If a power series ∑a(sub k) * x^k converges at x=7 and x=8, then it converges at x= -7.
If the statement is true, tell why. If it is false, give a counterexample.
If the statement is true, tell why. If it is false, give a counterexample.
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By the ratio test, the series converges if abs((a(k+1)/a(k)) * x) < 1, where abs
indicates absolute value. Since it converges fro x = 8, we know that
abs(a(k+1)/a(k)) < (1/8), and thus abs((a(k+1)/a(k))*(-7)) < 1, and so the series
converges for x = -7.
Edit: If the series were sum(a(k) * (x - 7.5)^k) then your concern would be valid, and
the statement would be false. (As a counterexample look at a(k) = (-1)^k * (1.5)^k.)
But because the series is expressed with just x^k, the midpoint of the interval
of convergence must be 0, and hence if it converges for x = 8 it must converge
for any x such that lxl < 8.
Edit: I made my last edit before I saw your last edit, so now I'll respond to that.
I don't think this works because the reason sum(a(k) * 7^k) converges might
be because it is an alternating series, i.e., there may be a (-1)^k factor in a(k),
in which case if we stuck in (-7)^k the series would no longer be alternating
and so we wouldn't be able to make any conclusions about convergence
at x = -7. This doesn't invalidate the statement but it doesn't prove it, either.
The critical elements are that we have the term x^k in the series and that it
converges for x = 8.
indicates absolute value. Since it converges fro x = 8, we know that
abs(a(k+1)/a(k)) < (1/8), and thus abs((a(k+1)/a(k))*(-7)) < 1, and so the series
converges for x = -7.
Edit: If the series were sum(a(k) * (x - 7.5)^k) then your concern would be valid, and
the statement would be false. (As a counterexample look at a(k) = (-1)^k * (1.5)^k.)
But because the series is expressed with just x^k, the midpoint of the interval
of convergence must be 0, and hence if it converges for x = 8 it must converge
for any x such that lxl < 8.
Edit: I made my last edit before I saw your last edit, so now I'll respond to that.
I don't think this works because the reason sum(a(k) * 7^k) converges might
be because it is an alternating series, i.e., there may be a (-1)^k factor in a(k),
in which case if we stuck in (-7)^k the series would no longer be alternating
and so we wouldn't be able to make any conclusions about convergence
at x = -7. This doesn't invalidate the statement but it doesn't prove it, either.
The critical elements are that we have the term x^k in the series and that it
converges for x = 8.
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true...radius of convergence is at least 8 ;