2.7 1 2.

7 2

Series Tests for Convergence - Summary We have the following general test for convergence.
Theorem 1. Cauchy Criterion for Series. The series ∞
P
n=1 an
Recall converges if and only if, for every ε > 0 there exists an N ∈ N such that
for all n > m ≥ N we have
Definition. Given the infinite series
n
∞
X
X |am+1 + am+2 + · · · an | = aj < ε
(1) an = a1 + a2 + a3 + · · · + an + · · · j=m+1
n=1

we define the following. The number an is called the nth term of the Proof. Notice that
series. It is also called the summand. The nth partial sum of the n m
X X
series is denoted by sn and is defined by sn − sm = aj − aj = am+1 + am+2 + · · · an
n j=1 j=1
X
sn = a1 + a2 + a3 + · · · + an = ak
Now apply the Cauchy Criterion for sequences to {sn }.
k=1

Notice that the partial sums generate a new sequence, the so-called
We summarize the various convergence tests for infinite series.
sequence of partial sums, {sn }. Now if this new sequence converges P
Suppose that an ≥ 0 for all n ≥ N, (N ∈ Z). To test the series an for
to a limit, say L ∈ R, we say that the series (1) converges and that its
convergence (or divergence) we have the following.
sum is L. Specifically,
∞
1. n-Term Test (for Divergence).
X
(2) sn → L as n → ∞ =⇒ an = L
n=1 X
If an 9 0 then an diverges.
In other words, n
∞ n
X X Remark. This test is valid for any series, not just series with
(3) an = lim ak = lim sn nonnegative terms.
n→∞ n→∞
n=1 k=1

whenever the limit exists. Otherwise, the series diverges.

2. Cauchy Condensation Test. If {an } is a nonincreasing
sequence that converges to 0. Then
X X
an < ∞ iff 2n a2n < ∞
n n
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3. Comparison Test. 7. Alternating Series Test (Leibnitz’s Theorem). Let N be a

P P positive integer. The alternating series
(a) an converges if there is a convergent series cn with
∞
an ≤ cn for all n ≥ N for some positive integer N . X
P P (−1)n+1 an = a1 − a2 + a3 − a4 + · · ·
(b) an diverges if there is a divergent series dn with n=1
an ≥ dn ≥ 0 for all n ≥ N for some positive integer N .
converges provided that the following three conditions are
satisfied.
4. Limit Comparison Test. Let an > 0 and bn > 0 for all n ≥ N . (a) an > 0 for all n ≥ N .
an P (b) an ≥ an+1 for all n ≥ N .
(a) Suppose that → δ ∈ [0, ∞). If bn converges then so does
P b n (c) an → 0.
an .
an P
(b) Suppose that → δ ∈ (0, ∞]. If bn diverges then so does
b n
Example 1. Does the series below converge or diverge. Give reasons
P
an .
for your answer.
∞
P
X 1
5. Ratio Test. Let an be a series of positive terms and suppose 1 + (ln n)3
n=2
that
an+1
lim = ρ. We claim that the series diverges by the Cauchy Condensation Test.
n→∞ an
Then Let
1
an =
(a) the series converges if ρ < 1, 1 + (ln n)3
(b) the series diverges if ρ > 1 or ρ is infinite,
Notice that an → 0 and, since the denominator is increasing, we clearly
(c) the test is inconclusive if ρ = 1. P
have an ≥ an+1 so that the CCT applies. So the series an and the
P n
series 2 a2n converge or diverge together. Now
6. Root Test. Suppose that an ≥ 0 for n ≥ N and ∞ ∞ ∞
X X 2n X 2n
√ 2n a2n = =
n 3 3 3
lim n an = ρ n=2 n=2 1 + (ln 2 ) n=2 1 + (ln 2) n
n→∞

Then but
2n
(a) the series converges if ρ < 1, lim =∞
n→∞ 1 + (ln 2)3 n3
(b) the series diverges if ρ > 1 or ρ is infinite,
(c) the test is inconclusive if ρ = 1.
2n a2n diverges by the nth-term test. The result follows.
P
So the series
2.7 5 2.7 6

Example 2. Do the following series converge or diverge. Justify your Example 3. Do the following series converge or diverge. Justify your
claim. claim.

∞ ∞
X 1 X 2
a. √ a. n e−n
n=1
n3 + 9 n=1

∞ ∞ √
X n+1 X n
b. b.
n=1
n2n n=1
2
n +2

∞ ∞  n
X 1 X n
c. c.
n=1
3n−1 + 2 n=1
n+1

∞ ∞
X (ln n)2 X cos(1/n)
d. d.
n=1
n3 n=1
n2

∞ ∞
X 2n X 3n n!
e. e.
n=1
(2n)! n=1
(2n)!

∞ ∞
X (−1)n+1 (n!)2 X
f. f. (1 − cos (1/n))
n=1
(2n)! n=1