SEQUENCE AND SERIES OF

REAL NUMBERS

Dr.Vimlesh
Assistant Professor, Mathematics
Sri Ram Swaroop Memorial University
Lucknow-deva Road, U.P. .

Dr. Pragya Mishra

Assistant Professor, Mathematics
Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhaya Govt. Girl’s P. G. College,
Lucknow, U.P. .
What is a Sequence?
 In mathematics a sequence is an ordered list , like a set, it contains
members called elements or terms of sequence. Most precisely, a
sequence of real numbers is defined as a function S: N R,
then for each n∈N, S(n) or 𝑆𝑛 is a real number. The real numbers 𝑆1
𝑆2 ,𝑆3 ,……. ,𝑆𝑛 are called terms of sequence. A sequence may be
written as *𝑆1 𝑆2 𝑆3 ……. 𝑆𝑛 } or {𝑆𝑛 }.
 For example
 The 𝑛𝑡ℎ term of the sequence {-5n} is 𝑆𝑛 = −5𝑛 then the sequence
becomes {-5,-10, -15, ……..-5n…….}.
𝑛
 The 𝑛𝑡ℎ term of the sequence {𝑆𝑛 } is 𝑆𝑛 = , the sequence is
𝑛+1
2 3
{1, , , …}.
3 4
 A sequence is also given by its recursion formula where 𝑆1 = 1and
𝑆𝑛 = 3𝑆𝑛 , then the sequence is {1, 3, 3√3, … …}.
INFINITE SERIES
 A series is , roughly speaking , a description of the operation of adding infinitely
many quantities one after the other, to a given starting quantity.
 An expression of the form 𝑎1 + 𝑎2 + ⋯ +𝑎𝑛 + ⋯, where each 𝑎𝑛 is real numbers ,
in which each term is followed by another term is known as infinite series of real
numbers. It is denoted by ∞ 𝑛=1 𝑎𝑛 𝑜𝑟 𝑎𝑛 , here 𝑎𝑛 is 𝑛𝑡ℎ term of the series.
 The sum of n terms of series is denoted by 𝑆𝑛 , thus
 𝑆𝑛 = 𝑎1 + 𝑎2 + ⋯ + 𝑎𝑛 = 𝑛 𝑛=1 𝑎𝑛 .

SEQUENCE OF PARTIAL SUM

 Suppose 𝑎𝑛 is infinite series. We define a sequence *𝑆𝑛 } as follows:
 𝑆1 = 𝑎1 ,
 𝑆2 = 𝑎1 + 𝑎2 ,
 𝑆3 = 𝑎1 + 𝑎2 + 𝑎3 ,
 -
 -
 𝑆𝑛 = 𝑎1 + 𝑎2 + 𝑎3 + ⋯ + 𝑎𝑛 and so on
 The sequence *𝑆𝑛 } is called a sequence of partial sums of series 𝑎𝑛 .
 CONVERGENCE, DIVERGENCE AND
OSCILLATION OF A SERIES
1. CONVERGENT : A series 𝑎𝑛 is said to be convergent if the
sequence *𝑆𝑛 } of partial sums of series converges to a real number S.
i.e. lim 𝑆𝑛 = 𝑆, where S is finite and unique.
𝑛→∞
2. DIVERGENT: A series is said to be divergent if the sequence *𝑆𝑛 } of
partial sum diverges to +∞ 𝑜𝑟 − ∞. i.e. i.e. lim 𝑆𝑛 = ±∞.
𝑛→∞
3. OSCILLATORY: A series is oscillatory if sequence *𝑆𝑛 } of partial sum
of series oscillates i.e. lim 𝑆𝑛 does not tend to unique limit.
𝑛→∞
For example: consider the series
1 1 1
+ + +⋯
1.2 2.3 3.4
1 1 1 1
Here 𝑆𝑛 = 1.2 + 2.3 + 3.4 + ⋯ + 𝑛(𝑛+1)
1 1 1 1 1 1 1
= 1−2 + 2
−3 + 3
− 4
+ ⋯+ 𝑛
− 𝑛+1
1 1
𝑆𝑛 = 1 − 𝑛+1 lim 𝑆𝑛 = lim 1 − 𝑛+1 = 1 − 0 = 1 𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑒 .
𝑛→∞ 𝑛→∞
Hence the series converges to 1.
 Consider the series
3𝑛 = 3 + 32 + 33 + ⋯

Here 𝑆𝑛 = 3𝑛 − 1 , lim 𝑆𝑛 = lim 3𝑛 − 1 = ∞.

