INFINITE SERIES

Sequence:
If a set of real numbers 𝑢1 , 𝑢2 , … … , 𝑢𝑛 occur according to some definite rule, then it is called
a sequence denoted by {𝑆𝑛 } = {𝑢1 , 𝑢2 , … … , 𝑢𝑛 } if n is finite
Or {𝑆𝑛 } = {𝑢1 , 𝑢2 , … … , 𝑢𝑛 , … … . } if n is infinite.
Series:
𝑢1 + 𝑢2 + … … + 𝑢𝑛 is called a series and is denoted by 𝑆𝑛 = ∑𝑛𝑘=1 𝑢𝑘
Infinite Series:
If the number of terms in the series is infinitely large, then it is called infinite series and is
denoted by ∑ 𝑢𝑛 = 𝑢1 + 𝑢2 + … … + 𝑢𝑛 + … … and the sum of its first n terms be denoted by
𝑆𝑛 = ∑𝑛𝑘=1 𝑢𝑘 = 𝑢1 + 𝑢2 + … … + 𝑢𝑛 .
Convergence:
An infinite series ∑ 𝑢𝑛 is said to be convergent if lim 𝑆𝑛 = 𝑘, a definite unique number.
𝑛→∞
1 1
Example: 1 + 2 + 4 + … … ..
1
1 1 1 (1− 𝑛)
2
𝑆𝑛 = 1 + 2 + 22 + … … . . + 2𝑛−1 = 1 = 2, finite.
(1− )
2

Therefore given series is convergent.

Divergence:
lim 𝑆𝑛 tends to either ∞ 𝑜𝑟 − ∞ then the infinite series ∑ 𝑢𝑛 is said to be divergent.
𝑛→∞

Example: ∑ 𝑢𝑛 = 1 + 2 + 3 + … … ..
𝑛(𝑛 + 1)
𝑆𝑛 =
2
lim 𝑆𝑛 = ∞
𝑛→∞

Therefore ∑ 𝑢𝑛 is divergent.
Oscillatory Series:
If lim 𝑆𝑛 tends to more than one limit either finite or infinite, then the infinite series ∑ 𝑢𝑛 is
𝑛→∞
said to be oscillatory series.
Example:1. ∑ 𝑢𝑛 = 1 − 1 + 1 − 1 + … … ..:
1, 𝑛 𝑖𝑠 𝑜𝑑𝑑
𝑆𝑛 = {
0, 𝑛 𝑖𝑠 𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑛
Therefore series is oscillatory.
2. ∑ 𝑢𝑛 = 1 + (−3) + (−3)2 + … … ..
 1 − (−1)𝑛 3𝑛
𝑆𝑛 =
1+3
∞, 𝑛 𝑖𝑠 𝑜𝑑𝑑
lim 𝑆𝑛 = {
𝑛→∞ −∞, 𝑛 𝑖𝑠 𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑛
Properties of infinite series:
1. The convergence or divergence of an infinite series remains unaltered on multiplication
of each term by 𝑐 ≠ 𝑜.
2. The convergence or divergence of an infinite series remains unaltered by addition or
removal of a finite number of its terms.
Positive term series:
An infinite series in which all the terms after some particular term are positive is called a
positive term series.
Geometric Series test:
The series ∑∞ 𝑛 2 3 𝑛
𝑛=0 𝑟 = 1 + 𝑟 + 𝑟 + 𝑟 + … … + 𝑟 + … …

a. Converges if |𝑟| < 1

b. Diverges if 𝑟 ≥ 1
c. Oscillates finitely if 𝑟 = −1 and oscillates infinitely if 𝑟 < −1
Note: If a series in which all the terms are positive is convergent, the series remains convergent
even when some or all of its terms are negative.
Integral Test:
A positive term series 𝑓(1) + 𝑓(2) + … … . +𝑓(𝑛) + … …. Where 𝑓(𝑛) decreases as n
∞
increases, converges or diverges according as the integral ∫1 𝑓(𝑥)𝑑𝑥 is finite or infinite.

p-series or Harmonic series test:

