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Definitions of Power Series

Power Series

n=0cn(xa)n=c0+c1(xa)+c2(xa)2+c3(xa)3+...\sum\limits^\infty_{n=0}c_n(x-a)^n=c_0+c_1(x-a)+c_2(x-a)^2+c_3(x-a)^3+...
where xx is a variable,aa is a constant, and the terms cnc_n are coefficients.
*We say that this is a power series "centered at x=ax=a" or "about x=ax=a"
Note: unlike a normal series that only have nn, power series depend on the variable xx.

Special Case of Power Series

If the power series is centered at x=0x=0
n=0cnxn=c0+c1x+c2x2+c3x3+...\sum\limits^\infty_{n=0}c_nx^n=c_0+c_1x+c_2x^2+c_3x^3+...

Radius of Convergence

The convergence of the power series might depend on the value of xx.
The radius of convergence is denoted by a positive value RR, and it helps give a range/interval for xx on which the power series converges.

There are three cases for a power series about x=ax=a:

1. The series converges if x|x| < RR but diverges if x|x| > RR.
*Note that when x=±Rx=\pm R, 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 xx (i.e. R=R=\infty)

3. The series only converges for xx = aa (i.e. R=0R=0)

How to find the Radius/Interval of Convergence?

1. Use the Ratio test or Root test on cn(xa)nc_n(x-a)^n to determine the radius of convergence RR

2. If RR is a finite number (0 or \ne0\ or\ \infty) , we will have to check the convergence on both endpoints x=R,  x=Rx=R,\ \ x=-R 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 n=0n! xn{\displaystyle \sum_{n=0}^\infty}n!\ x^n.

Practice: Radius & Interval of Convergence

Determine the radius and interval of convergence of the power series n=0(2)nn+1(x+1)n{\displaystyle \sum_{n=0}^\infty} \frac{\left(-2\right)^n}{\sqrt{n+1}}\left(x+1\right)^n.

Practice: Radius & Interval of Convergence

Determine the radius and interval of convergence of the power series n=1(1)n3nnxn{\displaystyle \sum_{n=1}^\infty} \frac{\left(-1\right)^n}{3^nn}x^n.