius of Convergence

Root Test

The Root Test is a method to determine the convergence of an infinite series by examining the nth root of the absolute value of its terms. Specifically, for a series ∑a_n, if the limit of the nth root of |a_n| is L, the series converges if L < 1 and diverges if L > 1. It is especially useful for series with terms raised to the nth power.
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Power Series and General Term

A power series is an infinite sum of terms in the form a_n x^n, where a_n depends on n. Understanding the general term, including coefficients and powers of n, is crucial for applying convergence tests. Here, the term involves (n/(n+1))^(n^2), which affects the behavior of the series and its convergence.
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