Chapter 8: Infinite Sequences and Series
Section 8.4: Power Series
Example 8.4.12
Determine the radius of convergence and the interval of convergence for the power series ∑n=2∞xnlnn.
Even though (7) in Table 8.4.1 claims that absolute convergence at one end of the interval of convergence implies absolute convergence at the other, if the convergence at an endpoint is absolute, verify that it also absolute at the other.
Solution
Mathematical Solution
Since the given power series contains the powers xn, the radius of convergence is given by
R=limn→∞an/an+1 = limn→∞lnn+1lnn=1
At the right endpoint x=R=1, the given power series becomes Σ an Rn=Σ 1/lnn, which diverges by part (3) of the Limit-Comparison test if the comparison series is taken as the divergent series ∑n=21/n−1, the harmonic series in disguise.
The relevant calculation that must be made is c=limn→∞an Rn1/n−1=∞. Since the comparison series diverges, so too does the power series at the right endpoint x=1.
At the left endpoint x=−R=−1, the given power series becomes the alternating series Σ −1n/lnn, which converges conditionally by the Leibniz test, once it is noted that 1/lnn decreases monotonically to zero as n→∞.
Hence, the interval of convergence is −R,R=−1,1.
Maple Solution
Define the general coefficient an as a function of n
Write an=… Context Panel: Assign Function
an=1lnn→assign as functiona
Obtain the radius of convergence
Calculus palette: Limit template Context Panel: Assign Name
R=limn→∞anan+1→assign
Display R, the radius of convergence
Write R Context Panel: Evaluate and Display Inline
R = 1
Test for convergence at x=R=1
Write An=… Context Panel: Assign Function
An=an⋅Rn→assign as functionA
Calculus palette: Limit template Context Panel: Evaluate and Display Inline
limn→∞An1/n−1 = ∞
The comparison series ∑1/n−1 is a disguised form of the divergent harmonic series. By part (3) of the Limit-Comparison test, since the comparison series diverges, so too does the power series at the right endpoint x=1.
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