1 1 1 1
A positive term series ∑ 𝑢𝑛 = ∑ 𝑛𝑝 = 1 + 2𝑝 + 3𝑝 + … … + 𝑛𝑝 + … … .is

i) Convergent if 𝑝 > 1
ii) Divergent if 𝑝 ≤ 1
Theorem:
Let ∑ 𝑢𝑛 be a positive term series. If ∑ 𝑢𝑛 is convergent then lim 𝑢𝑛 = 0.
𝑛→∞

Note:
Converse need not be always true. i.e. Even if lim 𝑢𝑛 = 0, then ∑ 𝑢𝑛 need not be convergent.
𝑛→∞
1 1 1
Example 1: ∑ 𝑢𝑛 = 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + ⋯ … . . ..
1 1
∑ 𝑢𝑛 = is divergent by integral test. But lim 𝑢𝑛 = lim =0
𝑛 𝑛→∞ 𝑛→∞ 𝑛
Hence lim 𝑢𝑛 = 0 is a necessary condition but not a sufficient condition for convergence of
𝑛→∞
∑ 𝑢𝑛 .
Example 2
1
Test the series for convergence, ∑∞
𝑛=2 𝑛𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑛

∞ 1
Solution: Consider ∫2 𝑑𝑛 = [𝑙𝑜𝑔(𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑛)]∞
2 =∞
𝑛𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑛

Therefore ∑ 𝑢𝑛 is divergent by Integral test.

Example 3
2
Test the series for convergence, ∑ 𝑛𝑒 −𝑛
Solution: Let 𝑥 2 = 𝑡. Then 2𝑥 𝑑𝑥 = 𝑑𝑡
∞ ∞ ∞
−𝑥 2
𝑒 −𝑡 𝑒 −𝑡 1
∫ 𝑥𝑒 𝑑𝑥 = ∫ 𝑑𝑡 = [ ] =
1 1 2 −2 1 2𝑒

Therefore ∑ 𝑢𝑛 is convergent.
Comparison test:
1. Let ∑ 𝑢𝑛 and ∑ 𝑣𝑛 be two positive term series. If
a. ∑ 𝑣𝑛 is convergent
b. 𝑢𝑛 ≤ 𝑣𝑛 , ∀ 𝑛
Then ∑ 𝑢𝑛 is also convergent.
That is if a larger series converges then smaller also converge.
2. Let ∑ 𝑢𝑛 and ∑ 𝑣𝑛 be two positive term series. If
c. ∑ 𝑣𝑛 is divergent
d. 𝑢𝑛 ≥ 𝑣𝑛 , ∀ 𝑛
Then ∑ 𝑢𝑛 is also divergent.
That is if a smaller series diverges then larger also diverges.
Example 2
1
Test the series for convergence, ∑∞
𝑛=2 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑛

Solution:
1 1
Let 𝑢𝑛 = log 𝑛 and 𝑣𝑛 = 𝑛

log n  n
1 1

log n n
u n  vn
 1
But ∑ 𝑣𝑛 = ∑ 𝑛 is a p-series with 𝑝 = 1.

Therefore ∑ 𝑣𝑛 is divergent.
By comparison test ∑ 𝑢𝑛 is also divergent.
Example 2
1
Test the series for convergence, ∑
2𝑛 +1

Solution:
1 1
Let 𝑢𝑛 = 2𝑛+1 and 𝑣𝑛 = 2𝑛

2n  2n  1
1 1
 n
2 n
2 1
vn  u n
1 1
But ∑ 𝑣𝑛 = ∑ 2𝑛 is a geometric series with 𝑟 = 2 < 1.

Therefore ∑ 𝑣𝑛 is convergent.
By comparision test ∑ 𝑢𝑛 is also convergent.