𝑛→∞ 𝑛→∞
Hence the series is divergent.

Example: Consider the series (−𝟏)𝒏−𝟏 .

• Here 𝑎𝑛 = (−1)𝑛−1 𝑛𝑜𝑤 𝑆1 = 𝑎1 = 1
• 𝑆2 = 𝑎1 + 𝑎2 = 1 − 1 = 0,
• 𝑆3 = 𝑎1 + 𝑎2 + 𝑎3 = 1 − 1 + 1 = 1, 𝑆4 = 0, 𝑆5 = 1 … . 𝑠𝑜 𝑜𝑛.
• Therefore *𝑆𝑛 + = 1,0,1,0, … Which Oscillates between 0 and 1.So the series is
oscillatory.
Elementary Properties of series
The alteration of a finite number of terms of a series has no effect on convergence and
divergence.
1. If a series converges or has an infinite sums, their sum is unique.
2. Multiplication of the terms of a series by a nonzero constant K doesnot effect the
convergence or divergence of a series.
∞ ∞

𝐾𝑎𝑛 = 𝑘 𝑎𝑛
𝑛=1 𝑛=1
Necessary Condition For Convergence:

Theorem: If a series converges, its general term tends toward zero as n becomes
infinity i.e. if the series 𝑎𝑛 converges , then lim𝑛→∞ 𝑎𝑛 = 0. But the converse is not
true.
Proof: let us consider the series 𝑎𝑛 . Consider *𝑆𝑛 } be the sequence of partial sums of
series 𝑎𝑛 .
𝑆𝑛 = 𝑎1 + 𝑎2 + ⋯ + 𝑎𝑛−1 + 𝑎𝑛
𝑆𝑛−1 = 𝑎1 + 𝑎2 + ⋯ + 𝑎𝑛−2 + 𝑎𝑛−1
𝑆𝑛 − 𝑆𝑛−1 = 𝑎𝑛
Since the series 𝑎𝑛 converges , so *𝑆𝑛 } converges
Let lim 𝑆𝑛 = 𝑠 𝑡𝑕𝑒𝑛 lim 𝑆𝑛−1 = 𝑠
𝑛→∞ 𝑛→∞
Therefore lim 𝑎𝑛 = lim 𝑆𝑛 − lim 𝑆𝑛−1 =𝑠−𝑠 =0
𝑛→∞ 𝑛→∞ 𝑛→∞
Hence lim 𝑎𝑛 =0
𝑛→∞
Thus the condition for convergence is necessary but not sufficient.
Consider the harmonic series
1 1 1 1
= 1+ + +⋯+ +⋯
𝑛 2 3 𝑛
1 1
Here 𝑎𝑛 = lim 𝑎𝑛 = lim =0
𝑛 𝑛→∞ 𝑛→∞ 𝑛
1
But the series is divergent . (by p-test)
𝑛
RESULT FOR GEOMETRIC SERIES
The geometric series
𝑟 𝑛 = 1 + 𝑟 + 𝑟 2 + 𝑟 3 + ⋯ (𝑟 > 0)

is convergent if 𝑟 < 1 and divergent if 𝑟 ≥ 1.

Examples:
1 1 1 1
 The series = + + ⋯+ + ⋯ is convergent.
2𝑛 2 22 2𝑛
Here the series is G.P. series where common ratio 𝑟 = 1/2 < 1. so the above series converges.
 The series 3𝑛 = 3 + 32 + 33 + ⋯ is divergent, since 𝑟 = 3 > 1.

POSITIVE TERM SERIES

An infinite series whose terms are positive or more generally, a non negative series (a series
whose terms are nonnegative) are called positive term series.
Theorem: (A test for a positive series)
A positive term series 𝑎𝑛 is convergent if and only if its sequence *𝑆𝑛 } of partial sum
bounded above.
Equivalently, a positive term series 𝑎𝑛 converges iff 𝑆𝑛 < 𝑘 ∀𝑛 ∈ 𝑁.
Remark: Since monotonic sequence either converge or diverge but never oscillate. Therefore
positive term series are either converge or diverge.
Test for Divergence
Theorem: If 𝑎𝑛 is a positive series such that lim 𝑎𝑛 ≠ 0, then the 𝑎𝑛 diverges.
𝑛→∞

