INFINITE SERIES

2. THE COMPARISON TEST

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This test enables us to determine
convergence or divergence of one
series by comparing it with
another series that is known to
converge or diverge.

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 Let an  and  bn  be two ultimately

positive sequences. If

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 EXAMPLE 1
Test the convergence of


n
 3
n 1 n  1

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 Look for a function that is
n
similar to 3 . It must be a
n 1
series known to you.

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 To get a conclusive result from
the comparison test, it is
sensible to choose a series whose
general term is of the
same order as that of
the series to be tested.

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1. Choose

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2. Is an  bn or an  bn ?

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 EXAMPLE 2
Test the convergence of


1

n 2 ln n

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1. Choose

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2. Is an  bn or an  bn ?
By the property of inequality

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3. THE LIMIT COMPARISON

TEST

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 or

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However, it is important to remember
that if

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 EXAMPLE 3

Test the convergence of


n5
 3
n 1 n  2n  3

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Thus,

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 EXAMPLE 4

Test the convergence of

 n
2 1
 n
n 1 3  1

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