Section 10.

7: Power Series - Worksheet Solutions

#77. Find the radius and interval of convergence of the power series below. Specify for which values
of x in the interval of convergence the series converges absolutely and for which it converges
conditionally.
∞
X (x − 3)n
(a) √
n=1
3
n5n

Solution: We use the Ratio Test to find the radius of convergence. We have
an+1
ρ = lim
n→∞ an
√
(x − 3)n+1 3
n 5n
= lim √ ·
n→∞ 3 n + 1 5n+1 (x − 3)n
√ 1
|x − 3| 3 n √3n
= lim √ · 1
n→∞ 5 3 n + 1 √
3n

|x − 3|
= lim q
n→∞ 3
5 1 + n1
|x − 3|
= .
5
The power series converges absolutely when ρ < 1, that is
|x − 3|
< 1 ⇒ |x − 3| < 5 ⇒ −5 < x − 3 < 5 ⇒ −2 < x < 8.
5
Therefore the radius of convergence is R = 5 .

To find the interval of convergence, we need to determine if the power series converges
at the endpoints x = −2, 8.

ˆ At x = −2, the power series becomes

∞ ∞ ∞
X (−2 − 3)n X (−5)n X (−1)n
√ = √ = √ .
n=1
3
n5n n=1
3
n5n n=1
3
n
1
This series converges by the AST since un = √ 3 n is positive, decreasing and

converges to 0. However, the series does not converge absolutely since

∞ ∞
X (−1)n X 1
√3
= √
3
,
n=1
n n=1
n
1
which is a divergent p-series with p = 3 ⩽ 1. Therefore, the power series
converges conditionally at x = −2.
 ˆ At x = 8, the power series becomes
∞ ∞ ∞
X (8 − 3)n X 5n X 1
√3 n
= √
3 n
= √
3
.
n=1
n5 n=1
n5 n=1
n

As we noted above, this is a divergent p-series with p = 31 .

In conclusion, the IOC is [−2, 8) . Furthermore, the power series

ˆ converges absolutely on (−2, 8) ,

ˆ and converges conditionally at x = −2 .

∞
X (x − 4)n
(b)
3n n2
n=1

Solution: We start by using the Root Test. We have

1/n
(x − 4)n |x − 4| |x − 4|
ρ = lim = lim = .
n→∞ 3n n2 n→∞ 3n 2/n 3
The power series converges absolutely when ρ < 1, which gives |x − 4| < 3, that is
1 < x < 7. So the radius of convergence is R = 3 .

To find the interval of convergence, we test the endpoints x = 1, 7.

ˆ At x = 1 we have
∞ ∞ ∞
X (1 − 4)n X (−3)n X (−1)n
= = .
3n n2 3n n2 n2
n=1 n=1 n=1
∞ ∞
X (−1)n X 1
This series converges absolutely as = is a p-series with
n2 n2
n=1 n=1
p = 2 > 1.
ˆ At x = 7 we have
∞ ∞ ∞
X (7 − 4)n X 3n X 1
= = ,
3n n2 3n n2 n2
n=1 n=1 n=1
which converges as a p-series with p = 2 > 1.
Hence the interval of convergence is [1, 7] . Furthermore the series

ˆ converges absolutely on [1, 7] ,

ˆ and converges conditionally nowhere .

 ∞
X 2n (x + 3)n
(c)
n
n=1

Solution: We start by using the Root Test. We have

1/n
2n (x + 3)n 2|x + 3|
ρ = lim = lim = 2|x + 3|.
n→∞ n n→∞ n1/n

The series converges absolutely when 2|x + 3| < 1, which gives − 72 < x < − 52 . So
1
the radius of convergence is R = . We now need to test both endpoints to find
2
the interval of convergence.

ˆ At x = − 52 , we have
∞ ∞
X 2n (− 52 + 3)n X 1
= .
n n
n=1 n=1

This series diverges as a p-series with p = 1.

ˆ At x = − 27 , we have
∞ ∞
X 2n (− 27 + 3)n X (−1)n
= .
n n
n=1 n=1

1
This series converges by the AST since un = is positive, decreasing and
n
∞
X 1
converges to 0. But it does not converge absolutely since diverges as
n
n=1
seen in the previous point.
 
