Question:medium

Find the radius of convergence of the series \[ \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} \frac{(n!)^2}{(2n)!}\, x^n. \]

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For power series, always apply ratio test and include $|x|$ before taking limit.
Updated On: Feb 15, 2026
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Correct Answer: 4

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Topic
This question asks for the radius of convergence of a power series. A power series converges within a certain interval, and the radius of convergence defines the size of this interval. The most common method to find this radius is the Ratio Test.
Step 2: Key Formula or Approach
We will use the Ratio Test for power series. For a series $\sum a_n x^n$, we compute the limit: \[ L = \lim_{n\to\infty} \left|\frac{a_{n+1}}{a_n}\right| \] The series converges if $L|x|<1$, which means $|x|<1/L$. The radius of convergence is $R = 1/L$.
Here, the coefficient is $a_n = \frac{(n!)^2}{(2n)!}$.
Step 3: Detailed Calculation
A. Set up the ratio $\left|\frac{a_{n+1}{a_n}\right|$:}
\[ \left|\frac{a_{n+1}}{a_n}\right| = \frac{((n+1)!)^2}{(2(n+1))!} \div \frac{(n!)^2}{(2n)!} = \frac{((n+1)!)^2}{(2n+2)!} \cdot \frac{(2n)!}{(n!)^2} \] B. Simplify the factorial expressions:
We use the properties $(n+1)! = (n+1)n!$ and $(2n+2)! = (2n+2)(2n+1)(2n)!$. \[ \frac{((n+1)n!)^2}{(2n+2)(2n+1)(2n)!} \cdot \frac{(2n)!}{(n!)^2} \] Cancel the $(n!)^2$ and $(2n)!$ terms: \[ = \frac{(n+1)^2}{(2n+2)(2n+1)} = \frac{(n+1)^2}{2(n+1)(2n+1)} = \frac{n+1}{2(2n+1)} = \frac{n+1}{4n+2} \] C. Compute the limit L:
\[ L = \lim_{n\to\infty} \frac{n+1}{4n+2} \] To evaluate this limit, we can divide the numerator and denominator by the highest power of $n$: \[ L = \lim_{n\to\infty} \frac{1 + 1/n}{4 + 2/n} = \frac{1+0}{4+0} = \frac{1}{4} \] D. Find the Radius of Convergence R:
The radius of convergence is $R = \frac{1}{L}$. \[ R = \frac{1}{1/4} = 4 \] The series converges for $|x|<4$. Step 4: Final Answer
The radius of convergence is 4. \[ \boxed{R = 4} \]
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