Unit 1

INFINITE SERIES
 Unit 1.4

Theorems on Infinite series

Theorem. If

are infinite series that differ only in a finite number of

terms, then either both series converges or both series
diverges.
Example 1. The harmonic series

is divergent.

The series

and the harmonic series differ only by the first few terms.
Example 1. The harmonic series

is divergent.

The series

and the harmonic series differ only by the first few terms.

Since the harmonic series is divergent, the series is also divergent.

Example 2. Consider the series

Now, the geometric series

+∞

∑( )
(𝑛− 1)
1 1 1 1
=1+ + + +… .
𝑛=1 3 3 9 27

Observe that they differ only by the first few terms.

Example 2. Consider the series

Now, the geometric series

+∞

∑( )
(𝑛− 1)
1 1 1 1
=1+ + + +… .
𝑛=1 3 3 9 27

Since is convergent, the series is also convergent.

Example 2.

+∞

∑( )
(𝑛− 1)
1 1 1 1
=1+ + + +… .
𝑛=1 3 3 9 27
+∞

∑( )
(𝑛− 1)
1 3
Moreover, since = , it follows that
𝑛=1 3 2
+∞ +∞

∑( ) ()
(𝑛− 4 ) (𝑛− 1)
1 1 81
=27 +9+3+ ∑ = .
𝑛=1 3 𝑛=1 3 2
Theorem.

1. If is convergent with sum and is a constant, is

convergent with sum .

2. If is divergent and is a nonzero constant,then

is also divergent.
Example 1.
(telescoping series)
+∞
1
∑ 𝑛(𝑛 +1)
is convergent with a sum of .
𝑛=1

(infinite series)
+∞
−4
∑ 𝑛(𝑛 +1)
is also convergent with a sum of .
𝑛=1
Example 2.

+∞
1 1 1 1 is divergent.
-series:
∑ 𝑛1 /2
=1+ + + +…
√2 √3 √4
𝑛=1

+∞
5 5 5 5
So, the series
∑ 𝑛1 /2 =5 + √2 + √ 3 + √ 4 +… is also divergent.
𝑛=1
Theorem.

1. If and are convergent with sums and ,

respectively, then is also convergent with sum .

2. If is convergent and is divergent, then

is also divergent.
 Example 1. The series
+∞ +∞
1 1 1 1 1 6 1 1 1
∑ 2 𝑛+3
= 4 + 5 + 6 + 7 +…∧ ∑ 𝑛− 1 =1+ + 2 + 3 +…
2 2 2 2 3 3 3
𝑛=1 𝑛=1 3

are convergent.

+∞
Hence, the series ∑
𝑛=1
( 2
1
𝑛+3
3
6
− 𝑛−1
) is also convergent.
Example 1. To compute for the sum,
+∞ +∞

∑
𝑛=1 2
1
𝑛+3
1 1 1 1 ¿ −1 − 1 − 1 − 1 +
= 4 + 5 + 6 + 7 +…
2 2 2 2
2
2 2 2 3 (
∑
𝑛=1 2
1
𝑛 −1 )
( 1 1 1 1 1
)(
2 2 2
1
2
1 1
2 2
1
2
1
¿ −1 − − − + 1+ + 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 + 6 + 7 +…
2 4 8 )
( ) ( ) ( )
8 + 4 +2 +1 1 15 𝟏
¿− + ¿− + ( 2 )¿
8 1
1− 8 𝟖
2
Example 1. To compute for the sum,

( )
+∞
6 6 6 6 6
∑ 3 𝑛 −1
=6 + + 2 + 3 + …=
3 3 3
3
1¿6⋅ ¿ 𝟗
𝑛 =1
1− 2
3
+∞
1 1 1 1 1 𝟏
∑ 2 𝑛+3
= 4 + 5 + 6 + 7 +…=
2 2 2 2 𝟖
𝑛=1
Hence, +∞

∑
𝑛 =1
(2
𝑛 +3
1
−
3
6
𝑛 −1 ) 1
= − 9=−
8
71
8
 Remark. Given two divergent infinite series and , there is no
generalization regarding the convergence or divergence of
.
 +∞

∑( 1 1
)
+∞ +∞
Example 1. Consider
± . 1 1
𝑛 𝑛+1
∑ and ∑
𝑛 𝑛 =1 𝑛+1
𝑛 =1 𝑛 =1
are both divergent,
Note that