Another form of comparison test is

Limit test
𝑢𝑛
Statement: If ∑ 𝑢𝑛 and ∑ 𝑣𝑛 be two positive term series such that lim = 𝑘 (≠ 0). Then
𝑛→∞ 𝑣𝑛
∑ 𝑢𝑛 and ∑ 𝑣𝑛 behave alike.
That is if ∑ 𝑢𝑛 converges then ∑ 𝑣𝑛 also converge.
If ∑ 𝑢𝑛 diverges then ∑ 𝑣𝑛 also diverge.
Examples 3.
1 3 5
Test the series for convergence, + 2.3.4 + 3.4.5 + ⋯ … ….
1.2.3

𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧:
2𝑛 − 1
𝑢𝑛 =
𝑛(𝑛 + 1)(𝑛 + 2)
1 𝑢𝑛
Choose 𝑣𝑛 = 𝑛2 then lim =2
𝑛→∞ 𝑣𝑛
1
But ∑ 𝑣𝑛 = ∑ 𝑛2 with 𝑝 = 2 > 1.

Therefore ∑ 𝑣𝑛 is convergent. By limit test ∑ 𝑢𝑛 is also convergent.

Examples 4.

Test the series for convergence, ∑∞ 2

𝑛=1(√𝑛 + 1 − 𝑛)

(√𝑛2 +1+𝑛)
Solution: 𝑢𝑛 = (√𝑛2 + 1 − 𝑛)
(√𝑛2 +1+𝑛)

𝑛2 +1−𝑛2
= √𝑛2
+1+𝑛
1
=
𝑛(√1+𝑛2 +1)

1
Let ∑ 𝑣𝑛 = ∑ 𝑛 (𝑝 = 1)

𝑢𝑛 1
lim =
𝑛→∞ 𝑣𝑛 2
But ∑ 𝑣𝑛 is divergent. By limit test ∑ 𝑢𝑛 is also divergent.

Examples 5.
3
Test the series for convergence, ∑ √𝑛3 + 1 − 𝑛
Solution:

u n   n 3  1 3  n
1

a 3  b3  (a  b)(a 2  ab  b 2 )
a 3  b3
ab 
a 2  ab  b 2
n3  1  n3
u n   n 3  1 3  n 
1

n  1 3  (n 3  1) 3 n  n 2
2 1
3

1

 1 3  1 3 
21

n 1  3   1  3   1
2

 n   n  
1
Let ∑ 𝑣𝑛 = ∑ with 𝑝 = 2 > 1.
𝑛2

𝑢𝑛 1
lim =
𝑛→∞ 𝑣𝑛 3
But ∑ 𝑣𝑛 is convergent. By limit test ∑ 𝑢𝑛 is also convergent.
Example 6.
√2−1 √3−1 √4−1
Test the series for convergence, Solve 33 −1 + 43 −1 + 53 −1 + ⋯ … … …

Solution:
  1 1 
n  1  
n 1 1  n n
un  
 n  2   1 n 3   1  2 3  1 
3

   3 

 n  n 
1 5
Let ∑ 𝑣𝑛 = ∑ 5 with 𝑝 = 2 > 1.
𝑛 ⁄2
𝑢𝑛
lim =1
𝑛→∞ 𝑣𝑛

But ∑ 𝑣𝑛 is convergent. By limit test ∑ 𝑢𝑛 is also convergent.

Example 7
1 1
Test the series for convergence, ∑ tan 𝑛
𝑛3
1 1
Solution: 𝑢𝑛 = 𝑛3 tan 𝑛
1
tan
𝑛
We know that lim 1 =1
𝑛→∞ 𝑛

1 𝑢𝑛
Let ∑ 𝑣𝑛 = ∑ 𝑛4 . Then lim =1
𝑛→∞ 𝑣𝑛

But ∑ 𝑣𝑛 is convergent. By limit test ∑ 𝑢𝑛 is also convergent.

Example 8
1 𝑛+1
Test the series for convergence, ∑ − 𝑙𝑜𝑔 ( )
𝑛 𝑛

1 1
Solution: 𝑢𝑛 = 𝑛 − 𝑙𝑜𝑔 (1 + 𝑛)

1 1 1 1
= − [ − 2 + 3 − ⋯……]
𝑛 𝑛 2𝑛 6𝑛
1 1
=[ − + ⋯……]
2𝑛2 6𝑛3
1 𝑢𝑛 1
Let ∑ 𝑣𝑛 = ∑ 𝑛2 . Then lim =2
𝑛→∞ 𝑣𝑛

But ∑ 𝑣𝑛 is convergent. By limit test ∑ 𝑢𝑛 is also convergent.

