Series Tests

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Geometric Series Conditions

Conditions:
∣∣
This series converges if r <1: -1 < r
< 1.
∣∣
If r ≥1, the series diverges.
Sum Formula:
When the series converges, its sum
can be calculated using the formula

Nth Term Test for

Divergence
Conditions
Conditions:
If lim⁡n→∞ an ≠ 0 diverges.
How to choose this test:
You can apply as an initial test; if
the limit of the sequence terms
doesn't go to zero, the series
cannot converge.

The Integral Test Conditions

How to choose this test:

When the terms of the series are positive,
continuous, and decreasing. Particularly
useful for series that resemble improper
integrals.

P-Series Conditions

How to choose this test:

Directly applicable when the
series fits the pattern:
 Series Tests
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Direct Comparison
Test
Conditions

How to choose this test:

When you can compare the series terms to
another known convergent or divergent
series.

Limit Comparison
Test
Conditions

How to choose this test:

Useful when direct comparison is
complicated but you can relate series terms
by a constant ratio in the limit.

Alternating Series
Test Conditions

How to choose this test:

When the series alternates signs and the
absolute values of the terms decrease to 0.

Ratio Test Conditions

How to choose this test:

Effective for series with fractions, n’s & x’s,
and factorials