∞ 𝜋
EXAMPLE(1): Test the convergence of series 𝑛=1 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2𝑛.
𝜋 𝜋
Here 𝑎𝑛 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠 , Then lim 𝑎𝑛 = lim 𝑐𝑜𝑠 = cos0 = 1 ≠ 0.
2𝑛 𝑛→∞ 𝑛→∞ 2𝑛
So by theorem lim 𝑎𝑛 ≠ 0 then the series is divergent.
𝑛→∞
1 2 𝑛
Example (2): consider the series + + ⋯+ +⋯
𝑛 6 2 𝑛+1

𝑛 𝑛 1/2 1 1/2
Here 𝑎𝑛 = lim 𝑎𝑛 = lim = lim
2 𝑛+1 𝑛→∞ 𝑛→∞ 2𝑛 1+1/𝑛 𝑛→∞ 2 1+1/𝑛

1
= ≠0
2
Hence the series is divergent.
SOME COMPARISON TEST

 FIRST COMPARISON TEST:

Theorem: let 𝑎𝑛 and 𝑏𝑛 be two positive term series such that 𝑎𝑛 ≤ 𝑘 𝑏𝑛 ∀𝑛 ≥ 𝑚
(k being a fixed positive number and m a fixed positive integer. Then
1. If 𝑏𝑛 converges implies 𝑎𝑛 converges.
2. If 𝑎𝑛 diverges implies 𝑏𝑛 diverges.

1
CONVERGENCE OF p-SERIES
𝑛𝑝
𝟏 𝟏 𝟏 𝟏
The series ∞
𝒏=𝟏 𝒑 = 𝒑 + 𝒑 + ⋯ + 𝒑 + ⋯ (𝐩 > 𝟎)
𝒏 𝟏 𝟐 𝒏
Converges if (p >1) and diverges if 𝒑 ≤ 𝟏 .
2
EXAMPLE consider the series 𝑒 −𝑛
𝑒𝑥 > 𝑥 ∀𝑥 > 0\
2
𝑒 𝑛 > 𝑛2 ∀𝑛
1 1 2 1
2 < 𝑒 −𝑛 < ∀𝑛
𝑒𝑛 𝑛2 𝑛2
∞ 1
Since 𝑛=1 𝑛2 converges (by p-series test here p=2 >1)

2
Hence by first comparison test 𝑒 −𝑛 is convergent.
 ∞ 1
EXAMPLE: Consider series 𝑛=2 𝑛2 log 𝑛
1 1
Since we know that > ∀𝑛 ≥2
𝑛2 log 𝑛 𝑛2
∞ 1
Here series 𝑛=1 𝑛2 is convergent since p = 2 > 1
So by first comparison test
∞ 1
𝑛=2 𝑛2 log 𝑛 is convergent.

LIMIT FORM TEST

Theorem Let 𝒂𝒏 and 𝒃𝒏 be two positive term series such that
𝒂𝒏
𝐥𝐢𝐦 = 𝒍 (𝒍 𝒊𝒔 𝒏𝒐𝒏𝒛𝒆𝒓𝒐 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒆)
𝒏→∞ 𝒃𝒏

Then 𝒂𝒏 and 𝒃𝒏 converges and diverges together.

i.e. 𝒃𝒏 converges implies 𝒂𝒏 converges.
𝒃𝒏 diverges implies 𝒂𝒏 diverges.
REMARKS:
1. If l = 0 𝑜𝑟 𝑙 = ∞ then above test may not hold good.
2. To apply limit test on the series 𝑎𝑛 , we have to select series 𝑏𝑛 called auxillary
series (which is usually p-series) in which the 𝑛𝑡ℎ term of 𝑏𝑛 behaves as 𝑎𝑛 , for
large values of n written as 𝑎𝑛 ~𝑏𝑛 .
For large values of n we have
1 1
~
𝑛2 + 1 𝑛2

