Dr.

Sk Amanathulla
Asst. Prof., Raghunathpur College Series of Real Numbers

Series of Real Numbers

Let un  be a sequence. Then the series generated by the sequence un  is u1 + u2 + ... .

This series is denoted by u
n =1
n or by u n . un is the n th term of this series.

Let us define a sequence sn  by s1 = u1 , s2 = u1 + u2 , s3 = u1 + u2 + u3 ,…. Then the


sequence sn  is called the sequence of partial sums of the series u
n =1
n .

If un  be a real sequence then u
n =1
n is a series of real numbers.

The infinite series u
n =1
n is said to be convergent or divergent according as the sequence

sn  is convergent or divergent. In case of convergence of  un , if lim sn = s then s is
n →
n =1

the sum of the series u n =1
n .

1 1 1
Q1. Show that the series + + + ... is convergent.
1.2 2.3 3.4

1
☺. Let  un be the given series. Then un = , n = 1, 2,3,....
n =1 n ( n + 1)
1 1 1
Let sn = + + ... + .
1.2 2.3 n. ( n + 1)
 1 1 1 1 1  1
Then sn = 1 −  +  −  + ... +  −  = 1− .
 2  2 3  n n +1  n +1

Thus lim sn = 1 . Hence the series
n →
u
n =1
n is convergent and the sum of the series.

Q2. Show that the series 1 + 2 + 3 + ... is divergent.


☺. Let  un be the given series. Then un = n, n = 1, 2,3,...
n =1

Let sn = 1 + 2 + ... + n .
n ( n + 1)
Then sn = and lim sn =  .
2 n →

Hence the series is divergent.

1 1
Q3. Show that the series 1 + + 2 + ... is convergent.
2 2

☺. Let  un be the given series. Then un = 1n−1 , n = 1, 2,3,...
n =1 2

Page 1 of 43
Dr. Sk Amanathulla
Asst. Prof., Raghunathpur College Series of Real Numbers

1 1 1
Let sn = 1 + + 2 + ... + n −1 .
2 2 2
n −1
 1  1 1
Then sn = 2 1 − n  = 2 − n −1 and lim sn = 2 , since lim   = 0 .
 2  2 n →
 
n → 2

Therefore the series is convergent and the sum of the series is 2 .

Q4. Show that the series 1 −1 + 1 −1 + ... is not convergent.

☺. Let  un be the given series. Then un = ( −1)
n −1
, n = 1, 2,3,...
n =1

Let sn = 1 − 1 + 1 − 1 + ... + ( −1)

n −1
.
0 if n be even
Then sn = 
 1 if n be odd
The sequence sn  is not convergent and therefore the series is not convergent.
Note: The geometric series 1 + a + a 2 + ... is convergent if and only if a  1 .
1 1
Harmonic Series: The Harmonic Series 1 + + + ... is divergent.
2 3

1
Let u
n =1
n be the given series. Then un =
n
.

Let sn = u1 + u2 + ... + un .
1
Then s2 = 1 +
2
1 1 1 1 1 1 1
s4 = 1 + + +  1 + +  +  = 1 + 2.
2 3 4 2 4 4 2
1 1 1 1 1 1 1
s8 = 1 + +  +  +  + + + 
2 3 4 5 6 7 8
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
 1 + +  +  +  + + +  = 1 + 3.
2  4 4 8 8 8 8 2
1
s16  4.
2
……….
1
s2n  1 + n.
2
Therefore lim s2n =  .
n →

1
The sequence sn  is a monotone increasing sequence, since sn +1 − sn =  0 for all
n +1
n . Since the subsequence  s2n  diverges to  , the sequence sn  is unbounded

above and therefore the series u
n =1
n is divergent.

Page 2 of 43
Dr. Sk Amanathulla
Asst. Prof., Raghunathpur College Series of Real Numbers

Theorem: Let m be a natural number. Then the two series u1 + u2 + ... and
um+1 + um+ 2 + um+3 + ... converge or diverge together.
Theorem: If u n and v n be two convergent series having sum s and t respectively
then (i) the series  (u
+ vn ) converges to the sum s + t ; (ii) the series  kun where k
n

is a real number converges to the sum ks .

Theorem( Cauchy’s principle of convergence ): A necessary and sufficient condition
for the convergence of a series  un is that corresponding to a pre-assigned positive
number  there exists a natural number m such that un +1 + un + 2 + ... + un + p   for all
n  m and for every natural number p .
Theorem: A necessary condition for the convergence of a series u n is lim un = 0 .
n →

Proof: Let u n be convergent and   0 . Then by the Cauchy’s principle of

convergence there exists a natural number m such that un +1 + un + 2 + ... + un + p   for all
n  m and for every natural number p .
Taking p = 1 , un+1   for all n  m .
This proves that lim un = 0 .
n →

Note: The converse of the theorem is not true. That is , lim un = 0 does not necessarily
n →

imply convergence of the series u n .

1
For example, let us consider the series u n where un =
n
.

Here lim un = 0 . But

n →
u n is a divergent series.
Series of positive terms: A series u n is said to be a series of positive terms if un is a
positive real number for all n .
Theorem: A series of positive real numbers u n is convergent if and only if the
sequence sn  of partial sums is bounded above.
Theorem: Let u n be a series of positive real numbers and v n is obtained from
u n by grouping its terms. Then
(i) if u n converges to the sum s , so does vn ;
(ii) if  v n converges to the sum t , so does u n .
Theorem( Comparison test: First type ): Let u n and v n be two series of positive
real numbers and there is a natural number m such that un  kvn for all n  m , k being a
fixed positive number.
Then (i)  un is convergent if  vn is convergent,
(ii) v n is divergent if u n is divergent.

Page 3 of 43
Dr. Sk Amanathulla
Asst. Prof., Raghunathpur College Series of Real Numbers

Theorem( Comparison test: Limit form ): Let u n and v n be two series of

un
positive real numbers and lim = l , where l is a non-zero finite number. Then the two
n → v
n
series converge or diverge together.
u
Note: (i) Let lim n = 0 . Then  un is convergent if  vn is convergent.
n → v
n

un
(ii) Let lim
n → v
=  . Then u n is divergent if v n is divergent.
n

1
Theorem: The series n p
converges for p  1 and diverges for p  1 .

1
Proof: Case1: p  1 . Let u
n =1
n be the given series. Then un =
np
.

Let v n be obtained from u n by grouping the terms as

 1 1   1 1 1 1   1 1 
1+  p + p  +  p + p + p + p  +  p + ... + p  + ...
2 3  4 5 6 7  8 15 
1 1 1 1 1
Then v1 = 1 , v2 = p + p  p + p = p −1 ,
2 3 2 2 2
1 1 4 1
v3 = p + ... + p  p = 2( p −1) ,
4 7 4 2
1 1 8 1
v4 = p + ... + p  p = 3( p −1) ,
8 15 8 2
…………………………………
n −1
 1 
Let wn =  p −1  . Then vn  wn for all n  2 .
2 
1
But w n is a geometric series of common ratio
2 p−1
.
1
Since p  1 , 0   1 and hence  wn is convergent.
2 p−1
Therefore  vn is convergent by Comparison test.
Since v n is obtained from u n by introduction of brackets, u n is convergent.
1 1
Case2: p = 1 . In this case the series is 1 + + + ...
2 3
1 1 1
Let sn = 1 + + + ... + .
2 3 n
1 1 1
Then s2 n − sn = + + ... +
n +1 n + 2 2n
1 1 1 1
 + + ... + =
2n 2n 2n 2

Page 4 of 43
Dr. Sk Amanathulla
Asst. Prof., Raghunathpur College Series of Real Numbers

This shows that the sequence sn  is not a Cauchy sequence and therefore is not
1
convergent. Hence the series n is not convergent.
1 1 1 1
Case3: 0  p  1 . Then  ,  , ……
2 p 2 3p 3
1 1
Therefore  for all n  2 .
np n
1 1
But n is divergent. Therefore n p
is divergent by Comparison test.
1 1
Case4: p  0 . Then lim p
 0 and therefore  p is not convergent.
n → n n
Theorem( Comparison test : Second type ) : Let  un and  vn be two series of
positive real numbers and there is a natural number m such that
un +1 vn +1
 for all n  m .
un vn
Then (i) u n is convergent if v n is convergent,
(ii) v
n is divergent if u n is divergent.
Theorem( D’Alembert’s ratio test ): Let u n be a series of positive real numbers and
un +1
lim = l . Then  un is convergent if l  1 ,  un is divergent if n  1 .
n → u
n

Proof: Case1: l  1 .
Let us choose a positive  such that l +   1 .
u
Since lim n +1 = l , there exists a natural number m such that
n → u
n

u
l −   n +1  l +  for all n  m .
un
Let l +  = r . Then 0  r  1.
u u u
We have m +1  r , m + 2  r ,…, n  r where n  m
um um +1 un −1
u
Consequently, n  r n − m for all n  m .
um
u
Or, un  mm r n for all n  m .
r
um
is a positive number and  r n is a geometric series of common ratio r where
rm
0  r  1 and therefore  r n is convergent.
Therefore u n is convergent by Comparison test.
Case2: l  1.
Let us choose a positive  such that l −   1 .

Page 5 of 43
Dr. Sk Amanathulla
Asst. Prof., Raghunathpur College Series of Real Numbers

un +1
Since lim = l , there exists a natural number k such that
n → u
n

u
l −   n +1  l +  for all n  k .
un
Let l −  = p . Then p  1 .
u u u
We have k +1  p , k + 2  p ,…, n  p where n  k .
uk uk +1 un −1
u u
Consequently, n  p n − k for all n  k or, un  kk p n for all n  k .
uk p
uk
k
is a positive number and  pn is a geometric series of common ratio p  1 and
p
therefore  pn is divergent.
Therefore u n is divergent by Comparison test.
Note: When l = 1, the test fails to give a decision.
1 u
Let un = . Then  un is a divergent series and lim n +1 = 1 .
n n → u
n

1 u
Let un = 2 . Then  un is a convergent series and lim n +1 = 1 .
n n → un
u
Although for both the series lim n +1 = 1 , one is convergent series and the other is a
n → u
n

divergent series.
u
Therefore if lim n +1 = 1 , nothing can be said about the convergence or divergence of the
n → u
n

series u n .
Theorem( Cauchy’s root test ): Let u n be a series of positive real numbers and let
1
lim un n = l . Then
n →
u n is convergent if l  1 , u n is divergent if l  1.
Proof: Case1: l  1 .
Let us choose a positive  such that l +   1 .
1
Since lim un n = l , there exists a natural number m
n →
1
such that l −   un  l +  for all n  m
n

or, ( l −  )  un  ( l +  ) for all n  m .

n n

Let l +  = r . Then 0  r  1 and un  r n for all n  m .