) ( )
+∞ +∞

∑(
1 1 ( 𝑛+ 1 ) − 𝑛
− =∑
𝑛=1 𝑛 𝑛+ 1 𝑛=1 𝑛(𝑛+ 1)
+∞
1
¿∑ is a convergent telescoping series.
𝑛=1 𝑛 (𝑛+1)
 +∞

∑( 1 1
)
+∞ +∞
Example 1. Consider
± . 1 1
𝑛 𝑛+1
∑ and ∑
𝑛 𝑛 =1 𝑛+1
𝑛 =1 𝑛 =1
are both divergent,
Meanwhile,

( )
+∞ +∞

∑( )
1 1 (𝑛 +1 ) +𝑛
+ =∑
𝑛=1 𝑛 𝑛+ 1 𝑛=1 𝑛(𝑛+1)
+∞
2𝑛
¿∑ is a divergent series.
𝑛=1 𝑛 (𝑛+1)
 +∞ +∞
3 and 1 are both divergent.
Example 2. The infinite series ∑ ∑
𝑛 𝑛 =1 𝑛+1
𝑛 =1
Now,

) ( )
+∞ +∞ +∞

∑(
3 1 3 (𝑛 +1 ) − 𝑛 2 𝑛+ 3
− =∑ =∑ and
𝑛=1 𝑛 𝑛+ 1 𝑛=1 𝑛(𝑛+ 1) 𝑛=1 𝑛(𝑛+ 1)

∑ ( 𝑛 + 𝑛+ 1 )=∑ ( 𝑛(𝑛+1) )= ∑ 𝑛 (𝑛+1)

+∞ +∞ +∞
3 1 3 ( 𝑛+1 ) +𝑛 4 𝑛+ 3
𝑛=1 𝑛=1 𝑛=1
+∞ +∞
2𝑛+ 3 and 4 𝑛+3 are both divergent.
∑
In this case, ∑
𝑛(𝑛 +1) 𝑛=1 𝑛(𝑛 +1)
𝑛=1
Hence, we have this table for the Sum/Difference of infinite series:

convergent convergent = convergent

convergent divergent = divergent
divergent divergent = NO CONCLUSION
 Unit 1.5

Tests for Convergence

Tests for Convergence:

1. Alternating Series Test

2. Ratio Test
3. Comparison Test
4. Limit Comparison Test
5. Integral Test
6. Root Test
Definition. If for each , then the series

are called alternating series.

 Alternating Series Test

Given or . If

(i) for each , and

(ii)lim 𝑎 𝑛 =0
𝑛 →+ ∞
,

then, the given series is convergent.

 +∞ 𝑛
( −1 )
Illustration. Consider the alternating harmonic series ∑ 𝑛
𝑛=1

Let and .
Thus, by the Alternating Series Test,
Notice that for each .
the alternating harmonic series
So, . +∞ 𝑛
( −1 )
Moreover, ∑ 𝑛
𝑛=1

is convergent.
 +∞ 𝑛
( −1 )
Illustration. Consider the alternating harmonic series ∑ 𝑛
𝑛=1

By the Alternating Series Test, it can also be shown that the

following alternating series are also convergent:
+∞ +∞ 𝑛 𝑛 +1 + ∞ 𝑛
( −1) ( − 1 ) ( − 1)
∑ ∑ , 𝑎𝑛𝑑 ∑, .
𝑛 =1 𝑛
2
𝑛=1 √ 𝑛 𝑛=1 𝑛(𝑛+1)
Definition. The infinite series is

+∞
• absolutely convergent if ∑ |𝑎𝑛| is convergent.
𝑛=1
+∞
• conditionally convergent if
+∞
∑ 𝑎is𝑛 convergent but
𝑛 =1
∑ |𝑎𝑛| is divergent.
𝑛=1
Illustration.
+∞ 𝑛
( −1 ). Recall that
1. Consider the infinite series∑ 2𝑛
𝑛 =1

| |
+∞ 𝑛+ 1 +∞ 𝑛
(− 1 ) ( −1 )
∑ 2
𝑛
=∑
2
𝑛
𝑛=1 𝑛=1

+∞ 𝑛+1
( −1 )
is a convergent geometric series. So, ∑ 2𝑛 is absolutely convergent.
𝑛=1
Illustration.
+∞ 𝑛
( −1 )
2. The alternating harmonic series ∑ 𝑛
is convergent. However,
𝑛 =1

| |
+∞ 𝑛 +∞
(− 1 ) 1
∑ 𝑛
=∑
𝑛 =1 𝑛=1 𝑛

+∞ 𝑛+1
( −1 )
is divergent. Hence, ∑ 2𝑛
is conditionally convergent .
𝑛=1
Theorem.

