Math Problem Statement

Suppose the power series ∑ cₙxⁿ converges when x = 2 but diverges when x = -7. Knowing only this information, which of the following statements can we conclude to be true? Options: (A) The radius of convergence is R = 2. (B) The power series diverges at x = 8. (C) The power series converges at x = -2. (D) The power series converges at x = -4. (E) The power series diverges at x = 7.

Solution

To solve this problem, let's analyze the information step by step:

Given:

  1. The power series n=0cnxn\sum_{n=0}^\infty c_n x^n converges when x=2x = 2.
  2. The series diverges when x=7x = -7.

Conceptual Analysis:

  • The radius of convergence RR of a power series cnxn\sum c_n x^n determines the interval in which the series converges absolutely.
  • The series converges for x<R|x| < R and diverges for x>R|x| > R.
  • Knowing that it converges at x=2x = 2, we conclude that R2R \geq 2 because x=2x = 2 is within the radius of convergence.
  • Knowing that it diverges at x=7x = -7, we conclude that R<7R < 7, because x=7x = -7 lies outside the radius of convergence.

Key Insight:

From the above, the radius of convergence RR satisfies 2R<72 \leq R < 7.

Answer Evaluation:

Let's check the options:

  1. (A) The radius of convergence is R=2R = 2:

    • This is not necessarily true, as RR could be larger than 2 (but smaller than 7).
  2. (B) The power series diverges at x=8x = 8:

    • True, because x=8x = 8 lies outside any possible radius of convergence (R<7R < 7).
  3. (C) The power series converges at x=2x = -2:

    • We cannot determine this, as x=2x = -2 may or may not lie within the radius of convergence (depends on the exact value of RR).
  4. (D) The power series converges at x=4x = -4:

    • Same as (C), it is indeterminate.
  5. (E) The power series diverges at x=7x = 7:

    • True, since x=7x = 7 lies outside the radius of convergence (R<7R < 7).

Correct Answer:

  • Both (B) and (E) are true, but the most direct conclusion is (E): The power series diverges at x=7x = 7.

Let me know if you'd like further clarifications or more detailed reasoning!


Related Questions:

  1. What is the definition of a power series' radius of convergence?
  2. How do endpoints of the interval of convergence behave in such problems?
  3. What happens if a power series diverges at a point closer than the radius RR?
  4. How is absolute convergence related to the radius of convergence?
  5. What tests are typically used to determine convergence of power series?

Tip:

Always consider both convergence and divergence points carefully to deduce the bounds for the radius of convergence!

Ask a new question for Free

By Image

Drop file here or Click Here to upload

Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Power Series
Radius of Convergence
Absolute Convergence

Formulas

Radius of Convergence: |x| < R for convergence
Power Series Representation: ∑ cₙxⁿ

Theorems

Radius of Convergence Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Undergraduate - Calculus