But r n
is a geometric series of common ratio r where 0  r  1. So r n
is
convergent. Therefore u n is convergent by Comparison test.
Case2: l  1.

Page 6 of 43
Dr. Sk Amanathulla
Asst. Prof., Raghunathpur College Series of Real Numbers

Let us choose a positive  such that l −   1 .

1
Since lim un n = l , there exists a natural number k
n →
1
such that l −   un n  l +  for all n  k
Let l −  = p . Then p  1 and un  p n for all n  k .
But p n
is a geometric series of common ratio p  1 . So p n
is divergent.
Therefore u n is divergent by Comparison test.
Note: When l = 1, the test fails to give a decision.
1
1
Let un = . Then lim un n = 1 and  un is a divergent series.
n n →
1
1
Let un = 2 . Then lim un n = 1 and  un is a convergent series.
n n →
1
Although for both the series lim un = 1 , one is a convergent series and the other is a
n
n →

divergent series.
1
Thus if lim un = 1 , nothing can be said about the convergence or divergence of the
n
n →

series  un .
Theorem( General form of ratio test ): Let u n be a series of positive real numbers
un +1 u
and let lim
un
= R , lim n +1 = r . Then
un
u n is convergent if R  1 , u n is divergent

if r  1 .
Proof: Case1: R  1 .
Let us choose a positive  such that R +   1.
u
Since lim n +1 = R , there exists a natural number m such that
un
un +1
 R +  for all n  m .
un
Let R +  = p . Then 0  p  1 .
u u u
We have m +1  p , m + 2  p , …., n  p where n  m .
um um +1 un −1
u
Consequently, n  p n − m for all n  m .
um
u
Or, un  mm p n for all n  m .
p
um
m
is a positive number and  pn is convergent since 0  p  1 .
p
Therefore  un is convergent by Comparison test.

Page 7 of 43
Dr. Sk Amanathulla
Asst. Prof., Raghunathpur College Series of Real Numbers

Case2: r  1 .
Let us choose a positive  such that r −   1 .
u
Since lim n +1 = r , there exists a natural number k such that
un
un +1
 r −  for all n  k .
un
Let r −  = q . Then q  1 .
u u u
We have k +1  q , k + 2  q ,…., n  q .
uk uk +1 un −1
u
Consequently, n  q n − k for all n  k
uk
u
Or, un  kk q n for all n  k .
q
uk
k
is a positive number and  q n is divergent since q  1 .
q
Therefore  un is divergent by Comparison test.
Theorem( General form of root test ): Let u n be a series of positive real numbers
1
and let limun n = r . Then  un is convergent if r  1 , u n is divergent if r  1 .
Proof: Case1: r  1 .
Let us choose a positive  such that r +   1 .
1 1
Since limun n = r , there exists a natural number m such that un n  r +  for all n  m .
Let r +  = p . Then 0  p  1 and un  p n for all n  m .
But p n
is a convergent series since 0  p  1 .
Therefore  un is convergent by Comparison test.
Case2: r  1 .
Let us choose a positive  such that r −   1 .
1 1
Since limun = r , un  r −  for infinite number of values of n .
n n

That is, infinite number of elements of the sequence un  are greater than 1 and therefore
lim un cannot be 0 .
n →

Therefore u n is divergent, since a necessary condition for convergence of the series

u n is lim un = 0 .
n →

Theorem( Cauchy’s condensation test ): Let  f ( n ) be a monotone decreasing

sequence of positive real numbers and a be a positive integer  1 . Then the series
 

 f ( n ) and  a f ( a ) converge or diverge together.

1 1
n n

Page 8 of 43
Dr. Sk Amanathulla
Asst. Prof., Raghunathpur College Series of Real Numbers

Proof: Grouping the terms of  f ( n) as


f (1) +  f ( 2 ) + ... + f ( a ) + f ( a + 1) + f ( a + 2 ) + ... + f ( a 2 ) +… and ignoring the first 
term, let v be the new series.
n

Then v = f ( a + 1) + f ( a + 2 ) + ... + f ( a ) for all n  1.

n
n −1 n −1 n

The number of terms in v is a − a . Since  f ( n ) is a monotone decreasing

n
n n −1

sequence, each term of v  f ( a + 1) and  f ( a ) .

n
n −1 n

Therefore ( a − a ) f ( a )  v for all n  1

n n −1 n
n

a −1
Or, a f ( a )  v for all n  1.
n n
n
a
Let wn = a n f ( a n ) . Then wn 
a
vn for all n  1.
a −1
a
is positive. By Comparison test,
a −1
 wn is convergent if  vn is convergent
and v n is divergent if w n is divergent… …(A)
Again, vn  ( a n − a n −1 ) f ( a n −1 + 1)
( ) (
 a n − a n −1 f a n −1 for all n  2 . )
That is, vn  ( a − 1) wn−1 for all n  2 .
a −1 is positive. By Comparison test,
 vn is convergent if  wn is convergent.
and w n  v is divergent. … … (B)
is divergent if n

From (A) and (B) ,  v and  w converge or diverge together.

n n

But  v and  f ( n ) converge of diverge together.

n

Therefore  f ( n ) and  w , i.e.,  f ( n ) and  a f ( a ) converge or diverge

n
n n

together.
Theorem( Raabe’s test ): Let u n be a series of positive real numbers and
 u 
lim n  n − 1 = l . Then  un is convergent if l  1,  un is divergent if l  1 .
n→
 un+1 
Proof: Case1: l  1.
Let us choose a positive  such that l −   1 .
 u 
Since lim n  n − 1 = l , there exists a natural number m such that
n→
 un+1 
 u 
l −   n  n − 1  l +  for all n  m .
 un +1 

Page 9 of 43
Dr. Sk Amanathulla
Asst. Prof., Raghunathpur College Series of Real Numbers

Let l −  = r . Then r  1 .
We have nun − nun+1  run +1 for all n  m .
Or, nun − ( n + 1) un+1  ( r − 1) un+1 for all n  m .
We have, mum − ( m + 1) um+1  ( r − 1) um+1
( m + 1) um+1 − ( m + 2) um+2  ( r −1) um+2
… …
( n −1) un−1 − nun  ( r −1) un where n  m .
Consequently, mum − nun  ( r − 1)(um+1 + um+2 + ... + un ) for all n  m .
1
Or, um +1 + um + 2 + ... + un  ( mum − nun )
r −1
1
 mum .
r −1
1
Or, sn − sm  mum where sn = u1 + u2 + ... + un
r −1
1
Or, sn  mum + sm for all n  m .
r −1
This shows that the sequence sn  is bounded above and therefore the series u n is
convergent.
Case2: l  1 .
Let us choose a positive  such that l +   1 .
 u 
Since lim n  n − 1 = l , there exists a natural number k such that
n→
 un+1 
 u 
l −   n  n − 1  l +  for all n  k .
 un +1 
Let l +  = p . Then 0  p  1 .
 u 
We have n  n − 1  p  1 for all n  k .
 un +1 
Therefore n ( un − un+1 )  pun+1  un+1 for all n  k .
Or, nun  ( n + 1) un+1 for all n  k .
We have kuk  ( k + 1) uk +1
( k + 1) uk +1  ( k + 2) uk +2
… …
( n −1) un−1  nun where n  k .
Consequently, nun  kuk for all n  k .
1
Or, un  kuk . for all n  k .
n

Page 10 of 43
Dr. Sk Amanathulla
Asst. Prof., Raghunathpur College Series of Real Numbers

1
kuk is a positive number and n is a divergent series.

Therefore u n is divergent by Comparison test.

Note: If l = 1, the test give no decision.
Theorem ( General form of Raabe’s test ):
 u   u 
Let limn  n − 1 = R and limn  n − 1 = r . Then  un is convergent if r  1 , u n
 un +1   un+1 
is divergent if R  1 .
Proof: Case1: r  1 .
Let us choose a positive  such that r −   1 .
 u 
Since limn  n − 1 = r , there exists a natural number m such that
 un+1 
 u 
n  n − 1  r −  for all n  m .
 un+1 
Let r −  = k . Then k  1 .
We have nun − nun+1  kun +1 for all n  m
Or, nun − ( n + 1) un+1  ( k − 1) un+1 for all n  m
We have mum − ( m + 1) um+1  ( k − 1) um+1
( m + 1) um+1 − ( m + 2) um+2  ( k −1) um+2
… …
( n −1) un−1 − nun  ( k −1) un for all n  m .
Consequently, mum − nun  ( k − 1)(um+1 + u m+2 + ... + un ) for all n  m
1 1
Or, um +1 + um + 2 + ... + un  ( mum − nun )  mum
k −1 k −1
Let sn = u1 + u2 + ... + un .
1
Then sn  sm + mum for all n  m .
k −1
This shows that the sequence un  is bounded above and therefore the series u n is
convergent.
Case2: R  1 .
Let us choose a positive  such that R +   1.
 u 
Since limn  n − 1 = R , there exists a natural number k such that
 un +1 
 u 
n  n − 1  R +  for all n  k
 un+1 
i.e., n ( un − un+1 )  un+1 for all n  k
or, nun  ( n + 1) un+1 for all n  k .