7 5
In conclusion, IOC = − , − . Furthermore, the power series
2 2

 
7 5
ˆ converges absolutely on − ,− ,
2 2

7
ˆ and converges conditionally at x = − .
2

∞
X n2 xn
(d)
n=0
5n2

Solution: We start by using the Root Test. We have

n2 xn n2/n |x|
ρ = lim 2 = lim = 0.
n→∞ 5n n→∞ 5n
 Therefore, the series converges absolutely for any value of x. So R = ∞ and
IOC = (−∞, ∞) .

∞
X (−1)n (x − 9)3n
(e)
8n (n + 1)
n=0

Solution: We use the Ratio Test to find the radius of convergence. We have

an+1
ρ = lim
n→∞ an
(−1)n+1 (x − 9)3(n+1) 8n (n + 1)
= lim ·
n→∞ 8n+1 (n + 2) (−1)n (x − 9)3n
1
|x − 9|3 (n + 1) n
= lim · 1
n→∞ 8(n + 2) n
|x − 9|3 1 + n1


= lim
8 1 + n2


n→∞

|x − 9|3
= .
8
The power series converges absolutely when ρ < 1, that is

|x − 9|3
< 1 ⇒ |x − 9| < 2 ⇒ −2 < x − 9 < 2 ⇒ 7 < x < 11.
8

Therefore the radius of convergence is R = 9 .

To find the interval of convergence, we need to determine if the power series converges
at the endpoints x = 7, 11.

ˆ At x = 7, the power series becomes

∞ ∞ ∞ ∞
X (−1)n (7 − 9)3n X (−1)n (−2)3n X 8n X 1
n
= n
= n
= .
8 (n + 1) 8 (n + 1) 8 (n + 1) n+1
n=0 n=0 n=0 n=0

This series is a divergent p-series with p = 1. Therefore, the power series

converges diverges at x = 7.

ˆ At x = 8, the power series becomes

∞ ∞ ∞ ∞
X (−1)n (11 − 9)3n X (−1)n 23n X (−1)n 8n X (−1)n
= = = .
8n (n + 1) 8n (n + 1) 8n (n + 1) n+1
n=0 n=0 n=0 n=0
 1
This series converges by the AST since un = n+1 is positive, decreasing and
converges to 0. However, the series does not converge absolutely since
∞ ∞
X (−1)n X 1
= ,
n+1 n+1
n=0 n=0

which is a divergent p-series with p = 1 as noted above. Therefore, the power

series converges conditionally at x = 11.

In conclusion, the IOC is (9, 11] . Furthermore, the power series

ˆ converges absolutely on (9, 11) ,

ˆ and converges conditionally at x = 11 .

∞
X
(f) n3n (2x + 1)n .
n=0

Solution: We use the Ratio Test to find the radius of convergence. We have
an+1
ρ = lim
n→∞ an
(n + 1)3n+1 (2x + 1)n+1
= lim
n→∞ n3n (2x + 1)n
 
1
= lim 3 1 + |2x + 1|
n→∞ n
= 3|2x + 1|.

The power series converges absolutely when ρ < 1, that is

1 1 1 1 1 2 1
3|2x + 1| < 1 ⇒ x + < ⇒ − <x+ < ⇒− <x<− .
2 6 6 2 6 3 3

1
Therefore the radius of convergence is R = .
6
To find the interval of convergence, we need to determine if the power series converges
2 1
at the endpoints x = − , − .
3 3
2
ˆ At x = − , the power series becomes
3
∞    n X ∞ X∞  n X∞
X
n 2 n 1
n3 2 − +1 = n3 − = (−1)n n.
3 3
n=0 n=0 n=0 n=0
 Since lim (−1)n n does not exist (and in particular is not equal to 0), this series
n→∞
diverges by the Term Divergence Test. Therefore, the power series diverges at
2
x=− .
3
1
ˆ At x = − , the power series becomes
3
∞    n X ∞ X
∞  n X∞
X 1 1
n3n 2 − +1 = n3n = n.
3 3
n=0 n=0 n=0 n=0

Since lim n = ∞ (and in particular is not equal to 0), this series diverges by
n→∞
1
the Term Divergence Test. Therefore, the power series diverges at x = − .
3
 
2 1
In conclusion, the IOC is − , − . Furthermore, the power series
3 3

 
2 1
ˆ converges absolutely on − , − ,
3 3

ˆ and converges conditionally nowhere .

∞
X nn (x + 2)n
(g)
6n
n=0

Solution: We use the Root Test to find the radius of convergence. We have

ρ = lim |an |1/n

n→∞

nn (x + 2)n 1/n
= lim
n→∞ 6n
n|x + 2|
= lim
n→∞
( 6
0 if x = −2,
=
∞ if x ̸= −2.

