17Calculus

In order to have a complete picture of what is going on with a power series (and Taylor series, since Taylor series is a special case of power series), we need to know the radius and interval of convergence. This is analogous to knowing the domain of a function.

Topics You Need To Understand For This Page
infinite series (including all the tests) power series taylor series

Recommended Books on Amazon (affiliate links)

Complete 17Calculus Recommended Books List
Prime Student 6-month Trial

Difference Between Radius and Interval of Convergence

The difference between the radius of convergence and the interval of convergence lies in what information we have about the endpoints.

radius of convergence
gives convergence information only between x-values, not AT the x-values
Example: if \((5,7)\) is the radius of convergence
the series converges for \(5 < x < 7\)
says nothing about the endpoints

interval of convergence
gives convergence information inside the interval AND convergence/divergence information at the endpoints
Example: if \((5,7)\) is the interval of convergence
the series converges for \(5 < x < 7\) AND we know that the series diverges at \(x = 5\) and \(x = 7\)
contains the same information as the radius of convergence as well as what is going on at the endpoints
The interval of convergence is sometimes called the convergence set.

Once the Taylor series or power series is calculated, we use the ratio test to determine the radius convergence and other tests to determine the interval of convergence. Without knowing the radius and interval of convergence, the series is not considered a complete function (This is similar to not knowing the domain of a function. As we say in the page on domain and range, a fully defined function always contains information about the domain, either implicitly or explicitly stated.) In this case, we can't leave off information about where the series converges because the series may not hold for all values of \(x\).

Using The Ratio Test

The ratio test looks like this. We have a series \( \sum{a_n} \) with non-zero terms. We calculate the limit \( \displaystyle{\lim_{n \to \infty}{\left| \frac{a_{n+1}}{a_n} \right|} = L} \).
There are three possible cases for the value \(L\).
\( L < 1 \): The series converges absolutely.
\( L = 1 \): The ratio test is inconclusive.
\( L > 1 \): The series diverges.

So we use the first case (\( L < 1 \), since we want convergence) and we set up the inequality \( \displaystyle{\lim_{n \to \infty}{\left| \frac{a_{n+1}}{a_n} \right|} < 1} ~~~~~ [ 1 ]\)

Key: Do not drop the absolute values.

Radius of Convergence

To find the radius of convergence, we need to simplify the inequality [1] to the point that we have \( \left| x-a \right| < R \). This gives the radius of convergence as \(R\). This seems very simple but you need to be careful of the notation and wording your textbooks. Some textbooks use a small \(r\). Some textbooks ask for the ratio of convergence in which case you need to give the answer as \( \rho = 1/R \). This has always seemed kind of strange to me but there must be some reason for it. However, on this site, whenever we talk about the radius of convergence in this context, we will use \(R\) as defined above.

There are three possible cases for the radius of convergence.

\(R = 0\)	series converges only at the point \(x = a\)
\( 0 < R < \infty \)	series converges within the interval
\(R = \infty \)	series converges for all \(x\)

The interesting thing is that we have a strict inequality in \( 0 < R < \infty \) and, because of the definition of the ratio test, we have no idea what happens when \( \left| x-a \right| = R \). The series could converge or diverge. The ratio test doesn't give us a clue on what happens in that case. That's where we need to find the interval of convergence, which we discuss next.

Interval of Convergence

We use the radius of convergence, \(R\), to calculate the interval of convergence as follows
\(\begin{array}{rcccl} & & \left| x-a \right| & < & R \\ -R & < & x-a & < & R \\ -R + a & < & x & < & R + a \end{array}\)
So now we have an open interval \( (-R+a, R+a) \) in which the series converges. Now we need to look at the endpoints to determine what goes on. To do that we substitute each endpoint individually for \(x\) into the series and then use the other series test to determine convergence or divergence.

Notice when we substitute \(x=-R+a\) into the \((x-a)^n\) term, we end up with \((-R)^n\) which can be simplified to \((-1)^n R^n\). Now we have an alternating series. So often, the alternating series test can be used to determine convergence or divergence. The point is that, using other tests, we need to definitively determine convergence or divergence at each endpoint. The result will be an open interval, a half-open interval or a closed interval. We call this interval, the interval of convergence.

Notice the difference between the terms radius of convergence and interval of convergence. The radius of convergence gives information about the open interval but says nothing about the endpoints. The interval of convergence includes the radius of convergence AND information about convergence or divergence of the endpoints.