Exercises
Test for convergence of the series
2𝑛3 +1
1. ∑∞
𝑛=0 4𝑛5 +1
 22 32 42
2. 1 + + + +…… …∞
2! 3! 4!

1 3 5
3. + 2.3.4 + 3.4.5 + …….. …∞
1.2.3

3𝑛 −1
4. ∑ √2𝑛+1

𝑛𝑛
5. ∑ (𝑛+1)𝑛+1

1 1+2 1+2+3
6. + + + …… …∞
12 12 +22 12 +22 +32

D’Alembert’s Ratio Test: If ∑ 𝑢𝑛 is a series of positive terms, and u n 1

lim =
n  un

𝑙(𝑎 𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑒 𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒)

then the series is convergent if 𝑙 < 1 , is divergent if 𝑙 > 1 and the test fails if 𝑙 = 1.

If the test fails, one should apply comparison test or the Raabe’s test, as given below:

Raabe’s Test: If ∑ 𝑢𝑛 is a series of positive terms, and

𝑢𝑛
lim 𝑛 (𝑢 − 1) = 𝑙(𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑒), then the series is convergent if 𝑙 > 1 , is divergent if 𝑙 < 1
𝑛→∞ 𝑛+1

and the test fails if 𝑙 = 1.

Remark: Ratio test can be applied when (i) 𝑣𝑛 does not have the form 1⁄𝑛𝑝

(ii) nth term has 𝑥 𝑛 , 𝑥 2𝑛 etc.

(iii) nth term has 𝑛!, (𝑛 + 1)!, (𝑛!)2 ect.

1 1.2 1.2.3
(iv) the number of factors in numerator and denominator increase steadily, ex: (3 + 3.5 + 3.5.7 +

⋯)

Example : Test for convergence the series

22 32 42
1+ + + + ….
2! 3! 4!
 12 22 32 3 n2
>> The given series is of the form + + + + … whose nth term is un = .
1! 2! 3! 4! n!
( n  1) 2
Therefore un+1 =
n  1!

u n 1 ( n  1) 2 n! (n  1) 2 n! n 1
= = . = 2
un n  1! n 2
n 2
(n  1)(n!) n

u n 1  n  1 1 1 
Therefore lim = lim  2  = lim   2  = 0 < 1
n  un n 
 n  n   n n 

Therefore by ratio test,  un is convergent.

Example : Discuss the nature of the series

x x2 x3
+ + + ….
1 .2 2.3 3.4

xn
>> un =
n(n  1)

x n 1 x n 1
Therefore un+1 = =
(n  1)(n  1  1) (n  1)(n  2)

u n 1 x n 1 n(n  1) n
Now = . = x
un (n  1)(n  2) x n
n2

u n 1 n 1
Therefore lim = lim x = lim x=x
n  un n  n  2 n   (1  2 / n)

convergent if x  1
Therefore by D’Alembert’s ratio test  un is 
divergent if x  1

And the test fails if x = 1

1n 1 1
But when x = 1, un = = = 2
n(n  1) n(n  1) n  n

un is of order 1/n2 (p = 2 > 1) and hence  un is convergent (when x = 1). Hence we

conclude that  un is convergent x  1 and divergent if x > 1
 x x2 x3
Example : Find the nature of series 1 + + + + ….
2 5 10

>> Omitting the first term, the given series can be written in the form

x1 x2 x3 xn
+ + + … so that u n =
12  1 2 2  1 3 2  1 n2  1

x n 1 n2  1 n 2 (1  1 / n 2 )
Therefore un+1 = 2 . x = lim 2 .x
n  2n  2 n 2  2n  2 n   n (1  2 / n  2 / n 2 )

u n 1
That is, lim =x
n  un

convergent if x  1
Hence by ratio test  un is 
divergent if x  1

and the test fails if x = 1.

1n 1 1
But when x = 1, un = = 2 is of order 2 (p = 2 > 1)
n 1 n 1
2
n

Therefore  un is convergent if x  1 and divergent if x > 1.

