(d’Alembert’s) Ratio Test
∞
X
For a series an , put
n=1
an+1
L := lim
n→∞ an
1 If L < 1, then this series is absolutely convergent (hence convergent).
X ∞
2 If L > 1, then the series an is divergent.
n=1
3 If L = 1, the Ratio Test is inconclusive,
e.g., for an = 1/n, we have L = 1 and for an = 1/n2 , we have L = 1.
1/9
Use the Ratio Test to determine whether the series is convergent or divergent.
X 2n · n3
1 (−1)n−1 n
n→∞
3
X sin(3/n)
2
n→∞
(−3)n
2! 3! 4! n!
3 1− + − + · · · + (−1)n−1 + ···
1·3 1·3·5 1·3·5·7 1 · 3 · 5 · · · · · (2n − 1)
2/9
The Root Test
∞
X
For a series an , put
n=1 p
n
L := lim |an |
n→∞
1 If L < 1, then this series is absolutely convergent (and therefore convergent).
p
2 If L > 1, or lim n |an | = ∞ then is series is divergent.
n→∞
3 If L = 1, the Root Test is inconclusive,
e.g., for an = 1/n, we have L = 1 and this series is divergent;
for an = 1/(n2 ), we have L = 1 and this series is convergent.
3/9
Use the Root Test to determine whether the series is convergent or divergent.
X n2 + 3 n
1 .
n→∞
2n2 + 4
X n2
1
2 1+
n→∞
n
X
3 (arctan n)n
n→∞
4/9
Determine whether the series is absolutely convergent, conditional convergent, or
divergent.
∞
X n n
1
n=2
ln n
∞
X (−2)n
2
n=1
nn
∞
X (−1)n arctan n
3
n=1
n2
5/9
Tests
∞
X n
X
Series an is conv/div if lim ( a1 ) conv/div (This is definition).
n→∞
n=1 i=1
1 If lim an ̸= 0, then div.
n→∞
Z∞
2 If an > 0, an conti for n ≥ 1, and an dn conv/div, then conv/div.
1
an
3 If an > 0, bn > 0, lim , and bn conv/div, then an conv/div.
n→∞ bn
4 If an > 0, bn > 0, an ≤ bn , and bn conv (or an div), then an conv (or bn div).
an+1
5 If lim > 1/ < 1 then div/absolu conv.
n→∞ an
p
6 If lim n |an | > 1/ < 1, then div/absolu conv.
n→∞
6/9
Determine whether the series is absolutely convergent, conditional convergent, or
divergent.
∞
X 1
1 √
n=2
n n
∞
X 3n · n2
2
n=1
n!
∞
X n2 − 1
3 (−1)n
n=1
n3 + 1
7/9
Determine whether the series is absolutely convergent, conditional convergent, or
divergent.
∞
X sin 2n
1
n=1
1 + 2n
∞
X √
( 2 − 1)n
n
2
n=1
∞
X n2
3
n=1
3n
8/9
Determine whether the series is absolutely convergent, conditional convergent, or
divergent.
∞
X 1 · 3 · 5 · · · · · (2n − 1)
1
n=1
2 · 5 · 8 · · · · · (3n − 1)
∞
X 1
2 n · sin
n=1
n
∞
X n!
3
n=1
en2
9/9