Here is a video clip that explains how to show that a series converges for all x.

Dr Chris Tisdell - What is a Taylor series?

video by Dr Chris Tisdell

Sometimes you are given the interval of convergence and asked to determine the radius convergence. Here is a short video explaining how to do that.

PatrickJMT - Radius of Convergence for a Power Series

video by PatrickJMT

Okay, let's try some practice problems.

You Can Have an Amazing Memory: Learn Life-Changing Techniques and Tips from the Memory Maestro

Practice

Unless otherwise instructed, determine the radius and interval of convergence for each series.

Basic

\(\displaystyle{ \sum_{n=0}^{\infty}{ \frac{x^n}{n!} } }\)

Problem Statement

Determine the radius and interval of convergence for the series \(\displaystyle{ \sum_{n=0}^{\infty}{ \frac{x^n}{n!} } }\).

Solution

In this video, he writes the geometric series in a little different form than we use. He writes it as \( \sum{c_n(x-a)^n} \).

Dr Chris Tisdell - 293 video solution

video by Dr Chris Tisdell

Log in to rate this practice problem and to see it's current rating.

\(\displaystyle{ \sum_{n=1}^{\infty}{ \frac{(-1)^n}{n} (x-5)^n } }\)

Problem Statement

Determine the radius and interval of convergence for the series \(\displaystyle{ \sum_{n=1}^{\infty}{ \frac{(-1)^n}{n} (x-5)^n } }\)

Final Answer

radius of convergence \(R=1\), interval of convergence \((4,6]\)

Problem Statement

Determine the radius and interval of convergence for the series \(\displaystyle{ \sum_{n=1}^{\infty}{ \frac{(-1)^n}{n} (x-5)^n } }\)

Solution

Set up the ratio test and require the limit be less than one.

For convergence \( L < 1 \)

In this problem \(a_n = \dfrac{(-1)^n}{n}(x-5)^n\)

and \(a_{n+1} = \dfrac{(-1)^{n+1}}{n+1}(x-5)^{n+1}\)

Set up the limit

\(\displaystyle{ \lim_{n \to \infty}{ \left| \frac{(-1)^{n+1}(x-5)^{n+1}/(n+1)}{(-1)^n (x-5)^n/n} \right| } }\)

\(\displaystyle{ \lim_{n \to \infty}{ \left| \frac{n}{n+1} \frac{(x-5)^{n+1}}{(x-5)^n} \right| } }\)

\(\displaystyle{ \lim_{n \to \infty}{ \left| \frac{n}{n+1} (x-5) \right| } }\)

\(\displaystyle{ |x-5| \lim_{n \to \infty}{ \left| \frac{n}{n+1} \frac{1/n}{1/n} \right| } }\)

\(\displaystyle{ |x-5| \lim_{n \to \infty}{ \left| \frac{1}{1+1/n} \right| } }\)

\(\displaystyle{ |x-5| \lim_{n \to \infty}{ \left| 1 \right| } }\)

\(\displaystyle{ |x-5| < 1 }\)

radius of convergence \(R = 1\)

Now we need to find the interval of convergence.

\( |x-5| < 1 \)

\( -1 < x-5 < 1 \)

\( 4 < x < 6 \)

Test the endpoints \(x=4\) and \(x=6\)

First \(x=4\)

\(\displaystyle{ \sum_{n=1}^{\infty}{ \frac{(-1)^n}{n} (4-5)^n } }\)

\(\displaystyle{ \sum_{n=1}^{\infty}{ \frac{(-1)^n}{n} (-1)^n } }\)

\(\displaystyle{ \sum_{n=1}^{\infty}{ \frac{1}{n} } }\)

This is a p-series with \(p=1\), which diverges. So \(x=4\) is not in the interval of convergence.

Now let's look at \(x=6\).

\(\displaystyle{ \sum_{n=1}^{\infty}{ \frac{(-1)^n}{n} (6-5)^n } }\)

\(\displaystyle{ \sum_{n=1}^{\infty}{ \frac{(-1)^n}{n} } }\)

This series converges by the alternating series test. (See practice problem 173.)

So the interval of convergence is \( (4,6] \), which we can also write as \( 4 \lt x \leq 6 \)

Final Answer

radius of convergence \(R=1\), interval of convergence \((4,6]\)

Log in to rate this practice problem and to see it's current rating.