1 x2 x4
Example: Find the nature of the series + + +…
2 1 3 2 4 3

x 2n
>> omitting the first term, the general term of the series is given by un =
( n  2) n  1

x 2 (n  1) x 2n2
Therefore un+1 = =
(n  1  2) (n  1)  1 (n  3) n  2

u n 1 x 2n2 ( n  2) n  1
=
un (n  3) n  2 x 2n
 n2 n 1 2 (n  2)(n  1)
= x = x2
n3 n2 (n  3)

u n 1 n(1  2 / n)n(1  1 / n)
lim = lim . x2 = x2
n  un n  n(1  3 / n)

convergent if x 2  1
Hence by ratio test  un is 
divergent if x 2  1

and the fails if x2 = 1.

(1) n 1
When x2 = 1, un = =
( n  2) n  1 ( n  2) n  1

un is of order 1/n3/2 (p = 3/2 > 1) and hence  un is convergent.

Therefore  un is convergent if x2  1 and divergent if x2 > 1.

Example : Discus the convergence of the series

x3 3 x5 3 .5 x7
x+ + + + . + … (x > 0)
2.3 2 .4 5 2 .4 . 6 7

>> We shall write the given series in the form

1 x3 1 .3 x 5 1 .3 .5 x 7
x + . + . + . + ….
2 3 2 .4 5 2 .4 . 6 7

Now, omitting the first term we have

1.3.5...( 2n  1) x 2 n 1
un = .
2.4.6... 2n 2n  1

1.3.5...[2(n  1)  1] x 2( n 1) 1
un+1 = .
2.4.6...2(n  1) 2(n  1)  1

1.3.5...(2n  1) x 2n3
That is, un+1 = .
2.4.6....(2n  1) 2n  3

1.3.5...(2n  1)(2n  1) x 2 n  3
That is, un+1 = .
2.4.6....(2n)(2n  2) 2n  3
 u n 1 1.3.5...(2n  1)(2n  1) x 2 n  3 2.4.6...2n 2n  1
Therefore = .  . 2 n 1
un 2.4.6....(2n)(2n  2) 2n  3 1.3.5...(2n  1) x

u n 1 (2n  1)(2n  1) x 2
That is, =
un (2n  2)(2n  3)

u n 1 n(2  1 / n)n(2  1 / n) x 2
Therefore lim = lim = x2
n  un n   n(2  2 / n)n(2  3 / n)

convergent if x 2  1
Hence by ratio test,  un is 
divergent if x 2  1

And the test fails if x2 = 1

u n 1 (2n  1)(2n  1)
When x2 = 1, = and we shall apply Raabe’s test.
un (2n  2)(2n  3)

 u   (2n  2)(2n  3) 
lim n  n  1 = lim n   1
 n   (2n  1)
n  2
 u n 1 

 (4n 2  10n  6)  (4n 2  4n  1) 

= lim n  
n 
 (2n  1) 2 

 6n  5  n 2 ( 6  5 / n) 6 3
= lim n   = lim 2 = >1
 (2n  1)  n   n ( 2  1 / n) 4
n  2 2
2

Therefore  un is convergent (when x2 = 1) by Rabbe’s test.

Hence we conclude that,  un is convergent if x2  1 and divergent if x2 > 1.

Example : Examine the convergence of

2 6 2 14 3 2 n 1  2 n
1+ x+ x + x + … + n 1 x + ….
5 9 17 2 1

2 n 1  2 n
>> un = x.
2 n 1  1

2 n  2  2 n+1
Therefore un+1 = x
2 n2  1
u n 1 2 n  2  2 n+1 2 n 1  1 1
= n2 x  n 1 .
un 2 1 2  2 xn

u n 1 2 n  2 (1  2 / 2 n  2 ) 2 n 1 (1  1 / 2 n 1 )
= n 2 .x. n 1
un 2 (1  1 / 2 n  2 ) 2 (1  2 / 2 n 1 )

(1  1 / 2 n 1 ) (1  1 / 2 n 1 )
= .x .
(1  1 / 2 n  2 ) (1  1 / 2 n )

u n 1 (1  0) (1  0)
Therefore lim = .x. = x.
n  un (1  0) (1  0)

convergent if x  1
Therefore by ratio test  un is  and the test fails if x = 1.
divergent if x  1

2 n 1  2
When x = 1, un =
2 n 1  1

2 n 1 (1  1 / 2 n )
Therefore lim un = lim =1
n  n  2 n 1 (1  1 / 2 n 1 )

Since lim un = 1  0,  un is divergent (when x = 1)

n 

Hence  un is convergent if x < 1 and divergent if x 1.

