How do you find the radius of convergence Sigma (x^n)/(3^(n^2)) from n=[0,oo)?

2 Answers
Feb 28, 2017

The series:

sum_(n=0)^oo x^n/3^(n^2)

is absolutely convergent everywhere in RR with radius of convergence R=oo

Explanation:

Use the ratio test to evaluate the values of x for which the series is convergent:

lim_(n->oo) abs (a_(n+1)/a_n) = lim_(n->oo) abs ( (x^(n+1)/3^((n+1)^2))/(x^n/3^(n^2))

lim_(n->oo) abs (a_(n+1)/a_n) = lim_(n->oo) abs ( x^(n+1)/x^n) 3^(n^2)/3^((n+1)^2)

lim_(n->oo) abs (a_(n+1)/a_n) = lim_(n->oo) abs (x) 3^(n^2)/3^(n^2+2n+1) = abs x lim_(n->oo) 1/3^(2n+1) = 0

So the series is absolutely convergent for every x in RR

Mar 1, 2017

R=oo

Explanation:

We can also use the root test, which states that if L=lim_(nrarroo)root(n)abs(a_n)<1, then sum_(n=0)^ooa_n converges.

L=lim_(nrarroo)root(n)abs(a_n)=lim_(nrarroo)(abs(x^n/3^(n^2)))^(1/n)

Bringing the exponent in:

L=lim_(nrarroo)abs(x^(n(1/n))/3^(n^2(1/n)))=lim_(nrarroo)abs(x/3^n)

The limit is only dependent on n, so the x term can be moved from the limit.

L=absxlim_(nrarroo)abs(1/3^n)

As the denominator of the limit approaches oo, we see that the limit equals 0. Thus,

L=0

We know that the series will diverge when L<1. Here, since L=0, this is always true, irrespective of the value of x.

Thus, the series converges on -oo < x < oo and R=oo.