\(\displaystyle{ \sum_{n=1}^{\infty}{ nx^n } }\)

Problem Statement

Determine the radius and interval of convergence for the series \(\displaystyle{ \sum_{n=1}^{\infty}{ nx^n } }\).

Solution

In this video, he writes the geometric series in a little different form than we use. He writes it as \( \sum{ c_n (x-a)^n } \).

Dr Chris Tisdell - 295 video solution

video by Dr Chris Tisdell

Log in to rate this practice problem and to see it's current rating.

\(\displaystyle{ \sum_{n=1}^{\infty}{ \frac{x^n}{\sqrt{n}} } }\)

Problem Statement

Determine the radius and interval of convergence for the series \(\displaystyle{ \sum_{n=1}^{\infty}{ \frac{x^n}{\sqrt{n}} } }\).

Solution

316 video solution

Log in to rate this practice problem and to see it's current rating.

\(\displaystyle{ e^{x^2} = \sum_{n=0}^{\infty}{ \frac{x^{2n}}{n!} } }\)

Problem Statement

Determine the radius and interval of convergence for the series \(\displaystyle{ e^{x^2} = \sum_{n=0}^{\infty}{ \frac{x^{2n}}{n!} } }\).

Solution

PatrickJMT - 317 video solution

video by PatrickJMT

Log in to rate this practice problem and to see it's current rating.

\(\displaystyle{ \sum_{n=0}^{\infty}{ n^3 (x-5)^n } }\)

Problem Statement

Determine the radius and interval of convergence for the series \(\displaystyle{ \sum_{n=0}^{\infty}{ n^3 (x-5)^n } }\)

Final Answer

radius of convergence \(R=1\), interval of convergence \((4,6)\)

Problem Statement

Determine the radius and interval of convergence for the series \(\displaystyle{ \sum_{n=0}^{\infty}{ n^3 (x-5)^n } }\)

Solution

\(\displaystyle{ \sum_{n=0}^{\infty}{ n^3 (x-5)^n } }\)

\(\displaystyle{ \lim_{n\to\infty}{ \left| \frac{(n+1)^3 (x-5)^{n+1}}{n^3 (x-5)^n} \right| } }\)

\(\displaystyle{ \lim_{n\to\infty}{ \left| \frac{(n+1)^3}{n^3} \frac{(x-5)^{n+1}}{(x-5)^n} \right| } }\)

\(\displaystyle{ \lim_{n\to\infty}{ \left| (1+1/n)^3 (x-5) \right| } }\)

\(\displaystyle{ \left| x-5 \right| \lt 1 }\)

\(\displaystyle{ -1 \lt x-5 \lt 1 }\)

radius of convergence \(R = 1\), \(( 4, 6 )\)

For the interval of convergence, we need to test the endpoints.

\(x=4\)

\(\displaystyle{ \sum_{n=0}^{\infty}{ n^3 (4-5)^n } }\)

\(\displaystyle{ \sum_{n=0}^{\infty}{ n^3 (-1)^n } }\)

By the divergence test, the series diverges, since \(\sum a_n \neq 0\)

\(x=6\)

\(\displaystyle{ \sum_{n=0}^{\infty}{ n^3 (6-5)^n } }\)

\(\displaystyle{ \sum_{n=0}^{\infty}{ n^3 } }\)

By the divergence test, the series diverges, since \(\sum a_n \neq 0\)

The series diverges at both endpoints, so the interval of convergence is \((4,6)\)

Final Answer

radius of convergence \(R=1\), interval of convergence \((4,6)\)

Log in to rate this practice problem and to see it's current rating.

\(\displaystyle{ \sum{ \left(\frac{x}{2}\right)^n } }\)

Problem Statement

Determine the radius and interval of convergence for the series \(\displaystyle{ \sum{ \left(\frac{x}{2}\right)^n } }\)

Solution

MIT OCW - 345 video solution

video by MIT OCW

Dr Chris Tisdell - 345 video solution

video by Dr Chris Tisdell

Log in to rate this practice problem and to see it's current rating.

\(\displaystyle{ \sum{ \frac{x^n}{n~2^n} } }\)

Problem Statement

Determine the radius and interval of convergence for the series \(\displaystyle{ \sum{ \frac{x^n}{n~2^n} } }\).