An infinite series that is absolutely convergent is also

convergent, i.e.,
+∞ +∞

∑ |𝑎𝑛|is convergent, then∑ 𝑎𝑛is also

if
𝑛=1 𝑛 =1

convergent.
Remarks. The preceding theorem implies the following:
1. For , the alternating geometric series

is convergent.

2. For , the series is convergent.

 Ratio Test

Let be an infinite series for which is non-zero for

each and let

1. If the series is (absolutely) convergent.

2. If the series is divergent.
3. If , the test fails. (use other tests to conclude divergence
or convergence.)
Examples. (using Ratio Test)
+∞ 𝑛
2
1. Consider the infinite series∑ (− 1 ) 𝑛 !
𝑛

𝑛=1
Let and
Since
.
Then,
lim
𝑛 →+ ∞ | |
𝑎 𝑛 +1
𝑎𝑛
=0 <1
+∞ 𝑛
. 2
infinite series is ∑ (− 1 )
𝑛
Hence, 𝑛!
𝑛=1

lim 2 convergent by the Ratio Test.

lim
𝑛 →+ ∞ | 𝑎 𝑛 +1
𝑎𝑛 |=
𝑛 →+∞
𝑛+ 1
=0
Examples. (using Ratio Test)
+∞ 𝑛
𝑒
2. Consider the infinite series
Let and
∑ 𝑛 2
.
Since
| |
𝑛 =1
𝑎 𝑛 +1
lim =𝑒 >1
. 𝑛 →+ ∞ 𝑎𝑛
+∞ 𝑛
Then, 𝑒
the infinite series is ∑ 𝑛 2
Hence, 𝑛=1

is divergent by the Ratio Test.

| |
𝑎 𝑛 +1 2
𝑛
lim =𝑒 ⋅ lim =𝒆
𝑛 →+ ∞ 𝑎𝑛 𝑛 →+∞ ( 𝑛+ 1 )
2
Examples. (using Ratio Test)
+∞ 𝑛
(−1)
∑ 𝑛 .
3. Consider the infinite series
Let and 𝑛=1

.
In this case, the Ratio test fails.
Then,
If this happens, we must use
Hence, other tests for convergence.

lim
| |
𝑛→+ ∞
𝑎 𝑛 +1
𝑎𝑛
= lim
𝑛
𝑛→+ ∞ 𝑛+1
=¿ 𝟏 ¿
Examples. (using Alternating Series Test)
+∞ 𝑛
(−1)
∑
3. Consider the infinite series
𝑛
.
𝑛=1
Let and . So, .
Also,
.

Thus, by the Alternating Series Test, the alternating

harmonic series is convergent.
Guidelines for determining if an infinite series converges/diverges

1. Does the th term approach 0? If not, the series diverges.

2. Is the series one of the special types (geometric, -series,
telescoping, or alternating)?
3. Can a conclusion be obtained using a particular test?
4. Can the series be compared favorably to one of the special types?
 Comparison Test

Let be an infinite series such that for each

+∞

∑ 𝑢is 𝑛known to be convergent

1. If
+∞
and be for
𝑛 =1

each , ∑ is𝑎also𝑛 convergent.

+∞ 𝑛 =1

∑ 𝑣is𝑛known to be divergent
2. If +∞
and for
𝑛 =1

each , then ∑ is also

𝑎𝑛 divergent.
𝑛 =1
Example 1| Comparison Test

Use the Comparison Test to determine whether the ff. are convergent/ divergent.
1) compare with

Solution. Let +∞ +∞
1 and 1
𝑎 𝑛 =∑ 𝑢𝑛 =∑
𝑛=1 𝑛!
2
𝑛=1 𝑛 !+𝑛
So, * for each .

Now, is known to be convergent. We can verify using Ratio test.

Example 1|

| |
By Ratio test, 1
lim
𝑛 →+ ∞ | 𝑎𝑛 |
𝑎 𝑛 +1
= lim
𝑛 →+ ∞
(𝑛+1 )!
1
𝑛!

¿ lim
| 1
𝑛 →+ ∞ (𝑛+1)!
⋅
𝑛!
1 | Hence, the series

¿ lim
𝑛 →+ ∞ | 𝑛!
( 𝑛+ 1 ) ⋅ 𝑛 ! | is indeed, convergent.