Page 11 of 43
Dr. Sk Amanathulla
Asst. Prof., Raghunathpur College Series of Real Numbers

We have kuk  ( k + 1) uk +1
( k + 1) uk +1  ( k + 2) uk +2
… …
( n −1) un−1  nun for all n  k .
Therefore kuk  nun for all n  k .
1
Or, un  kuk for all n  k .
n
1
kuk is positive and  is a divergent series.
n
Therefore  un is divergent by Comparison test.
1
Kummer’s Test: Let u n and d be two series of positive real numbers and let
n

un
wn = d n − d n +1 .
un +1
If lim wn = k  0 then
n →
u n is convergent.
1
If lim wn = k  0 and
n →
d is divergent then u n is divergent.
n
Proof: Case1: k  0 .
Let us choose a positive  such that k −   0 .
Since lim wn = k , there exists a natural number m such that
n →

k −   wn  k +  for all n  m .
ud
Let k −  = r . Then r  0 and n n − d n +1  r for all n  m .
un +1
Or, un dn − un+1d n+1  run+1 for all n  m .
Then we have um dm − um+1dm+1  rum+1
um+1dm+1 − um+ 2 dm+ 2  rum+ 2
… … …
un−1d n−1 − un d n  rd n , where n  m .
So um dm − un dn  r (um+1 + um+2 + ... + un ) for all n  m .
1
Or, um +1 + um + 2 + ... + un  ( um d m − un d n )
r
1
 um d m .
r
1
Or, sn − sm  um d m , where sn = u1 + u2 + ... + un
r
1
Or, sn  sm + um d m for all n  m .
r

Page 12 of 43
Dr. Sk Amanathulla
Asst. Prof., Raghunathpur College Series of Real Numbers

The sequence sn  is bounded above and therefore u n is convergent.

Case2: k  0 .
Let us choose a positive  such that k +   0 .
Then there exists a natural number p such that
k −   wn  k +  for all n  p .
un
So d n − d n +1  0 for all n  p .
un +1
Or, un d n  un+1d n+1 for all n  p .
We have u p d p  u p +1d p +1
u p +1d p +1  u p + 2 d p + 2
… … …
un−1d n −1  un d n for all n  p
So u p d p  un d n for all n  p .
upd p
Or, un  for all n  p .
dn
1
u p d p is positive and d is a divergent series.
n

Therefore u n is divergent by comparison test.

un a b
Gauss’s Test: Let u n be a series of positive real numbers and let
un +1
= 1 + + np ,
n n
where p  1 and the sequence bn  is bounded .
Then u nis convergent if a  1 ,  un is divergent if a  1 .
Proof: Case1: a  1 .
 u  a b  b
lim n  n − 1 = lim n  + np  = a , since lim pn−1 = 0 .
n →
 un+1  n→  n n  n → n

By Raabe’s test,
 un is convergent if a  1 and  un is divergent if a  1 .
Case2: a = 1 .
u 1 b
Then n = 1 + + np .
un +1 n n
1
Let us consider the divergent series  vn where vn = .
n log n
u v 1 b ( n + 1) log ( n + 1)
Now n − n = 1 + + np −
un +1 vn +1 n n n log n
bn n + 1  log ( n + 1) 
= −  − 1
np n  log n 

Page 13 of 43
Dr. Sk Amanathulla
Asst. Prof., Raghunathpur College Series of Real Numbers

 1  1 n 
p −1
=
 n
b − ( n + 1) log  1 +  . 
 np  n  log n 
 1   1 n  1  n p −1
But lim ( n + 1) log 1 +  = lim log 1 +  − log 1 +   = 1 and lim = , p  1,
n →
 n  n→   n   n   n → log n

and bn  is bounded, therefore, for sufficiently large values of n ,

p −1
 1 n
bn − ( n + 1) log 1 +  . remains negative.
 n  log n
Thus there exists a positive integer m such that
p −1
 1 n
bn − ( n + 1) log 1 +  .  0 for all n  m .
 n  log n
u v
This implies that n − n  0 for all n  m .
un +1 vn +1
u v
Or, n  n for all n  m .
un +1 vn +1
Since v n is divergent, therefore by Comparison Test, the series u n is also
divergent.
1
Q5. Show that the series n p
converges for p  1 and diverges for p  1 .

☺. Case1: p  1.
1
Let u n be the given series. Then un =
np
.

Let  v n be obtained from  un by grouping the terms as

 1 1   1 1 1 1   1 1 
1+  p + p  +  p + p + p + p  +  p + ... + p  + ...
2 3  4 5 6 7  8 15 
1 1 1 1 1
Then v1 = 1 , v2 = p + p  p + p = p−1 ,
2 3 2 2 2
1 1 1 1 4 1
v3 = p + p + p + p  p = 2( p −1) ,
4 5 6 7 4 2
1 1 8 1
v4 = p + ... + p  p = 3( p −1) ,
8 15 8 2
… … …
n −1
 1 
Let wn =  p −1  . Then vn  wn for all n  2 .
2 
1
But w n is a geometric series of common ratio
2 p−1
.
1
Since p  1 , 0 
2 p−1
 1 and hence w n is convergent.

Page 14 of 43
Dr. Sk Amanathulla
Asst. Prof., Raghunathpur College Series of Real Numbers

Therefore v n is convergent by Comparison test.

Since v n is obtained from u n by introduction of brackets, u n is convergent.
1 1
Case2: p = 1 . In this case the series is 1 + + + .......
2 3
1 1 1
Let sn = 1 + + + ... + .
2 3 n
1 1 1
Then s2 n − sn = + + ... +
n +1 n + 2 2n
1 1 1 1
 + + ... + = .
2n 2n 2n 2
This shows that the sequence sn  is not a Cauchy sequence and therefore is not
1
convergent. Hence the series n is not convergent.
1 1 1 1
Case3: 0  p  1 . Then  ,  ,… …
2 p 2 3p 3
1 1
Therefore  for all n  2
np n
1 1
But n is divergent. Therefore n p
is divergent by Comparison test.
1 1
Case4: p  0 . Then lim p
 0 and therefore  p is not convergent.
n → n n
1+ 2 1+ 2 + 3 1+ 2 + 3 + 4
Q6. Test the convergence of the series 3 + + + ... …
2 33 43

☺. Let  un be the given series. Then un = ( )( 3 ) , n .

 n +1 n + 2
n =1 2 ( n + 1)
1 u n ( n + 2) 1
Let vn = . Then lim n = lim = .
2 ( n + 1)
n → v n → 2
n n 2
Since v n is divergent, u n is divergent by Comparison test.
1 1 1
Q7. Test the convergence of the series + + + ... …
2 2
1.2 2.3 3.42

1
☺. Let  un be the given series. Then un = , n .
n ( n + 1)
2
n =1

1 un n2
Let vn = . Then lim = lim = 1.
( n + 1)
2
n3 n → v
n
n →

But v n  u is convergent by Comparison test.

is convergent. Therefore n

Q8. Test the convergence of the series  u where u = n + 1 − n − 1 .

n n
4 4

Page 15 of 43
Dr. Sk Amanathulla
Asst. Prof., Raghunathpur College Series of Real Numbers

2
☺. un = n4 + 1 − n4 − 1 =
n4 + 1 + n4 − 1
1 u 2n 2
Let vn = 2 . Then lim n = =1.
n n → v 
 1 1 

n2  1 + 4 + 1 − 4 
n

 n n 
Since  vn is convergent,  un is convergent by Comparison test.
3 5 7
Q9. Test the convergence of the series 1 + + + + ... …
2! 3! 4!
☺. Let  un be the given series. Then un = 2n − 1 , n .


n =1 n!
un+1 2n + 1 u
= and lim n +1 = 0  1 .
un ( n + 1)( 2n − 1) n → u
n

By D’Alembert’s ratio test, u n is convergent.

x 2 x3
Q10. Examine the convergence of the series x + + + ... … , x  0 .
2 3
 n
☺. Let  un be the given series. Then un = x , n  .
n =1 n
Since x  0 ,  un is a series of positive real numbers.
un +1 nx u
= and lim n +1 = x .
un n +1 n → u
n

By D’Alembert’s ratio test,

 un is convergent if x  1,  un is divergent if x  1 .
1 1
When x = 1 , the series becomes 1 + + + ... … and this is divergent.
2 3
1 22 33
Q11. Test the convergence of the series 1 + + + + ... …
1! 2! 3!
 n
☺. Ignoring the first term, let  un be the series. Then un = n , n .
n =1 n!
un +1  n + 1   1 
n n
un +1
=  = 1 +  and lim = e  1.
un  n   n  n → un
 un is divergent by D’Alembert’s ratio test.
Therefore the given series is divergent.
1 1 1 1
Q12. Test the convergence of the series 1 + 3 + 2 + 5 + 4 + ... …
2 2 2 2

 
 −1
☺. Let  un be the series. Then un = 2 ( )
n
n + −1
, n .
n =1

Page 16 of 43
Dr. Sk Amanathulla
Asst. Prof., Raghunathpur College Series of Real Numbers
1
1 1
lim un = lim
n
=  1.
n → n →
1+
( −1)n 2
2 n
Therefore the series is convergent by Cauchy’s root test.
1 1 1 1 1 1
Q13. Test the convergence of the series + + 2 + 2 + 3 + 3 + ... …
2 3 2 3 2 3

☺. Let  un be the given series.
n =1

1 1
Then u2 n = n
and u2 n −1 = n , n .
3 2
1 1
1 1 1 1
Now lim ( u2 n ) 2 n = lim n = and lim ( u2 n −1 ) 2 n −1 = lim n = .
n → n → 3 n → n → 2
2n 2 n −1
3 2
1
1
It follows that limun n =  1.
2
Therefore  un is convergent by the root test.
1
Q14. Show that the series n is convergent by Cauchy’s condensation test.