Therefore, the series converges conditionally for x = −2 and diverges otherwise.

So the radius of convergence is R = 0 and the IOC is {−2} . The power series
converges absolutely at x = −2 and converges conditionally nowhere .

∞
X (−1)n (x − 4)2n
(h) √
n n
n=1
36
Solution: We use the Ratio Test to find the radius of convergence. We have
an+1
ρ = lim
n→∞ an
√
(−1)n+1 (x − 4)2(n+1) 36n n
= lim √ ·
n→∞ 36n+1 n + 1 (−1)n (x − 4)2n
√ 1
|x − 4|2 n √n
= lim √ · 1
n→∞ 36 n + 1 √
n
|x − 4|2
= lim q
n→∞
36 1 + n1
|x − 4|2
= .
36
The power series converges absolutely when ρ < 1, that is
|x − 4|2
< 1 ⇒ |x − 4| < 6 ⇒ −6 < x − 4 < 6 ⇒ −2 < x < 10.
36
Therefore the radius of convergence is R = 6 .

To find the interval of convergence, we need to determine if the power series converges
at the endpoints x = −2, 10.

ˆ At x = −2, the power series becomes

∞ ∞ ∞ ∞
X (−1)n (−2 − 4)2n X (−1)n (−6)2n X (−1)n 36n X (−1)n
√ = √ = √ = √ .
n=1
36n n n=1
36n n n=1
36n n n=1
n

This series converges by the AST since an = √1n is positive, decreasing and
converges to 0. However, the series does not converge absolutely since
∞ ∞
X (−1)n X 1
√ = √ ,
n=1
n n=1
n

1
which is a divergent p-series with p = 2 ⩽ 1. Therefore, the power series
converges conditionally at x = −2.

ˆ At x = 10, the power series becomes

∞ ∞ ∞ ∞
X (−1)n (10 − 4)2n X (−1)n 62n X (−1)n 36n X (−1)n
√ = √ = √ = √ .
n=1
36n n n=1
36n n n=1
36n n n=1
n

As noted above, this series converges conditionally. Therefore, the power series
converges conditionally at x = 10.
 In conclusion, the IOC is [−2, 10] . Furthermore, the power series

ˆ converges absolutely on (−2, 10) ,

ˆ and converges conditionally at x = −2, 10 .

∞
X (3x + 2)n
(i)
n2 + 4
n=0

Solution: We use the Ratio Test to find the radius of convergence. We have
an+1
ρ = lim
n→∞ an
(3x + 2)n+1 n2 + 4
= lim ·
n→∞ (n + 1)2 + 4 (3x + 2)n
1
|3x + 2|(n2 + 4) n2
= lim · 1
n→∞ n2 + 2n + 5 n2
|3x + 2| 1 + n42


= lim
n→∞ 1 + n2 + n52
= |3x + 2|.
The power series converges absolutely when ρ < 1, that is
2 1 1 2 1 1
|3x + 2| < 1 ⇒ x + < ⇒ − <x+ < ⇒ −1 < x < − .
3 3 3 3 3 3
1
Therefore the radius of convergence is R = .
3
To find the interval of convergence, we need to determine if the power series converges
1
at the endpoints x = −1, − .
3
ˆ At x = −1, the power series becomes
∞ ∞
X (3(−1) + 2)n X (−1)n
= .
n2 + 4 n2 + 4
n=0 n=0

We can show that this series converges absolutely using the DCT. We have
(−1)n 1
0⩽ ⩽ 2,
n2 + 4 n
∞
X 1
and converges as a p-series with p = 2 > 1. Therefore, the power series
n2
n=1
converges absolutely at x = −1.
 ˆ At x = − 31 , the power series becomes
∞
n ∞
3 − 13 + 2


X X 1
= .
n2 + 4 n2 + 4
n=0 n=0

As noted above, this series converges absolutely. Therefore, the power series
converges absolutely at x = − 13 .
 
1
In conclusion, the IOC is −1, − . Furthermore, the power series
3

 
1
ˆ converges absolutely on −1, − ,
3

ˆ and converges conditionally nowhere .

#78. Find the radius of convergence of the following power series.