¿ lim
𝑛 →+ ∞
| 1
𝑛+ 1
=0 |
Example | Comparison Test

Use the Comparison Test to determine whether the ff. are convergent/ divergent.
1) compare with

+∞ +∞
Solution. Let 1 and 1
𝑎 𝑛 =∑ 𝑢𝑛 =∑
𝑛=1 𝑛!
2
𝑛=1 𝑛 !+𝑛
So, * for each .
Since is convergent*, then, is also convergent.
 Limit Comparison Test

Let and be infinite series for which

for each
𝑎𝑛
1. If lim 𝑏 = 𝐿> 0 , then either both series are convergent
𝑛 →+ ∞ 𝑛

or both series are divergent.

+∞ +∞
𝑎𝑛
2. If lim 𝑏 = 0
𝑛 →+ ∞
∑ 𝑏𝑛
, and if ∑ 𝑎𝑛
is convergent, then
𝑛 𝑛 =1 𝑛 =1
is also convergent.
 Limit Comparison Test

Let and be infinite series for which

for each

+∞ +∞
𝑎𝑛
3. If lim 𝑏 = 0
𝑛 →+ ∞ 𝑛
, and if ∑ 𝑏𝑛is divergent, then∑
𝑛 =1
𝑎𝑛
𝑛 =1

is also divergent.
Example | Limit Comparison Test

Use the Limit Comparison Test to determine whether the ff. are convergent/ divergent.
compare with

Solution.

( )
1 𝑛
𝑛 lim 3 𝑛
𝑎𝑛 3 −𝑛 𝑛 →+∞ ln 3 ⋅ 3
⟹ lim = lim = 𝑛
= lim 𝑛
𝑛 →+ ∞ 𝑏𝑛 𝑛 → +∞ 1 3 −𝑛 𝑛 →+∞ ln 3 ⋅ 3 − 1
𝑛
3
2 𝑛
ln 3 ⋅ 3
¿ lim 2 𝑛
=3 > 0
𝑛 →+ ∞ ln 3 ⋅ 3 − 1
Hence, by the Limit Comparison Test, both series are convergent.
Example | Limit Comparison Test

Use the Limit Comparison Test to determine whether the ff. are convergent/ divergent.
compare with

What if instead of , we use ?

 Integral Test

Let and be continuous, decreasing and positive-valued function for all

1. If the improper integral is convergent, then

+∞

the series ∑ 𝑓 (𝑛)is also convergent.

𝑛=1

2. If the improper integral is divergent, then the series

+∞

∑ 𝑓 (𝑛)is also divergent.

𝑛=1
 Example| Integral Test
Use the Integral Test to verify the ff.:

Solution. For (a)

( |)
+∞ 𝑎 − 𝑝+ 1
1 𝑥 𝑎 1
⟹∫ 𝑓 (𝑥)= lim ∫ 𝑝 𝑑𝑥= lim
1 −𝑝
= ⋅ lim (𝑎 −1)
1 𝑎→+ ∞ 1 𝑥 𝑎 →+ ∞ − 𝑝+ 1 ¿ 1 1− 𝑝 𝑎→ +∞
1 0 1
⋅ lim ( 𝑎 − 1 ) =−
1− 𝑝
¿ since
1− 𝑝 𝑎 →+∞ 1 −𝑝
Since is convergent, then (when is also convergent.
 Example| Integral Test
Use the Integral Test to verify the ff.:

Solution. For (b)

( |)
+∞ 𝑎 −𝑝+1
1 𝑥 𝑎 1
⟹∫ 𝑓 ( 𝑥 )= lim ∫ 𝑝 𝑑𝑥= lim ⋅ lim 𝑎 −1 ) =+ ∞
( 1−𝑝
=
1 𝑎 →+ ∞ 1 𝑥 𝑎 →+∞ − 𝑝+1 ¿ 1 1 −𝑝 𝑎 →+ ∞
Since is divergent, then (when is also divergent.
 Root Test

Let be an infinite series and let

1. If the series is (absolutely) convergent.

2. If OR , the series is divergent.
3. If , the test fails. (use other tests to conclude divergence
or convergence.)
Example| Root Test
Apply the Root Test to show that the series is convergent.

|√ |
Solution.
2𝑛 2
𝑒 𝑒
⟹ 𝐿= lim
𝑛→+ ∞
√|𝑎 |= lim
𝑛
𝑛
𝑛→+∞
𝑛

𝑛
𝑛
= lim
𝑛→+ ∞ 𝑛
=0<1

Therefore, the series is convergent.

END of Unit 1.4