☺. Let f ( n ) = 1 , n . Then  f ( n ) is a monotone decreasing sequence of positive

n
real numbers.
By Cauchy’s condensation test, the two series  f ( n) and  2 f ( 2 ) converge or
n n

diverge together.
2n f ( 2n ) = 1 and therefore  2 f ( 2 ) is divergent.
n n

1
It follows that  f ( n) is divergent i.e.,  n is divergent.

1
Q15. Discuss the convergence of the series n
1
p
, p  0.

☺. 1
Let f ( n ) =
np
. As p  0 , the sequence  f ( n ) is a monotone decreasing
sequence of positive real numbers.
By Cauchy’s condensation test, the two series  f ( n) and  2 f ( 2 ) converge or
n n

diverge together.
( ) 1 1
2n f 2n = 2n. np = n( p −1) .
2 2
n
 1 
But   p−1  is a geometric series and it converges if p  1 and diverges if p  1 .
2 
1
Therefore  p is convergent when p  1 and is divergent when 0  p  1 .
n

Page 17 of 43
Dr. Sk Amanathulla
Asst. Prof., Raghunathpur College Series of Real Numbers

1
Q16. Discuss the convergence of the series n , p  0.
( log n )
p
2

1
☺. Let f ( n ) = , n  2 . As log n is an increasing sequence and p  0 ,
n ( log n )
p

log ( n + 1)  log n and therefore ( n + 1)log ( n + 1)  n ( log n ) .

p p p p

Therefore  f ( n ) is a monotone decreasing sequence of positive real numbers.


2

By Cauchy’s condensation test , the tow series  f ( n ) and  2 f ( 2 ) converge or n n

diverge together.

 2 f (2 ) = 
1
n n
and this converges when p  1 and diverges when p  1 .
( n log 2 )
p


Therefore  f ( n ) is convergent when
n=2
p  1 and divergent when 0  p  1 .

1 1 1.3 1 1.3.5 1
Q17. Test the convergence of the series 1 + . + . + . + ... …
2 3 2.4 5 2.4.6 7

☺. Let  un be the given series.
n =1

1.3.5... ( 2n − 3) 1
Then un = for all n  2 .
.
2.4.6... ( 2n − 2 ) 2n − 1
1.3.5... ( 2n − 3) . ( 2n − 1) 1
and un +1 = .
2.4.6... ( 2n − 2 ) . ( 2n ) 2n + 1
( 2n − 1)
2
u u
Therefore n +1 = and lim n +1 = 1 .
un 2n ( 2n + 1) n → un
D’Alembert’s ratio test gives no decision.
Let us apply Raabe’s test.
 u  6n 2 − 6n 3
lim n  n − 1 = lim =  1.
 un +1  n→ ( 2n − 1)
n → 2
2
Therefore u n is convergent by Raabe’s test.
22 22.42 22.42.62
Q18. Examine the convergence of the series 1 + + + + ... …
32 32.52 33.52.7 2

☺. Let u
n =1
n be the given series.

22.42... ( 2n − 2 )
2

Then un = for all n  2 and u1 = 1 .

32.52. ( 2n − 1)
2

22.42... ( 2n − 2 ) . ( 2n )
2 2

un +1 =
32.52... ( 2n − 1) . ( 2n + 1)
2 2

Page 18 of 43
Dr. Sk Amanathulla
Asst. Prof., Raghunathpur College Series of Real Numbers

un +1 4n 2 u
= 2 and lim n +1 = 1 .
un 4n + 4n + 1 n → un
D’Alembert’s ratio test gives no decision.
Let us apply Raabe’s test.
 u  4n2 + n
lim n  n − 1 = lim 2
=1.
n→
 un+1  n→ 4n
Raabe’s test gives no decision.
Let us apply Gauss’s test.
un 1 1 a b 1
= 1 + + 2 which is of the form 1 + + n2 , where a = 1 and bn = and so bn 
un +1 n 4n n n 4
is a bounded sequence.
By Gauss’s test,  un is convergent.
Alternative form of Gauss’s test:
un a  1 
Let u n be a series of positive real numbers and let
un+1
= 1 + + O  p  where p  1 .
n n 
Then is convergent if a  1 ,  un is divergent if a  1 .
u n

Q19. Discuss the convergence of the series

 .  ( + 1)  (  + 1) 2  ( + 1)( + 2 )  (  + 1)(  + 2 ) 3
1+ x+ x + x + ... …
1. 1.2. (  + 1) 1.2.3. (  + 1)(  + 2 )
where  ,  ,  , x  0 .

☺. Ignoring the first term, let  un be the series.
n =1

 ( + 1) ... ( + n − 1)  (  + 1) ... (  + n − 1) n
Then un = x , n  1.
1.2...n. (  + 1) ... (  + n − 1)
 ( + 1) ... ( + n − 1)( + n )  (  + 1) ... (  + n − 1)(  + n ) n +1
un +1 = x .
1.2...n ( n + 1)  (  + 1) ... (  + n − 1)(  + n )
un +1 ( + n )(  + n ) u
= x and lim n +1 = x .
un ( n + 1)( + n ) n → u
n

By D’Alembert’s ratio test, u n is convergent if 0  x  1 and u n is divergent if

x  1.
When x = 1 ,
un
=
( n + 1)( n +  )
un +1 ( n +  )( n +  )
−1
 1         
= 1 + 1 +  1 + 1 +  
 n  n   n  n 
−1
  + 1    +   
= 1 + + 2 1 + + 2 
 n n  n n 

Page 19 of 43
Dr. Sk Amanathulla
Asst. Prof., Raghunathpur College Series of Real Numbers

  + 1     +   
= 1 + + 2  1 − − 2 + ...
 n n  n n 
 +1− −   1 
= 1+ +O 2 .
n n 
By Gauss’s test, when x = 1 ,  un is convergent if  + 1 −  −   1 and divergent if
 +1− −   1.
Therefore the series is convergent if 0  x  1 and divergent if x  1 .
When x = 1 , the series is convergent if    +  and divergent if    +  .
2 2 2
 1   1.3   1.3.5 
Q20. Test the convergent of the series   +   +  + ...
 2   2.4   2.4.6 

☺. Let  un be the given series.
n =1

1.3.5... ( 2n − 1) 
2

Then un =   for all n .

 2.4.6... ( 2n ) 
−2
un  2 n + 2   1  
2 2
1 
=  = 1 +  1 + 
un+1  2n + 1   n   2n 
 2 1  1  1 
= 1 + + 2  1 − + O  2  
 n n  n  n 
1  1 
= 1+ + O  2  .
n n 
By Gauss’s test,  un is divergent.
Abel’s theorem or Pringsheim’s theorem: If u n be a convergent series of positive
real numbers and un  is a monotone decreasing sequence then lim nun = 0 .
n →

Proof: Let   0 .
Since  un is convergent , there exists a natural number m such that

un +1 + un + 2 + ... + un + p  for all n  m and p = 1, 2,3,...
2
Let n = m .

Then um +1 + um + 2 + ... + um + p  for all p = 1, 2,3,... .
2
But um+1 + um+ 2 + ... + um+ p  pum+ p , since un  is a monotone decreasing sequence.

Consequently, pum + p  for all p = 1, 2,3,... .
2
Let p = m . Then 2mu2 m   … … (1)

Let p = m + 1 . Then ( m + 1) u2 m +1  .
2

Page 20 of 43
Dr. Sk Amanathulla
Asst. Prof., Raghunathpur College Series of Real Numbers

Therefore ( 2m + 1) u2m+1  ( 2m + 2) u2m+1   … … (2)

From (1) and (ii) nun   for all n  2m .
This shows that lim nun = 0 .
n →

Q21. If u n be a convergent series of positive real numbers prove that u n

2
is
convergent.
☺. Let  un be a series of positive real numbers.
Then there exists a natural number m such that un  1 for all n  m .
Therefore un 2  un for all n  m .
By Comparison test, u n
2
is convergent.
un
Q22. If u n be a convergent series of positive real numbers prove that n is
convergent.
☺. Let  un be a convergent series of positive real numbers.
Then u n
2
is also a convergent series of positive real numbers.
1
n 2
is a convergent series of positive real numbers.

1
1 
Therefore  2  u 2
+
 is a convergent series of positive real numbers.
n2 
n

1
un 2 + 2
un 1 un
Since
n
= un . 
n 2
n for all n , by comparison test
 n
is convergent.

Q23. If  un be a convergent series of positive real numbers prove that the series  u2n
is convergent.
☺. Let  un be a convergent series of positive real numbers.
Let sn = u1 + u2 + ... + un , tn = u2 + u4 + ... + u2 n .
Then tn  s2 n for all n .
Since u n is a convergent series of positive real numbers, sn  is bounded above.
Since s2n  is a subsequence of sn  , it is also bounded above.
Therefore the partial sum sequence tn  of the sequence u2n  is bounded above.
This implies that u 2n is convergent.
un
Q24. If u n be a convergent series of positive real numbers prove that  1+ u is
n

convergent.
☺. Let  un be a convergent series of positive real numbers. Then we have lim un = 0 . n →

un
Let vn = for all n .
1 + un

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Dr. Sk Amanathulla
Asst. Prof., Raghunathpur College Series of Real Numbers

un
Then lim = lim (1 + un ) = 1 .
n → v n →
n

Since u n is convergent series of positive real numbers, by comparison test v n is

also a convergent series of positive real numbers.
u1 + u2 + ... + un
Q25. If u n be series of positive real numbers and vn =
n
, prove that

v n is convergent.
☺. Let  un be a series of positive real numbers. Then un  0 for all n .
u + u + ... + un
Let vn = 1 2 for all n .
n
u
Now vn  n for all n  2 .
n
 1 1
v1 + v2 + ... + vn  u1 1 + + ... +  .
 2 n
1
Since  is a divergent series of positive real numbers, by comparison test the series
n
 vn is divergent.
Q26. If a1 , a2 , a3 ,... be the collection of those natural numbers that end with 1, prove
1
that the series a is divergent.
n

☺. Let a1, a2 , a3 ,... be the collection of natural numbers that ends with 1 .
Then an = 10n − 9 for all n .
1 1 1
Now =  for all n … … (1)
an 10n − 9 10n
1 1
Let un = and vn = for all n .
10n n
u 1
lim n = ( finite ).
n → v 10
n

1
Since v n is a divergent series of positive real numbers,  u =  10n
n is a divergent
series of positive real numbers.
Hence from (1) by comparison test the given series a
n is convergent.
2 3 4
Q27. Test the convergence of the series p
+ p + p + ... ...
1 2 3

☺. Let  un be the given series.
n =1

n +1
Then un = for all n .
np

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Dr. Sk Amanathulla
Asst. Prof., Raghunathpur College Series of Real Numbers

1
Let vn = for all n .
n p −1
un n +1
lim = lim = 1 ( finite no.)
n → v n → n
n

Since v n is convergent if p − 1  1 and is divergent if p − 1  1, by comparison test

u n is convergent if p  2 and is divergent if p  2 .
1 1 1
Q28. Test the convergence of the series + + + ... ...
1 + 2 1 + 2 1 + 23
2


☺. Let  un be the given series.
n =1

1
Then un = for all n .
1 + 2n
1
Let vn = for all n .
2n
u 2n 1
lim n = lim = lim = 1.
n → 1 + 2 n n
n → v n →
1
  +1
n

2
1
Since v n is a geometric series with common ratio
2
(  1) , v n is a convergent series
of positive real numbers.

