Wize AP Calculus (BC) Textbook > Power Series
Power Series

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Definitions of Power Series
Power Series
where is a variable, is a constant, and the terms are coefficients.
*We say that this is a power series "centered at " or "about "
Note: unlike a normal series that only have , power series depend on the variable .
Special Case of Power Series
If the power series is centered at
Radius of Convergence
The convergence of the power series might depend on the value of .
The radius of convergence is denoted by a positive value , and it helps give a range/interval for on which the power series converges.
There are three cases for a power series about :
1. The series converges if < but diverges if > .
*Note that when , whether the series converge depends on the series itself
*So, the possible intervals of convergence are
(a-R, a+R), [a-R, a+R], (a-R, a+R] or [a-R, a+R)
2. The series converged for all values of (i.e. )
3. The series only converges for = (i.e. )
How to find the Radius/Interval of Convergence?
1. Use the Ratio test or Root test on to determine the radius of convergence
2. If is a finite number () , we will have to check the convergence on both endpoints to see if we should include them in the interval of convergence.
*Use convergence tests from the previous chapter to see if the series converges at these point
Practice: Radius of Convergence
Determine the radius of convergence of the power series .
Practice: Radius & Interval of Convergence
Determine the radius and interval of convergence of the power series .
Practice: Radius & Interval of Convergence
Determine the radius and interval of convergence of the power series .