Example : test for convergence of the infinite series

2! 3! 4!
1+ 2
+ 3 + 4 +…
2 3 4

>> the first term of the given series can be written as 1!/11 so that we have,

n! (n  1)! (n  1)(n!) n!
un = and un+1 = n 1
= n 1
=
n n
(n  1) (n  1) (n  1) n

u n 1 n! nn nn nn
Therefore = . = = n
un (n  1) n n! (n  1) n n (1  1 / n) n
 u n 1 1 1
lim = lim = <1
n  un n   (1  1 / n) n
e

Hence by ratio test  un is convergent.

Cauchy’s Root Test: If ∑ 𝑢𝑛 is a series of positive terms, and

𝟏⁄
𝐥𝐢𝐦 (𝒖𝒏 ) 𝒏 = 𝒍 (𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒆),
𝒏→∞

then, the series converges if 𝑙 < 1, diverges if 𝑙 > 1 and fails if 𝑙 = 1.

Remark: Root test is useful when the terms of the series are of the form 𝑢𝑛 = [𝑓(𝑛)]𝑔(𝑛) .

1⁄
We can note : (i) lim 𝑛 𝑛 =1
𝑛→∞

1⁄
(ii) lim (1 + 1⁄𝑛) 𝑛 =𝑒
𝑛→∞

1⁄
(iii) ) lim (1 + 𝑥⁄𝑛) 𝑛 = 𝑒𝑥
𝑛→∞

 n3/ 2
 1  
Example : Test for convergence  1  
n 1  n

 n3/ 2
 1 
>> un = 1  
 n

1/ n
 n 
3/ 2

1 
Therefore (un) = 1 
1/n
 
 n 

 n1/ 2  n
 1   1 
= 1   = 1  
 n  n

 n
 1 
lim (un) 1/n
= lim 1  
n  n 
 n
 1 1
= lim = < 1.
n  n e
 1 
1  
 n

Therefore as n  , n also  

Therefore by Cauchy’s root test, un is convergent.

 n2
 3
Example : Test for convergence  1  
n 1  n

n2
 3
>> un = 1  
 n

1/ n
 3 
2
n n
 3
Therefore (un) = 1   
1/n
= 1  
 n 
  n

 3
n

lim (un) 1/n
= lim 1   = e-3.
n  n 
 4 

n
 x
Therefore lim 1   = ex
n 
 n

1
That is, lim (un)1/n = < 1, therefore e = 2.7
n  e3

Hence by Cauchy’s root test,  un is convergent.

 n3 / 2
 1  
Example : Find the nature of the series  1  
n 1  n

 n3/ 2
 1 
>> un = 1  
 n
 1/ n
 n 
3/ 2

1 
Therefore (un) = 1 
1/n
 
 n 

 n1/ 2  n
 1   1 
= 1   = 1  
 n  n

 n
 1 
lim (un) 1/n
= lim 1  
n  n 
 n

1 1
= lim = < 1, since as n  , n also  
n  n e
 1 
1  
 n 

Therefore by Cauchy’s root rest,  un is convergent.

 n2
 3
Example : Test for convergence  1  
n 1  n

n2
 3
>> un = 1  
 n

1/ n
 3 
2
n n
 3
Therefore (un)1/n = 1    = 1  
 n 
  n

 3
n n
  x
lim (un)1/n = lim 1   = e-3, since lim 1   = ex
n  n 
 n  n 
 n

1
That is, lim (un)1/n = < 1, since e = 2.7.
n  e3

Hence by Cauchy’s root test,  un is convergent.

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