Therefore by comparison test, the series u
n =1
n is convergent.

1 1 1
Q29. Test the convergence of the series −1
+ −2
+ + ... ...
1+ 2 1+ 2 1 + 2−3

☺. Let  un be the given series.
n =1

1 1
Then un = −n
 for all n .
1+ 2 2
1
Let vn = for all n .
2
Then  vn is a divergent series of positive real numbers and therefore by comparison

test, the series u
n =1
n is divergent.

  
Q30. Test the convergence of the series sin + sin + sin + ... ...
2 4 6

☺. Let  un be the given series.
n =1


Then un = sin for all n .
2n

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Dr. Sk Amanathulla
Asst. Prof., Raghunathpur College Series of Real Numbers

2  1
Here un  = for all n  2 .
 2n n
1
Since n is divergent series of positive real numbers, by comparison test, the series


u
n =1
n is divergent.

1 2 3
Q31. Test the convergence of the series + + + ... ...
1.3 3.5 5.7

☺. Let  un be the given series.
n =1

n n
Then un = = for all n .
( 2n − 1)( 2n + 1) 4n − 1
2

1
Let vn = for all n .  vn is a divergent series of positive real numbers
n
un n2 1
lim = lim 2 = ( finite )
n → v n → 4n − 1 4
n

Since  vn is a divergent series of positive real numbers, the series u
n =1
n is divergent.

1 1 1
Q32. Test the convergence of the series + + + ... ...
1.2.3 2.3.4 3.4.5

☺. Let  un be the given series.
n =1

1
Then un = for all n .
n ( n + 1)( n + 2 )
1
Let vn = for all n .  vn is a convergent series of positive real numbers.
n3
u n3
lim n = lim 3 = 1(finite ).
n → v n → n + 3n 2 + 2n
n

Since v n is a convergent series of positive real numbers, the series u
n =1
n is

convergent.
2n + 1
Q33. Test the convergence of the series  un where un = n .
3 +2
n
2
☺. Let vn =   for all n .
3
1
un 1+ n
lim = lim 2 == 1 .
n → v n → 2
n 1+ n
3

Page 24 of 43
Dr. Sk Amanathulla
Asst. Prof., Raghunathpur College Series of Real Numbers

2
Since v n is a geometric series with common ratio
3
(  1) , v n is a convergent
series of positive real numbers.
Therefore by comparison test, the seriesu n is convergent.
Q34. Test the convergence of the series  u n where un = n 4 + 1 − n 2 .
1
☺. Here un = n4 + 1 − n2 = for all n .
n4 + 1 + n2
1
Let vn = for all n .  vn is a convergent series of positive real numbers.
n2
u n2 1
lim n = lim = lim = 1 (finite).
n → v
n
n →
n 4 + 1 + n 2 n→ 1 + 1 + 1
n4
Since  vn is a convergent series of positive real numbers, by comparison test the series
u n is convergent.
Q35. Test the convergence of the series u n where un = 3 n3 + 1 − n .
1
☺. Here un = 3 n3 + 1 − n = 2 1
for all n .
(n 3
+ 1) + n ( n + 1) + n
3 3 3 2

1
Let vn = for all n .  vn is a convergent series of positive real numbers.
n2
un n2 1 1
lim = lim 2 1
= lim 2 1
= (finite).
( ) ( )
n → v n → n → 3
n
n3 + 1 3 + n n3 + 1 3 + n 2  1 3  1 3
 1 + 3 
+  1 + 3 
+ 1
 n   n 
Since  vn is a convergent series of positive real numbers, by comparison test the series
u n is convergent.
n +1 − n −1
Q36. Test the convergence of the series u n where un =
n
.

n +1 − n −1 2
☺. Here un = 3 n3 + 1 − n = =
( )
for all n .
n n n +1 + n −1
1
Let vn = 3
for all n . Then v n is a convergent series of positive real numbers.
2
n
un 2 n 2
lim = lim = lim = 1 (finite).
n → vn n → n + 1 + n − 1 n→ 1 1
1+ + 1−
n n

Page 25 of 43
Dr. Sk Amanathulla
Asst. Prof., Raghunathpur College Series of Real Numbers

Since v n is a convergent series of positive real numbers, by comparison test the series
u n is convergent.
1 1
Q37. Test the convergence of the series u n where un =
n
tan .
n
1
☺. Let vn = 3
for all n .
2
n
1
tan
un n = 1 (finite ).
lim = lim
n → v
n
n →1
n
Since  vn is a convergent series of positive real numbers, by comparison test the series
u n is convergent.
1 1
Q38. Test the convergence of the series u n where un =
n
sin .
n
1
☺. Let vn =
for all n .
n2
1
sin
un n = 1 (finite ).
lim = lim
n → v
n
n → 1
n
Since  vn is a convergent series of positive real numbers, by comparison test the series
u n is convergent.
1
Q39. Test the convergence of the series u n where un =
n log n
, n2.

1
.☺. Let f ( n ) = ,n  2.
n log n
As log n is an increasing sequence we have, log ( n + 1)  log n and therefore
( n + 1) log ( n + 1)  n log n .
Therefore  f ( n )2 is a monotone decreasing sequence of positive real numbers.


By Cauchy’s condensation test, the two series  f ( n ) and  2n f ( 2n ) converge or

diverge together.

 2 f ( 2 ) =  log 2
1 1
n n
n
=  vn , where vn = .
n log 2
1
Let wn = , n .
n

Page 26 of 43
Dr. Sk Amanathulla
Asst. Prof., Raghunathpur College Series of Real Numbers

vn 1
lim = (finite )
n → w log 2
n

Since w n is a divergent series of positive real numbers, v n is a divergent series of

positive real numbers.

1
By Cauchy’s condensation test, the series  n log n
n=2
is divergent.

1
Q40. Test the convergence of the series u n where un =
n log n ( log log n )
, n2.

1
☺. Let f ( n) = , n2.
n log n ( log log n )
As log n2 is an increasing sequence, log n ( log log n )2 is an increasing sequence.
 

Therefore, log ( n + 1) log log ( n + 1)  log n ( log log n )

Or, ( n + 1) log ( n + 1) log log ( n + 1)  n log n ( log log n ) .
Thus  f ( n )2 is a monotone decreasing sequence of positive real numbers.


By Cauchy’s condensation test, the two series  f ( n) and  2 f ( 2 ) converge or

n n

diverge together.

 2 f ( 2 ) = n log 2log ( n log 2 ) = n log 2 ( log n + log log 2 ) = v

n n 1 1
n ( say )

1
Let wn = ,n  2 .
n log n
v 1
lim n = (finite)
n → w log 2
n

Since w n is a divergent series of positive real numbers, v n is a divergent series of

positive real numbers.

1
By Cauchy’s condensation test, the series  n log n ( log log n ) is divergent.
n=2

22 32
Q41. Test the convergence of the series 1 + + + ... ...
2! 3!

☺. Let  un be the given series.
n =1

n2
Then un = for all n .
n!
( n + 1) n !
2 2
un +1  1 1
lim = lim . = lim 1 +  = 0 1.
n → ( n + 1) ! n 2
n → u
n
n →
 n  n +1

By D’Alembert’s ratio test, the series u
n =1
n is convergent.

Page 27 of 43
Dr. Sk Amanathulla
Asst. Prof., Raghunathpur College Series of Real Numbers

12.22 22.32 32.42

Q42. Test the convergence of the series + + + ... ...
1! 2! 3!

☺. Let  un be the given series.
n =1

n 2 ( n + 1)
2

Then un = for all n .

n!
( n + 1) ( n + 2 )
2 2 2
un +1 n!  2 1
lim = lim . 2 = lim  1 +  = 0 1.
n → u
n
n → ( n + 1)! n ( n + 1)
2 n →
 n  n +1

By D’Alembert’s ratio test, the series u
n =1
n is convergent.

12 12.32 12.32.52
Q43. Test the convergence of the series 2 + 2 2 + 2 2 2 + ... ...
2 2 .4 2 .4 .6

☺. Let  un be the given series.
n =1

12.32... ( 2n − 1)
2

Then un = for all n .

22.42... ( 2n )
2

12.32... ( 2n − 1) ( 2n + 1)
2 2

and un +1 =
22.42... ( 2n ) ( 2n + 2 )
2 2

( 2n + 2 ) =  1 + 1  −2
2 2
un  1 
=   1 + 
un +1 ( 2n + 1)2  n   2n 
 2 1  1  1 
= 1 + + 2  1 − + O  2  
 n n  n  n 
1  1 
= 1+ + O  2 
n n 
By Gauss’s test , the given series is divergent.
−1 −2 −3
 22 2   33 3   44 4 
Q44. Test the convergence of the series  2 −  +  3 −  +  4 −  + ... ...
1 1 2 2 3 3

☺. Let  un be the given series.
n =1
−n

 n + 1 
n +1
n + 1

Then un =   −  for all n
 n 
 n 
−1
1  1   1  n  1
lim un = lim 1 +  1 +  − 1 =
n
 1 , since 2  e  3 .
n → n →
 n   n   e −1
By Cauchy’s root test, the given series is convergent.