Solution

MIT OCW - 346 video solution

video by MIT OCW

Log in to rate this practice problem and to see it's current rating.

\(\displaystyle{ \sum{ \frac{x^{2n}}{(2n)!} } }\)

Problem Statement

Determine the radius and interval of convergence for the series \(\displaystyle{ \sum{ \frac{x^{2n}}{(2n)!} } }\).

Solution

MIT OCW - 347 video solution

video by MIT OCW

Log in to rate this practice problem and to see it's current rating.

\(\displaystyle{ \sum_{n=1}^{\infty}{ (-1)^n n x^n } }\)

Problem Statement

Determine the radius and interval of convergence for the series \(\displaystyle{ \sum_{n=1}^{\infty}{ (-1)^n n x^n } }\).

Solution

MIP4U - 348 video solution

video by MIP4U

Log in to rate this practice problem and to see it's current rating.

\(\displaystyle{ \sum_{n=1}^{\infty}{ \frac{(-1)^n x^n}{n} } }\)

Problem Statement

Determine the radius and interval of convergence for the series \(\displaystyle{ \sum_{n=1}^{\infty}{ \frac{(-1)^n x^n}{n} } }\).

Solution

MIP4U - 349 video solution

video by MIP4U

Log in to rate this practice problem and to see it's current rating.

\( \displaystyle{ \sum_{n=1}^{\infty}{ \frac{(x+1)^{2n}}{n!} } }\)

Problem Statement

Determine the radius and interval of convergence for the series \( \displaystyle{ \sum_{n=1}^{\infty}{ \frac{(x+1)^{2n}}{n!} } }\).

Solution

MIP4U - 351 video solution

video by MIP4U

Log in to rate this practice problem and to see it's current rating.

\( \displaystyle{ \sum_{n=1}^{\infty}{ \frac{5^n x^n}{n!} } }\)

Problem Statement

Determine the radius and interval of convergence for the series \( \displaystyle{ \sum_{n=1}^{\infty}{ \frac{5^n x^n}{n!} } }\).

Solution

Krista King Math - 374 video solution

video by Krista King Math

Log in to rate this practice problem and to see it's current rating.

\( \displaystyle{ \sum_{n=1}^{\infty}{ \frac{x^n 2^n}{n!} } }\)

Problem Statement

Determine the radius and interval of convergence for the series \( \displaystyle{ \sum_{n=1}^{\infty}{ \frac{x^n 2^n}{n!} } }\).

Solution

PatrickJMT - 376 video solution

video by PatrickJMT

Log in to rate this practice problem and to see it's current rating.

\( \cos(x^2) \)

Problem Statement

Determine the radius and interval of convergence of the Maclaurin series for \( \cos(x^2) \).

Solution

Krista King Math - 1364 video solution

video by Krista King Math

Log in to rate this practice problem and to see it's current rating.

\(\displaystyle{ \sum_{k=1}^{\infty}{ \frac{x^k}{3^kk^2} } }\)

Problem Statement

Determine the radius and interval of convergence for the series \(\displaystyle{ \sum_{k=1}^{\infty}{ \frac{x^k}{3^kk^2} } }\).

Solution

Dr Chris Tisdell - 2000 video solution

video by Dr Chris Tisdell

Log in to rate this practice problem and to see it's current rating.

\(\displaystyle{ \sum_{n=1}^{\infty}{ \frac{(x^n) \sqrt{n}}{n!} } }\)

Problem Statement

Determine the radius and interval of convergence for the series \(\displaystyle{ \sum_{n=1}^{\infty}{ \frac{(x^n) \sqrt{n}}{n!} } }\)

Solution

JDS1854 - 4347 video solution

video by JDS1854

Log in to rate this practice problem and to see it's current rating.

Intermediate

\(\displaystyle{ \sum_{n=0}^{\infty}{ \frac{(-2)^n (x-2)^n}{3n+1} } }\)

Problem Statement

Determine the radius and interval of convergence for the series \(\displaystyle{ \sum_{n=0}^{\infty}{ \frac{(-2)^n (x-2)^n}{3n+1} } }\)

Solution

JDS1854 - 4348 video solution

video by JDS1854

Log in to rate this practice problem and to see it's current rating.