∞
X (n!)2 2n
(a) x
(2n)!
n=0

Solution: We use the Ratio Test. We have

an+1
ρ = lim
n→∞ an
((n + 1)!)2 x2(n+1) (2n)!
= lim ·
n→∞ (2(n + 1))! (n!)2 x2n
 2
2 (n + 1)! (2n)!
= lim |x|
n→∞ n! (2n + 2)!
1
(n + 1)2
2 n2
= lim |x| · 1
n→∞ (2n + 1)(2n + 2) n2

2
2 1 + n1
= lim |x|
2 + n1 2 + n2



n→∞

|x|2
= .
4
The power series converges absolutely when ρ < 1, that is |x|2 < 4, or |x| < 2.
Therefore, the radius of convergence is R = 2 .
 ∞  n2
X 3
(b) 1− (x + 5)n
n
n=1

Solution: We use the Root Test. We have

ρ = lim |an |1/n

n→∞
 2 1/n
3 n

= lim 1− (x + 5)n
n→∞ n
3 n
 
= lim |x + 5| 1 −
n→∞ n
3 n
 
= |x + 5| lim 1 − .
n→∞ n

This last limit is an indeterminate exponent 1∞ . To compute it, we can write the
expression in base e
3 n
 
3
lim 1 − = lim en ln(1− n )
n→∞ n n→∞

and compute the limit of the exponent using L’Hôpital’s Rule. This gives

ln 1 − x3
 

3
lim n ln 1 − = lim 1
n→∞ n x→∞
x
− x32 · 1
1+ x3
L′ H
= lim
0
0
x→∞ − x12
3
= lim − 3
x→∞ 1− x
= −3.

Therefore
3
ρ = |x + 5| lim en ln(1− n ) = |x + 5|e−3 .
n→∞

The power series converges absolutely when ρ < 1, that is |x + 5|e−3 < 1, or |x + 5| <
e3 . Therefore, the radius of convergence is R = e3 .

∞
X n! n
(c) x
nn
n=0

Solution: We use the Ratio Test. We have

an+1
ρ = lim
n→∞ an
 (n + 1)!xn+1 nn
= lim ·
n→∞ (n + 1)n+1 n!xn
(n + 1)! nn
= lim |x| ·
n→∞ n! (n + 1)n+1
nn
= lim |x|(n + 1)
n→∞ (n + 1)n+1
nn
= lim |x|
n→∞ (n + 1)n
 n
n
= |x| lim .
n→∞ n + 1

This last limit is an indeterminate exponent 1∞ . To compute it, we can write the
expression in base e  n
n n
lim = lim en ln( n+1 )
n→∞ n + 1 n→∞

and compute the limit of the exponent using L’Hôpital’s Rule. This gives
 
n ln (x) − ln(x + 1)
lim n ln = lim 1
n→∞ n+1 x→∞
x
1 1
L′ H x − x+1
= lim
0
0
x→∞ − x12
x2
= lim −
x→∞x(x + 1)
1
= lim −
x→∞ 1 + 1/x

= −1.

Therefore n
ρ = |x| lim en ln( n+1 ) = |x|e−1 .
n→∞

The power series converges absolutely when ρ < 1, that is |x|e−1 < 1, or |x| < e.
Therefore, the radius of convergence is R = e .

#79. Suppose that a power series converges absolutely at x = 5, converges conditionally at x = −3

and diverges at x = 11. What can you say, if anything, about the convergence or divergence
of the power series at the following values of x?

(a) x = −4. (b) x = 2. (c) x = 15. (d) x = 7.

 Solution: We know that a power series converges absolutely in the interior of its in-
terval of convergence. Therefore, we know that x = −3 is an endpoint of the interval
of convergence. Since x = 5 is in the interval of convergence, we know that x = −3 is
the left endpoint of the interval of convergence and the right endpoint of the interval of
convergence is at least 5. Since the power series diverges at x = 11, we know that the
right endpoint of the interval of convergence must be at most 11. These observations
are summarized on the figure below, where red indicates divergence and green indicates
convergence.

-3 5 11
left endpoint is between 5 and 11

We conclude that

(a) the power series diverges at x = −4 .

(b) the power series converges at x = 2 .

(c) the power series diverges at x = 15 .

(d) We cannot conclude anything about the behavior of the power series at x = 7 .

3 1
#80. Let f (x) = . Use the power series representation of and power series operations
2 + 7x 1−x
to find a power series representation of f (x) centered at a = 0. What are the radius and
interval of convergence of the resulting power series?