Page 28 of 43
Dr. Sk Amanathulla
Asst. Prof., Raghunathpur College Series of Real Numbers

1 1 1 1 1 1
Q45. Test the convergence of the series 1 + + + + + + + ... ... .
2 4 2 23 4 4 2 5 4 6

☺. Let  un be the given series.
n =0

1 1
Then u0 = 1 , u2 n −1 = 2 n −1
, u2 n = for all n .
2 42 n
1 1
1 1
lim ( u2 n−1 ) 2 n−1 = and lim ( u2 n ) 2 n = .
n → 2 n → 4
 1
1 1
Thus the sequence un n  has two subsequential limits and .
  2 4
1
1
Therefore limun n =  1 .
2

By Cauchy’s root test, the series u
n =0
n is convergent.

1 1 1 1 1
Q46. Test the convergence of the series 1 + + + 2 + 2 2 + 3 2 + ... ... .
2 2.3 2 .3 2 .3 2 .3

☺. Let  un be the given series.
n =0

1 1
Then u2 n −1 = n −1 n −1
and u2 n = n n −1 for all n .
2 .3 2 .3
1
1 1 1
lim ( u2 n −1 ) 2 n −1 = lim n −1 n −1 = =
n → n → 2 3 6
2 2 n −1.3 2 n −1
1
1 1 1
and lim ( u2 n ) 2 n = lim n n −1 = = .
n → n → 2 3 6
2n 2n
2 .3
1
1
This implies that lim un n =  1.
n→ 6

By Cauchy’s root test, the series u
n =0
n is convergent.

1 1 1 1 1
Q47. Test the convergence of the series + + + + + ... ... .
3 5 32 52 33

☺. Let  un be the given series.
n =0

1 1
Then u2 n −1 = n
and u2 n = n for all n .
3 5
1 1
1 1 1 1
lim ( u2 n −1 ) 2 n −1 = lim n = and lim ( u2 n ) 2 n = lim n = .
n → n → 3 n → n → 5
2 n −1 2n
3 5

Page 29 of 43
Dr. Sk Amanathulla
Asst. Prof., Raghunathpur College Series of Real Numbers
1
1
This implies that limun = n
1.
3
By Cauchy’s root test, the given series is convergent.
1 1 1 1 1
Q48. Test the convergence of the series + 3 + 2 + 5 + 4 + ... ... .
3 3 3 3 3

☺. Let  un be the given series.
n =0

1 1
Then u1 = and un = for all n  2 .
3 ( −1)
n
3 n +

1
1 1
lim un n = lim n =  1.
n → n →
1+
( −1) 3
3 n
By Cauchy’s root test, the given series is convergent.
1 1 1
Q49. Test the convergence of the series + + + ... ... .
log 2 log 3 log 4

☺. Let  un be the given series.
n =0

1
Then un = for all n .
log (1 + n )
1 1
Since log (1 + x )  x for x  0 ,  for all n .
log (1 + n ) n
1
Since n is a divergent series of positive real numbers, by comparison test the given
series is divergent.
  
Q50. Test the convergence of the series tan + tan + + ... ... .
4 8 log12

☺. Let  un be the given series.
n =0


Then un = tan , n .
4n
  
Since tan x  x for 0  x  , we have tan  for all n .
2 4n 4n
 
Since  4n is a divergent series of positive real numbers, the series u
n =0
n is divergent.

1 1.3 2 1.3.5 3
Q51. Test the convergence of the series 1 + x+ x + x + ... ... , x  0 .
2 2.4 2.4.6

☺. Let  un be the given series.
n =0

Page 30 of 43
Dr. Sk Amanathulla
Asst. Prof., Raghunathpur College Series of Real Numbers

1.3... ( 2n − 1)
Then u0 = 1 and un = x n , n .
2.4... ( 2n )
1.3... ( 2n − 1)( 2n + 1)
un +1 = x n +1 .
2.4... ( 2n )( 2n + 2 )
un +1 2n + 1
lim = lim x=x
n → un n → 2n + 2
By D’Alembert’s ratio test, the given series is convergent if 0  x  1 and is divergent if
x  1.
−1
un 2n + 2  1  1 
When x = 1 , = = 1 + 1 + 
un+1 2n + 1  n  2n 
 1  1  1 
= 1 +  1 − + O 2 
 n   2n  n 
1
 1 
= 1+ 2 + O  2 
n n 
By Gauss’s test the given series is divergent when x = 1 .
Therefore the given series is convergent if 0  x  1 and is divergent if x  1.
2 2.4 2.4.6 2
Q52. Test the converfgence of the series + x+ x + ... ... , x  0 .
3 3.5 3.5.7

☺. Let  un be the given series.
n =0

2 2.4... ( 2n + 2 ) n
Then u0 = and un = x , n .
3 3.5... ( 2n + 3)
un +1 2n + 4
lim = lim x = x.
n → u n → 2 n + 5
n

By D’Alembert’s ratio test the given series is convergent if 0  x  1 and is divergent if

x  1.
−1
u 2n + 5  5  2 
When x = 1 , n = = 1 + 1 + 
un+1 2n + 4  2n  n 
 5  2  1 
= 1 +  1 − + O  2  
 2n   n  n 
1
 1 
= 1+ 2 + O  2 
n n 
By Gauss’s test, the given series is divergent when x = 1 .
Therefore the given series is convergent if 0  x  1 and is divergent if x  1.
3 3.6 3.6.9 2
Q53. Test the convergence of the series + x+ x + ... ...
7 7.10 7.10.13

Page 31 of 43
Dr. Sk Amanathulla
Asst. Prof., Raghunathpur College Series of Real Numbers

☺. Let  un be the given series.
n =0

3 3.6... ( 3n + 3) n
Then u0 = and un = x , n .
7 7.10... ( 3n + 7 )
un +1 3n + 6
lim = lim x = x.
n → u n → 3n + 10
n

By D’Alembert’s ratio test the given series is convergent if 0  x  1 and is divergent if

x  1.
−1
u 3n + 10  10  2 
When x = 1 , n = = 1 + 1 + 
un+1 3n + 6  3n  n 
 10   2  1 
= 1 +  1 − + O  2  
 3n   n  n 
4
 1 
= 1+ 3 + O  2 
n n 
By Gauss’s test, the given series is convergent when x = 1 .
Therefore the given series is convergent if 0  x  1 and is divergent if x  1 .
22 22.32
Q54. Test the convergence of the series 1 + 2 x + 2 2 x 2 + ... ...
3 3 .5

☺. Let  un be the given series.
n =0

22.42... ( 2n )
2

Then u0 = 1 and un = x n , n .
3 .5 ... ( 2n + 1)
2 2 2

( 2n + 2 ) x = x .
2
un +1
lim = lim
( 2n + 3 )
n → u n → 2
n

By D’Alembert’s ratio test the given series is convergent if 0  x  1 and is divergent if

x  1.
( 2n + 3 ) =  1 + 3  −2
2 2
u  1
When x = 1 , n =   1 + 
un +1 ( 2n + 2 )2  2n   n
 3 9  2  1 
= 1 + + 2  1 − + O  2  
 n 4n   n  n 
1  1 
= 1+ + O  2 
n n 
By Gauss’s test, the given series is divergent when x = 1 .
Therefore the given series is convergent if 0  x  1 and is divergent if x  1.

Page 32 of 43
Dr. Sk Amanathulla
Asst. Prof., Raghunathpur College Series of Real Numbers

a a ( a + c ) a ( a + c )( a + 2c )
Q55. Prove that the series + + + ... ... , a, b, c  0 is
b b ( b + c ) b ( b + c )( b + 2c )
convergent if b  a + c and divergent if b  a + c .

☺. Let  un be the given series.
n =1

a ( a + c )( a + 2c ) ... ( a + ( n − 1) c )
Then un = , n .
b ( b + c )( b + 2c ) ... ( b + ( n − 1) c )
un
=
( b + nc ) = 1 + b 1 + a  −1

  
un +1 ( a + nc )  nc  nc 
 b  a  1 
= 1 +  1 − + O  2  
 nc   nc  n 
b−a
 1 
= 1+ c + O  2 
n n 
b−a b−a
By Gauss’s test the given series is convergent if  1 and is divergent if  1.
c c
Therefore the given series is convergent if b  a + c and is divergent if b  a + c .
 2  ( + 1)  2 ( + 1) ( + 2 )
2 2 2 2

Q56. Prove that the series 1 + + + + ... ... ,

1. 1.2. (  + 1) 1.2.3. (  + 1)(  + 2 )
 ,   0 is convergent if   2 and divergent if   2 .

☺. Let  un be the given series.
n =0

 2 ( + 1) ( + 2 ) ... ( + ( n − 1) )
2 2 2

Then u0 = 1 , un = , n .
1.2.3...n. (  + 1)(  + 2 ) ... (  + ( n − 1) )
un
=
( n + 1)(  + n ) = 1 + 1 1 +  1 +   −2

   
( + n )  n  n  n 
2
un+1
  + 1    2  1 
= 1 + + 2  1 − + O 2 
 n n  n  n 
 + 1 − 2  1 
= 1+ +O 2 
n n 
By Gauss’s test the given series is convergent if  + 1 − 2  1 and is divergent if
 + 1 − 2  1 .
Therefore the given series is convergent if   2 and is divergent if   2 .
Series of arbitrary terms:
Let  un be a series of positive and negative real numbers.
If the series u n be convergent, then u n is said to be absolutely convergent series.

