Math Problem Statement

Find all the values of x such that the given series would converge. ∑n=1∞(3x)^n/n^6 The series is convergent from x =    , left end included (enter Y or N):  to x =    , right end included (enter Y or N): 

Solution

To determine the values of xx for which the series

n=1(3x)nn6\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{(3x)^n}{n^6}

converges, we can use the ratio test or root test and analyze the resulting radius of convergence.

  1. Understanding the Series Structure: The series resembles a power series in 3x3x, where each term is divided by n6n^6, which decreases as nn increases, ensuring some form of decay. However, to determine convergence based on xx, we focus on the term (3x)n(3x)^n.

  2. Applying the Root Test: For the series an\sum a_n, the root test states that if

    limnann<1,\lim_{n \to \infty} \sqrt[n]{|a_n|} < 1,

    then the series converges absolutely.

    Here, each term is an=(3x)nn6a_n = \frac{(3x)^n}{n^6}. Applying the root test:

    limn(3x)nn6n=limn3xn6/n.\lim_{n \to \infty} \sqrt[n]{\left|\frac{(3x)^n}{n^6}\right|} = \lim_{n \to \infty} \frac{|3x|}{n^{6/n}}.

    As nn \to \infty, n6/n1n^{6/n} \to 1, so this limit simplifies to 3x|3x|.

    For convergence, we need:

    3x<1.|3x| < 1.

  3. Solving for xx: x<13.|x| < \frac{1}{3}.

    Therefore, the interval of convergence in terms of xx is:

    13<x<13.-\frac{1}{3} < x < \frac{1}{3}.

  4. Testing the Endpoints: We must check x=13x = -\frac{1}{3} and x=13x = \frac{1}{3} separately.

    • At x=13x = -\frac{1}{3}:

      The series becomes n=1(1)nn6\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{(-1)^n}{n^6}, which is an alternating series with terms of the form 1n6\frac{1}{n^6}. Since 1n6\frac{1}{n^6} converges (by the p-series test with p=6>1p = 6 > 1), the series converges at x=13x = -\frac{1}{3}.

    • At x=13x = \frac{1}{3}:

      Similarly, the series becomes n=11n6\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{1}{n^6}, which also converges by the p-series test.

  5. Conclusion: The series converges for xx in the interval:

    x=13, left end included (Y)x = -\frac{1}{3}, \text{ left end included (Y)} to x=13, right end included (Y).x = \frac{1}{3}, \text{ right end included (Y)}.

So, the answer is:

  • From x=13x = -\frac{1}{3}, left end

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Series Convergence
Power Series
Root Test
Interval of Convergence

Formulas

Root Test: lim n→∞ (|a_n|)^(1/n)
Convergence condition: |3x| < 1

Theorems

Root Test
p-Series Test

Suitable Grade Level

Undergraduate Mathematics