3 1
Solution: A bit of algebra will help us make 2+7x look like 1−x up to a suitable sub-
stitution. Namely, if we factor 3 from the numerator and 2 from the denominator, we
get
3 3 1 3 1 3 1
= · 7x = · 7x

= · ,
2 + 7x 2 1+ 2 2 1− − 2 2 1−u
with u = − 7x
2 . For |u| < 1, we know that
1
1−u is the sum of a geometric series of common
ratio u and first term 1, that is:
∞
1 X
= un .
1−u
n=0
So
∞ ∞
7x n 3(−7)n xn
 
3 3 1 3X X
= · 7x

= − = .
2 + 7x 2 1− − 2 2 2 2n+1
n=0 n=0
 This geometric series converges when the common ratio r = − 7x 2 satisfies |r| < 1. This
gives
7x 2 2 2
− < 1 ⇒ |x| < ⇒ − <x< .
2 7 7 7
 
2 2 2
Therefore, the radius of convergence is R = and the interval of convergence is − , .
7 7 7

∞
X (x + 1)n
#81. Consider the power series f (x) = .
3n (n + 1)
n=0

(a) Find the radius and interval of convergence of f .

Solution: We use the Ratio Test to find the radius of convergence. We have
an+1
ρ = lim
n→∞ an
(x + 1)n+1 3n (n + 1)
= lim n+1 ·
n→∞ 3 (n + 2) (x + 1)n
1
|x + 1|(n + 1) n
= lim · 1
n→∞ 3(n + 2) n
|x + 1| 1 + n1


= lim
3 1 + n2


n→∞

|x + 1|
= .
3
The power series converges absolutely when ρ < 1, that is
|x + 1|
< 1 ⇒ |x + 1| < 3 ⇒ −3 < x + 1 < 3 ⇒ −4 < x < 2.
3
Therefore the radius of convergence is R = 3 .

To find the interval of convergence, we need to determine if the power series converges
at the endpoints x = −4, 2.

ˆ At x = −4, the power series becomes

∞ ∞ ∞
X (−4 + 1)n X (−3)n X (−1)n
= = .
3n (n + 1) 3n (n + 1) n+1
n=0 n=0 n=0

1
This series converges by the AST since an = n+1 is positive, decreasing and
converges to 0. Therefore, the power series converges at x = −4.
 ˆ At x = 2, the power series becomes
∞ ∞ ∞ ∞
X (2 + 1)n X 3n X 1 X 1
= = = .
3n (n + 1) 3n (n + 1) n+1 n
n=0 n=0 n=0 n=1

This is a divergent p-series with p = 1. Therefore, the power series converges

diverges at x = 2.

In conclusion, the IOC is [−4, 2) .

(b) Find a power series representation of f ′ (x) centered at a = −1. What are its radius and
interval of convergence?

Solution: Differentiating term-by-term gives

∞
(x + 1)n
 
′
X d
f (x) =
dx 3n (n + 1)
n=0
∞
X n(x + 1)n−1
=
3n (n + 1)
n=0
∞
X n(x + 1)n−1
= .
3n (n + 1)
n=1

We know that the radius of convergence does not change when differentiating term-
by-term, so R = 3 . The interval, however, may change and we need to test the
endpoints to determine it.

ˆ At x = −4, the power series becomes

∞ ∞ ∞
X n(−4 + 1)n−1 X n(−3)n−1 X (−1)n−1 n
= = .
3n (n + 1) 3n (n + 1) 3(n + 1)
n=1 n=1 n=1

This series diverges by the Term Divergence Test since

n 1 1
lim = lim = ,
n→∞ 3(n + 1) n→∞ 3(1 + 1/n) 3
n−1
and therefore lim (−1) n
does not exist. Thus, the power series diverges at
n→∞ 3(n+1)
x = −4.

ˆ At x = 2, the power series becomes

∞ ∞ ∞
X n(2 + 1)n−1 X n3n−1 X n
n
= n
= .
3 (n + 1) 3 (n + 1) 3(n + 1)
n=1 n=1 n=1
 This series diverges by the Term Divergence Test since
n 1 1
lim = lim = .
n→∞ 3(n + 1) n→∞ 3(1 + 1/n) 3

Thus, the power series diverges at x = 2.

In conclusion, the IOC is (−4, 2) .

(c) Let g(x) be the antiderivative of f (x) such that g(−1) = −8. Find a power series repre-
sentation of g(x) centered at a = −1. What are its radius and interval of convergence?