Page 33 of 43
 An abs. convergent series is convergent

Dr. Sk Amanathulla
Asst. Prof., Raghunathpur College Series of Real Numbers

Theorem: Let  u be a aeries of positive and negative real numbers and be absolutely
n

convergent. Then  u is a convergent series of positive real numbers.

n

Let   0 . Then there exists a natural number k such that

un+1 + un+ 2 + ... + un+ p   for all n  k and p = 1, 2,3,... ...
Or, un +1 + un + 2 + ... + un + p   for all n  k and p = 1, 2,3,... …
But un +1 + un + 2 + ... + un + p  un +1 + un + 2 + ... + un + p
Therefore un +1 + un + 2 + ... + un + p   for all n  k and p = 1, 2,3,... ...
By Cauchy’s principle of convergence, u n is convergent.
1 1 1 1 1
Example1: The series 1 − + + − − + ... ... is convergent since it is
22 32 42 52 62
absolutely convergent.
1 1 1 1 1
Example2: The series 1 − + − + − + ... ... is convergent since it is
22 32 42 52 62
absolutely convergent.
sin nx
Example3: For a fixed value of x the series  n2
is absolutely convergent.
sin nx
 n2
is a series of arbitrary terms.

sin nx 1 1 sin nx
2
 2 . Since  2 is a convergent series,  is a convergent series, by
n n n n2
comparison test.
sin nx
Consequently,  2 is an absolutely convergent series.
n
Theorem: If the series  un be absolutely convergent and vn  be a bounded sequence,
then the series u v n n is absolutely convergent.
Proof: Since vn  is a bounded sequence, there exists a positive real number B such that
vn  B for all n .
Let   0 .
Since  un is absolutely convergent, the series  un is convergent.
Therefore there exists a natural number k such that

un +1 + un + 2 + ... + un + p  for all n  k .
B

Or, un +1 + un + 2 + ... + un + p  for all n  k .
B
Now un+1vn+1 + un+ 2vn+ 2 + ... + un+ p vn+ p = un+1vn+1 + un+ 2vn+ 2 + ... + un+ p vn+ p
= un +1 vn +1 + un + 2 vn + 2 + ... + un + p vn + p

Page 34 of 43
Dr. Sk Amanathulla
Asst. Prof., Raghunathpur College Series of Real Numbers


 B =  for all n  k .
B
By Cauchy’s general principle, the series u v n n is convergent i.e., the series u v n n is
absolutely convergent.
un +1
Theorem: Let u n be a series of arbitrary terms and let lim
n → un
=l.

Then (i) u n is absolutely convergent if l  1 ,

(ii)  u n is divergent if l  1.
1
Theorem: Let u n be a series of arbitrary terms and let lim un
n→
n =l.
Then (i) u n is absolutely convergent if l  1 ,
(ii)  u n is divergent if l  1.


 ( −1)
n −1
Alternating Series: If un  0 for all n , the series un is called an
n =1
alternating series.
Theorem( Leibnitz’s test) : If un  be a monotone decreasing sequence of positive real
numbers and lim un = 0 then the alternating series u1 − u2 + u3 − u4 + ... ... is convergent.
n →

Proof: Let sn = u1 − u2 + u3 − ... + ( −1)

n −1
un .
Then s2 n+ 2 − s2 n = u2 n +1 − u2 n +2  0 for all n .
This implies that the sequence s2n  is a monotone increasing sequence.
s2n+1 − s2n−1 = −u2n + u2n+1  0 for all n .
This implies that the sequence s2n−1 is a monotone decreasing sequence.
Again s2 n = u1 − u2 + u3 − u4 + ... − u2 n
= u1 − ( u2 − u3 ) − ( u4 − u5 ) − ... − u2n  u1 .
Thus the increasing sequence s2n  is bounded above and therefore it is convergent.
s2 n−1 = u1 − u2 + u3 − u4 + ... + u2 n+1
= ( u1 − u2 ) + (u3 − u4 ) + ... + u2n−1  u1 − u2 .
Thus the decreasing sequence s2n−1 is bounded below and therefore it is convergent.
Now lim s2n = lim ( s2n−1 − u2n ) = − lim u2n = 0 .
n→ n→ n→

This shows that both the sequences s2n  and s2n−1 converge to the same limit.
Hence the sequence sn  is convergent and consequently the series  ( −1)
n −1
un is
convergent.
Abel’s test: If the sequence bn  is a monotone bounded sequence and a n is a
convergent series then the series a b
n n is convergent.

Page 35 of 43
Dr. Sk Amanathulla
Asst. Prof., Raghunathpur College Series of Real Numbers

Dirichlet’s test: If the sequence bn  is a monotone sequence converging to 0 and the
sequence of partial sums sn  of the series  an is bounded, then the series  anbn is
convergent.
Conditionally convergent series: A series  un is called conditionally convergent if
u n is convergent but u n is not convergent.
A conditionally convergent series is also called a semi convergent series or a non-
absolutely convergent series.
Theorem: If the terms of an absolutely convergent series be rearranged the series
remains convergent and its sum remains unaltered.
Riemann’s theorem: By appropriate re-arrangment of terms, a conditionally convergent
series  un can be made (i) to converge to any number l , or (ii) to diverge to + , or
(iii) to diverge to − , or (iv) to oscillate finitely, or (v) to oscillate infinitely.
1 1 1
Q57. Prove that the series 1 − + − + ... ... converges to log 2 , but the re-arranged
2 3 4
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
series 1 − − + − − + − − + ... ... converges to log 2 .
2 4 3 6 8 5 10 12 2
 1 1 1 
☺. We have lim  1 + + + ... + − log n  =  .
n →
 2 3 n 
1 1 1
Let 1 + + + ... + − log n =  n . Then lim  n =  .
2 3 n n →

1 1 1 n −1 1
Let sn = 1 − + − + ... + ( −1) .
2 3 4 n
1 1 1 1 1
Then s2 n = 1 − + − + ... + −
2 3 4 2n − 1 2n
 1 1 1  1 1 1 
= 1 + + + ... +  − 2  + + ... + 
 2 3 2n   2 4 2n 
 1 1
= log 2n +  2 n − 1 + + ... + 
 2 n
= log 2n +  2n − ( log n +  n )
= log 2 +  2n −  n .
Therefore lim s2 n = log 2 .
n →

1
s2 n +1 = s2 n + . Therefore lim s2 n +1 = lim s2 n = log 2 .
2n + 1 n → n →

This proves that lim sn = log 2 . That is, the series converges to log 2 .
n →

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Let tn = 1 − − + − − + − − + ... ... to n terms.
2 4 3 6 8 5 10 12
 1 1 1 1 1  1 1 1 
Then t3n = 1 − −  +  − −  + ... +  − − 
 2 4 3 6 8  2n − 1 4n − 2 4n 

Page 36 of 43
Dr. Sk Amanathulla
Asst. Prof., Raghunathpur College Series of Real Numbers

 1 1  1 1 1 1 
= 1 + + ... +  − 1 + + + ... + 
 3 2n − 1  2  2 3 2n 
 1 1 1  1 1 1  1 1 1 1 
= 1 + + + ... +  −  + + ... +  −  1 + + + ... + 
 2 3 2n   2 4 2n  2  2 3 2n 
1 1
= log 2n +  2 n − ( log n +  n ) − ( log 2n +  2 n )
2 2
1 1
= ( log 2n +  2 n ) − ( log n +  n )
2 2
1 1 1
= log 2 +  2 n −  n
2 2 2
1
Therefore lim t3n = log 2 .
n → 2
1 1
Again t3n +1 = t3n + and t3n + 2 = t3n +1 − .
2n + 1 4n + 2
1 1
Therefore lim t3n +1 = lim t3n = log 2 and lim t3n + 2 = lim t3n +1 = lim t3n = log 2 .
n → n → 2 n → n → n → 2
1
This proves that lim tn = log 2 and hence the series
n → 2
1 1 1 1 1 1
1 − − + − − + ... ... converges to log 2 .
2 4 3 6 8 2
Cauchy Product: If n c = a b
0 n + a b
1 n −1 + a2 n − 2 + ... + anb0 then the series c0 + c1 + c2 + ...
b
... is said to be the Cauchy product of the series a0 + a1 + a2 + ... ... and b0 + b1 + b2 + ...
...
Theorem: If a0 + a1 + a2 + ... ... and b0 + b1 + b2 + ... ... be two convergent series of
positive terms with s and t as their sums , then their Cauchy product is convergent and
has the sum st .
Theorem: If a0 + a1 + a2 + ... ... and b0 + b1 + b2 + ... ... be two absolutely convergent
series with s and t as their sums , then their Cauchy product is absolutely convergent
and has the sum st .
 
Theorem(Mertens): If  an and
n =0
b
n =0
n be convergent series with sums s and t

respectively and one of the series, say a
n =1
n be absolutely convergent , then their Cauchy

product is convergent and its sum is st .

 
Theorem(Abel): If a
n =0
n and b
n =0
n be convergent series with sums A and B

respectively and their Cauchy product be convergent with the sum C , then C = AB .
Q58. If  an 2 and  bn 2 be both convergent prove that the series  anbn is absolutely
convergent.
☺. Let  an 2 and b n
2
be both convergent series.

Page 37 of 43
Dr. Sk Amanathulla
Asst. Prof., Raghunathpur College Series of Real Numbers

 2 (a + bn 2 ) is also a convergent series.

1 2
Then n

1 2
anbn 
2
(
an + bn 2 for all n . )
By Comparison test, the series  anbn is a convergent series and therefore the series
a b n n is absolutely convergent.
un
Q59. If un  be a sequence of real numbers and u n
2
is convergent prove that n is
absolutely convergent.
☺.
Q60 . If an  be a monotone decreasing sequence of positive real numbers and
1 1
lim an = 0 , prove that the series a1 −
n →
( a1 + a2 ) + ( a1 + a2 + a3 ) − ... ... is convergent.
2 3
☺. Let an  be a monotone decreasing sequence of positive real numbers and
lim an = 0 .
n →

a1 + a2 + ... + an
Let bn = , n .
n
Then by Cauchy’s theorem on limits we have, lim bn = 0 .
n →

a1 + a2 + ... + an +1 a1 + a2 + ... + an
bn +1 − bn = −
n +1 n
=
( an+1 − a1 ) + ( an+1 − a2 ) + ... + ( an+1 − an )  0 for all n , since an  is a
n ( n + 1)
monotone decreasing sequence of positive real numbers.
This proves that bn  is a decreasing sequence of positive real numbers.


