Root Test - Proof

Proof

The proof of the convergence of a series Σan is an application of the comparison test. If for all nN (N some fixed natural number) we have then Since the geometric series converges so does by the comparison test. Absolute convergence in the case of nonpositive an can be proven in exactly the same way using

If for infinitely many n, then an fails to converge to 0, hence the series is divergent.

Proof of corollary: For a power series Σan = Σcn(zp)n, we see by the above that the series converges if there exists an N such that for all nN we have

equivalent to

for all nN, which implies that in order for the series to converge we must have for all sufficiently large n. This is equivalent to saying

so Now the only other place where convergence is possible is when

(since points > 1 will diverge) and this will not change the radius of convergence since these are just the points lying on the boundary of the interval or disc, so

Read more about this topic:  Root Test

Famous quotes containing the word proof:

    Right and proof are two crutches for everything bent and crooked that limps along.
    Franz Grillparzer (1791–1872)

    From whichever angle one looks at it, the application of racial theories remains a striking proof of the lowered demands of public opinion upon the purity of critical judgment.
    Johan Huizinga (1872–1945)

    The source of Pyrrhonism comes from failing to distinguish between a demonstration, a proof and a probability. A demonstration supposes that the contradictory idea is impossible; a proof of fact is where all the reasons lead to belief, without there being any pretext for doubt; a probability is where the reasons for belief are stronger than those for doubting.
    Andrew Michael Ramsay (1686–1743)