Solution: Integrating term-by-term gives

∞ Z
X (x + 1)n
g(x) = dx
3n (n + 1)
n=0
∞
X (x + 1)n+1
= + C.
3n (n + 1)2
n=0

To find C, we use g(−1) = −8, which gives

∞
X (−1 + 1)n+1
+ C = −8 ⇒ C = −8.
3n (n + 1)2
n=0

Therefore,
∞
X (x + 1)n+1
g(x) = −8 + .
3n (n + 1)2
n=0

We know that the radius of convergence does not change when differentiating term-
by-term, so R = 3 . The interval, however, may change and we need to test the
endpoints to determine it.

ˆ At x = −4, the power series becomes

∞ ∞ ∞
X (−4 + 1)n+1 X (−3)n+1 X 3(−1)n
= = .
3n (n + 1)2 3n (n + 1)2 (n + 1)2
n=0 n=0 n=0

This series converges absolutely since

∞ ∞
X 3(−1)n X 1
= 3 ,
(n + 1)2 n2
n=0 n=1

which is a convergent p-series with p = 2 > 1. So the power series converges

at x = −4.
 ˆ At x = 2, the power series becomes
∞ ∞ ∞ ∞
X (2 + 1)n+1 X 3n+1 X 3 X 1
= = =3 ,
3n (n + 1)2 3n (n + 1)2 (n + 1)2 n2
n=0 n=0 n=0 n=1

which is a convergent p-series with p = 2 > 1. So the power series converges

at x = 2.

In conclusion, the IOC is [−4, 2] .

1
#82. (a) Use term-by-term differentiation to find a power series representation of . What
(1 − x)2
is its raidus of convergence?

Solution: We have the power series representation

∞
1 X
= xn
1−x
n=0

with radius of convergence R = 1. Differentiating term-by-term gives

  ∞
d 1 X d n
= x
dx 1−x dx
n=0
∞
1 X
⇒ = nxn−1 .
(1 − x)2
n=1

The radius of convergence does not change when differentiating term-by-term, so

R=1.

∞
X (−1)n n
(b) Find the sum of the series .
5n
n=1

Solution: Observe that

∞ ∞  n ∞  n−1
X (−1)n n X 1 1X 1
n
= n − =− n − .
5 5 5 5
n=1 n=1 n=1

Using the power series representation from the previous part with x = − 15 , we get
∞
X (−1)n n 1 1
=− ·
5n 5 1 − −1 2



n=1 5
 5
= − .
36

∞
X (−1)n+1 (x + 5)3n
#83. Find the radius and interval of convergence of √ n
n=0
64 n + 1

Solution: We use the Root Test. We have

s
(−1)n+1 (x + 5)3n
ρ = lim n √ n
n→∞ 64 n + 1
|x + 5|3
= lim
n→∞ (64n n + 1)1/2n

|x + 5|3
= lim
2/n
n→∞ 1
8n1/2n 1 + 64n n
|x + 5|3
=
8
since
ln(n) 1/n
lim lim
lim n1/2n = en→∞ 2n
= en→∞ 2
= e0 = 1.
n→∞
3
So the series converges absolutely when |x+5|
8 < 1, that is −2 < x + 5 < 2, so −7 < x <
−3. When x > −3 or x < −7, the series diverges. We now need to test the endpoints
x = −3, −7.

When x = −3, we have

∞ ∞ ∞
X (−1)n+1 (−3 + 5)3n X (−1)n+1 8n X (−1)n+1
√ n = √ n = √ .
n=0
64 n + 1 n=0
64 n + 1 n=0 n + 64−n
1
Let us check the assumptions of the AST for this series. The sequence an = √n+64 −n
is
positive. We can see that an is decreasing by observing that the function f (x) = x + 64 −x

has a positive derivative on [1, ∞):

64x − ln(64)
f ′ (x) = 1 − ln(64)64−x = > 0 when x ⩾ 1.
64x
1
Also, lim √
n+64−n
= 0. Therefore, the AST applies and the series converges.
n→∞

When x = −7, we have

∞ ∞ ∞
X (−1)n+1 (−7 + 5)3n X (−1)n+1 (−1)3n 8n X 1
√ n = √ n =− √ .
n=0
64 n + 1 n=0
64 n + 1 n=0
n + 64−n
We can use the LCT for this series with bn = √1 . We have
n

√ 1
n+64−n 1
lim = lim p
n→∞ √1 n→∞ 1 + 64−n n−1/2
n
1
=√
1+0
= 1.
∞
X 1 1
Furthermore, √ diverges as a p-series with p = 2 ⩽ 1. Therefore, the series
n=1
n
∞
X 1
√ diverges.
n=0
n + 64−n

Conclusion: the radius of convergence is R = 2 and the interval of convergence is

(−7, −3] .