 ( −1)
n −1
By Leibnitz’s test, the series bn
n =1

1 1
i.e., the series a1 − ( a1 + a2 ) + ( a1 + a2 + a3 ) − ... ... is convergent.
2 3
Q61. If an  be a monotone decreasing sequence of positive real numbers and
1 1
lim an = 0 , prove that the series a1 −
n →
( a1 + a3 ) + ( a1 + a3 + a5 ) − ... ... is convergent.
2 3
☺. Let an  be a monotone decreasing sequence of positive real numbers and
lim an = 0 .
n →

Let bn = a2n−1 for all n .

Then bn  is also a monotone decreasing sequence of positive real numbers.
a1 + a3 + ... + a2 n −1 b1 + b2 + ... + bn
Let cn = = , n .
n n

Page 38 of 43
Dr. Sk Amanathulla
Asst. Prof., Raghunathpur College Series of Real Numbers

Then by Cauchy’s theorem on limits we have, lim cn = 0 .

n →

b1 + b2 + ... + bn +1 b1 + b2 + ... + bn
cn +1 − cn = −
n +1 n

=
( bn+1 − b1 ) + ( bn+1 − b2 ) + ... + ( bn+1 − bn )  0 for all n , since an  is a
n ( n + 1)
monotone decreasing sequence of positive real numbers.
This proves that cn  is a decreasing sequence of positive real numbers.


 ( −1)
n −1
By Leibnitz’s test, the series cn
n =1

1 1
i.e., the series a1 − ( a1 + a3 ) + ( a1 + a3 + a5 ) − ... ... is convergent.
2 3
Q62. If an  be a monotone decreasing sequence of positive real numbers and
1 1
lim an = 0 , prove that the series a1 −
n →
( a1 + a3 ) + ( a1 + a3 + a5 ) − ... ... is convergent.
3 5
☺. Let an  be a monotone decreasing sequence of positive real numbers and
lim an = 0 .
n →

Let bn = a2 n−1 , n . Then lim bn = 0 .

n →

b1 + b2 + ... + bn
By Cauchy’s theorem on limts we have, lim =0.
n → n
b1 + b2 + ... + bn a1 + a3 + ... + a2 n −1
Let cn = =
2n − 1 2n − 1
b1 + b2 + ... + bn n
lim cn = lim lim = 0.
n → n → n n → 2n − 1

b + b + ... + bn +1 b1 + b2 + ... + bn
cn +1 − cn = 1 2 −
2n + 1 2n − 1
2 ( a2 n +1 − a1 ) + 2 ( a2 n +1 − a3 ) + ... + 2 ( a2 n +1 − a2 n −1 ) − a2 n −1
=  0 for all n ,
n ( n + 1)
since an  is a monotone decreasing sequence of positive real numbers.
This proves that cn  is a decreasing sequence of positive real numbers.


 ( −1)
n −1
By Leibnitz’s test, the series cn
n =1

1 1
( a1 + a3 ) + ( a1 + a3 + a5 ) − ... ... is convergent.
i.e., the series a1 −
3 5
1 1 1 1 1
Q63. Prove that the series 1 − 2 − 2 + 2 − 2 − 2 + ... ... is convergent.
2 3 4 5 6

☺. Let  un be the given series.
n =1

Page 39 of 43
Dr. Sk Amanathulla
Asst. Prof., Raghunathpur College Series of Real Numbers

1
Then the series u
n =1
n is n 2
which is a convergent series of positive real numbers.

Thus the series u
n =1
n is absolutely convergent.

Since an absolutely convergent series is convergent, the given series

1 1 1 1 1
1 − 2 − 2 + 2 − 2 − 2 + ... ... is convergent.
2 3 4 5 6
1 1 1
Q64. Prove that the series 1 − + − − +... ... is convergent.
2
3.4 5.4 7.43

☺.Let  ( −1)n−1 un be the given series.
n =0

1
Then un = , n = 0,1, 2,... ...
( 2n + 1) .4n
un 2n + 3
= .4  1 i.e., un  un+1 for all n .
un +1 2n + 1
Thus the sequence un  is a monotone decreasing sequence of positive real numbers.
1 1
Now lim un = lim lim n = 0 .
n → n → 2n + 1 n → 4

1 1 1
 ( −1)
n −1
By Leibnitz’s test, the series un i.e., 1 − + − − +... ... is
n =0
2
3.4 5.4 7.43
convergent.
1 1 1 1 1
Q65. Prove that the series 1 − 1 +  + 1 + +  − ... ... is convergent.
2 3 3 3 5
☺. Let an = 1 for all n . Then an  is a monotone decreasing sequence of
2n − 1
positive real numbers.
a + a + ... + an 1  1 1 
Let bn = 1 2 = 1 + + ... +  for all n .
n n 3 2n − 1 
1
Since lim an = lim = 0 , by Cauchy’s theorem on limits we have, lim bn = 0 .
n → n → 2n − 1 n →

a + a + ... + an +1 a1 + a2 + ... + an
bn +1 − bn = 1 2 −
n +1 n
( a − a ) + ( an+1 − a2 ) + ... + ( an+1 − an )  0
= n +1 1 for all n , since an  is a
n ( n + 1)
monotone decreasing sequence of positive real numbers.
This proves that bn  is a decreasing sequence of positive real numbers.


 ( −1)
n −1
By Leibnitz’s test, the series bn
n =1

Page 40 of 43
Dr. Sk Amanathulla
Asst. Prof., Raghunathpur College Series of Real Numbers

1 1 1 1 1
i.e., the series 1 − 1 +  + 1 + +  − ... ... is convergent.
2 3 3 3 5
x x2 x3
Q66. Show that the series − + − ... , 0  x  1 , is convergent.
1 + x 1 + x 2 1 + x3

☺. Let  ( −1)n−1 un be the given series.
n =1

xn
Then un = ,n .
1 + xn
x n +1 xn x n +1 − x n
un +1 − un = − =  0 , for 0  x  1 .
1 + x n +1 1 + x n (1 + x n +1 )(1 + x n )
This implies that the sequence un  is a monotone decreasing sequence.
xn 0
Now lim un = lim = = 0 , since lim xn = 0 for 0  x  1 .
n → n → 1 + x n
1+ 0 n →

1 1 1
Q67. Prove that the series 1 − + − + ... is conditionally convergent.
2 3 4

☺. Let  ( −1)n−1 un be the given series.
n =1

1
Then un = ,n and we have lim un = 0 .
n →
n
un n +1
Now =  1 for all n .
un +1 n
This implies that un  is monotone decreasing sequence of positive real numbers.

1 1 1
 ( −1)
n −1
By Leibnitz’s theorem the series un i.e., the series 1 − + − + ... is
n =1 2 3 4
convergent.
 
1
But the series  un = 
n =1 n =1
1
is convergent.
2
n
1 1 1
This proves that the series 1 − + − + ... is conditionally convergent.
2 3 4
1 1 1
Q68. Prove that the series 1 − + − + ... is conditionally convergent.
4 7 10

☺. Let  ( −1)n−1 un be the given series.
n =1

1
Then un = , n  and we have lim un = 0 .
3n − 2 n →

un 3n + 1
Now =  1 for all n .
un +1 3n − 2

Page 41 of 43
Dr. Sk Amanathulla
Asst. Prof., Raghunathpur College Series of Real Numbers

Therefore un  is amonotone decreasing sequence of positive real numbers.


1 1 1
 ( −1)
n −1
By Leibnitz’s theorem, the series un i.e., 1 − + − + ... is convergent.
n =1 4 7 10
1
Let vn = , n  .
n
u n 1
Then lim n = lim = ( finite )
n → v n → 3n − 2 3
n
 
1
Since 
n =1 n
is a divergent series of positive real numbers, 
n =1
un is a divergent series of

positive real numbers.

1 1 1
Thus the series 1 − + − + ... is conditionally convergent.
4 7 10
1 1 1
Q69. Prove that the series − + − ... is conditionally convergent.
log 2 log 3 log 4

☺. Let  ( −1)n−1 un be the given series.
n =1

1
Then un = ,n and we have lim un = 0 .
log ( n + 1) n →

Since log n2 is an increasing sequence, un  is a monotone decreasing sequence of



positive real numbers.


1 1 1
 ( −1)
n −1
By Leibnitz’s theorem, the series un i.e., − + − ... is
n =1 log 2 log 3 log 4
convergent.
1
Since log ( n + 1)  n + 1 , un  for all n .
n +1
 
1
Since 
n =1 n + 1
is a divergent series of positive real numbers, n =1
un is a divergent series

of positive real numbers.

1 1 1
Thus the series − + − ... is conditionally convergent.
log 2 log 3 log 4
  
Q70. Prove that the series sin − sin + sin − ... is conditionally convergent.
2 4 6

☺. Let  ( −1)n−1 un be the given series.
n =1

 
Then un = sin ,n and we have lim un = lim sin = 0.
2n n → n → 2n

Page 42 of 43
Dr. Sk Amanathulla
Asst. Prof., Raghunathpur College Series of Real Numbers

   
Since sin x is an increasing function on 0  x  and    ... , we have
2 2 4 6
  
sin  sin  sin
 ... .
2 4 6
Therefore un  is a monotone decreasing sequence of positive real numbers.

  
 ( −1)
n −1
By Leibnitz’s test the series un i.e., the series sin − sin + sin − ... is
n =1 2 4 6
convergent.
1
Let vn = , n  .
n

sin
u
Now lim n = lim 2n .  =  ( finite ).
n → v
n
n →  2 2
2n
 
Since v
n =1
n is a monotone decreasing sequence of positive real numbers, u
n =1
n is also a

monotone decreasing sequence of positive real numbers.

  
Thus the series sin − sin + sin − ... is conditionally convergent.
2 4 6
1 1 1
Q71. Show that the series 1 − + − + ... converges to log 2 , but the rearranged series
2 3 4
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
(i) 1 − − − − + − − − + − ... converges to 0 .
2 4 6 8 3 10 12 16 5
1 1 1 1 1 3
(ii) 1 + − + + − + .. converges to log 2 .
3 2 5 7 4 2
1 1 1 1 1 1 1
(iii) 1 + − − + + − − + ... converges to log 2 .
3 2 4 5 7 6 8
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
(iv) 1 + + − + + + − + ... converges to log12 .
3 5 2 7 9 11 4 2

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