\(\displaystyle{ \sum_{n=1}^{\infty}{ \frac{(x-2)^n}{(n+1)3^n} } }\)

Problem Statement

Determine the radius and interval of convergence for the series \(\displaystyle{ \sum_{n=1}^{\infty}{ \frac{(x-2)^n}{(n+1)3^n} } }\).

Solution

MIP4U - 350 video solution

video by MIP4U

Log in to rate this practice problem and to see it's current rating.

\( \displaystyle{ \sum_{n=1}^{\infty}{ \frac{(x-4)^n}{\sqrt[3]{n}} } }\)

Problem Statement

Determine the radius and interval of convergence for the series \( \displaystyle{ \sum_{n=1}^{\infty}{ \frac{(x-4)^n}{\sqrt[3]{n}} } }\).

Solution

Krista King Math - 373 video solution

video by Krista King Math

Log in to rate this practice problem and to see it's current rating.

\(\displaystyle{ \sum_{n=1}^{\infty}{ \frac{n^3 (x+5)^n}{6^n} } }\)

Problem Statement

Determine the radius and interval of convergence for the series \(\displaystyle{ \sum_{n=1}^{\infty}{ \frac{n^3 (x+5)^n}{6^n} } }\).

Solution

PatrickJMT - 375 video solution

video by PatrickJMT

Log in to rate this practice problem and to see it's current rating.

\(\displaystyle{ \sum_{n=0}^{\infty}{ \frac{(x+2)^n}{n+3} } }\)

Problem Statement

Determine the radius and interval of convergence for the series \(\displaystyle{ \sum_{n=0}^{\infty}{ \frac{(x+2)^n}{n+3} } }\).

Solution

PatrickJMT - 377 video solution

video by PatrickJMT

Log in to rate this practice problem and to see it's current rating.

\(\displaystyle{ \sum_{n=1}^{\infty}{ \frac{x^n 5^n}{n^n} } }\)

Problem Statement

Determine the radius and interval of convergence for the series \(\displaystyle{ \sum_{n=1}^{\infty}{ \frac{x^n 5^n}{n^n} } }\).

Solution

PatrickJMT - 378 video solution

video by PatrickJMT

Log in to rate this practice problem and to see it's current rating.

\(\displaystyle{ \sum_{n=1}^{\infty}{ \frac{(x-2)^n}{\ln(n+4)} } }\)

Problem Statement

Determine the radius and interval of convergence for the series \(\displaystyle{ \sum_{n=1}^{\infty}{ \frac{(x-2)^n}{\ln(n+4)} } }\).

Solution

PatrickJMT - 379 video solution

video by PatrickJMT

Log in to rate this practice problem and to see it's current rating.

\(\displaystyle{ \sum_{n=1}^{\infty}{ \frac{(x+3)^n}{n^2+2n} } }\)

Problem Statement

Determine the radius and interval of convergence for the series \(\displaystyle{ \sum_{n=1}^{\infty}{ \frac{(x+3)^n}{n^2+2n} } }\).

Solution

PatrickJMT - 380 video solution

video by PatrickJMT

Log in to rate this practice problem and to see it's current rating.

\(\displaystyle{ \sum_{n=1}^{\infty}{ \frac{ (-1)^n (x+1)^n }{ 5^n \sqrt{n} } } }\)

Problem Statement

Determine the radius and interval of convergence for the series \(\displaystyle{ \sum_{n=1}^{\infty}{ \frac{ (-1)^n (x+1)^n }{ 5^n \sqrt{n} } } }\).

Solution

PatrickJMT - 381 video solution

video by PatrickJMT

Log in to rate this practice problem and to see it's current rating.

\(\displaystyle{ \sum_{n=1}^{\infty}{ \frac{ (-1)^n (x+2)^n }{ (n+1)\ln(n+1) } } }\)

Problem Statement

Determine the radius and interval of convergence for the series \(\displaystyle{ \sum_{n=1}^{\infty}{ \frac{ (-1)^n (x+2)^n }{ (n+1)\ln(n+1) } } }\).

Solution

PatrickJMT - 382 video solution

video by PatrickJMT

Log in to rate this practice problem and to see it's current rating.

Really UNDERSTAND Calculus

To bookmark this page and practice problems, log in to your account or set up a free account.

Search Practice Problems

Do you have a practice problem number but do not know on which page it is found? If so, enter the number below and click 'page' to go to the page on which it is found or click 'practice' to be taken to the practice problem.