1 1 1
~ = .
𝑛+ 𝑛+1 𝑛+ 𝑛 2 𝑛
We also take 𝑏𝑛 as
1
𝑏𝑛 = where 𝑎 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑏 are higher indices of n in denominator and numerator.
𝑛(𝑎−𝑏)
𝑛 1 1
For example 𝑎𝑛 = then 𝑏𝑛 = =
𝑛3 + 𝑛 𝑛3−1 𝑛2
𝑎𝑛
And usually lim = 1.
𝑛→∞ 𝑏𝑛
1
 The series converges if 𝑝 > 1 and diverges if 𝑝 ≤ 1.
𝑛𝑝
EXAMPLES
1 3 5
consider the series + + +⋯
1.2.3 2.3.4 3.4.5
The 𝑛𝑡ℎ term of the series is
2𝑛 − 1
𝑎𝑛 =
𝑛(𝑛 + 1)(𝑛 + 2)
1
2−
𝑎𝑛 = 𝑛
1 2
𝑛2 (1 + )(1 + )
𝑛 𝑛
 1
Let us consider the auxiliary series 𝑏𝑛 = 𝑛2
𝑎𝑛 (2𝑛−1)𝑛2
Then =
𝑏𝑛 𝑛(𝑛+1)(𝑛+2)
𝒂𝒏 𝑛(2𝑛 − 1)
=
𝒃𝒏 (𝑛 + 1)(𝑛 + 2)
𝒂𝒏 𝒏 𝟐𝒏 − 𝟏
lim = lim
𝑛→∞ 𝒃𝒏 𝑛→∞ 𝟏 + 𝒏 𝒏+𝟐

𝑎𝑛 1 2 − 1\𝑛
𝑙𝑖𝑚 = 𝑙𝑖𝑚
𝑛→∞ 𝑏𝑛 𝑛→∞ 1 + 1 1 + 2\𝑛
𝑛

𝒂𝒏 𝟏 𝟐−𝟎
lim =
𝑛→∞ 𝒃𝒏 𝟏+𝟎 𝟏+𝟎
= 2 ≠ 0 𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑒
1
So 𝑎𝑛 and 𝑏𝑛 converges or diverges together since the series 𝑏𝑛 = converges
𝑛2
(because p=2>1). Hence 𝑎𝑛 converges.
∞
Example: Test the convergence of the series 𝑛=1 𝑛4 + 1 − 𝑛4 − 1
Sol: Here 𝑛𝑡ℎ term of the series will be
𝑛4 + 1 + 𝑛4 − 1
𝑎𝑛 = 𝑛4 +1− 𝑛4 −1×
𝑛4 + 1 + 𝑛4 − 1
 𝑛4 + 1 − 𝑛4 − 1 2
𝑎𝑛 = ~
𝑛4 + 1 + 𝑛4 − 1 1 1
n2 1+ + n2 1−
n4 n4
1
Consider 𝑏𝑛 = then
𝑛2
𝑎𝑛 2
lim = lim
𝑛→∞ 𝑏𝑛 𝑛→∞ 1 1
1+ + 1−
𝑛4 𝑛4
2
= = 1 ≠ 0(𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑒)
2
1
So 𝑎𝑛 and 𝑏𝑛 converges or diverges together . Since the series 𝑏𝑛 = is convergent. Hence
𝑛2
the given series is convergent.

Cauchy’s 𝒏𝒕𝒉 Root Test:

𝟏
If 𝒂𝒏 be a positive term series such that 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒂𝒏 𝒏 = 𝒍 then
𝐧→∞
a. 𝑎𝑛 is convergent , if 𝒍 < 𝟏
b. 𝑎𝑛 is divergent, if 𝒍>𝟏
c. Test fail if 𝒍 = 𝟏.
Example:
Test the convergence of the series
∞ 𝑛
(i) 𝑛=1 𝑛1\n − 1
Solution: The 𝑛𝑡ℎ term of the series be
𝑛
𝑎𝑛 = 𝑛1\n − 1
Now by Cauchy’s 𝑛𝑡ℎ root test
𝑎𝑛 1\n = 𝑛1\n − 1
1\n
lim 𝑎𝑛 = lim 𝑛1\n − 1 = 1 − 1 = 0 < 1
𝑛→∞ 𝑛→∞
Hence by Cauchy’s 𝑛𝑡ℎ root test given series is convergent.
Example: Test the convergence of the series
1 2 3 2 2 4 3 3
+ 𝑥+ 𝑥 + 𝑥 + ⋯ (x>0)
2 3 4 5
𝑛+1 𝑛 𝑛
Solution: Here 𝑎𝑛 = 𝑥 (Neglecting the first term)
𝑛+2
By Cauchy’s 𝑛𝑡ℎ root test
1\n
𝑛+1
lim 𝑎𝑛 = lim x =𝑥
𝑛→∞ 𝑛→∞ 𝑛+2
Hence by Cauchy’s 𝑛𝑡ℎ root test 𝑎𝑛 is convergent if x<1, 𝑎𝑛 is divergent if
x>1 and test fail if x=1.
Now when x=1
𝑛
𝑛+1
𝑎𝑛 = 1𝑛
𝑛+2
𝑛
1 + 1\n 𝑒 1
lim 𝑎𝑛 = lim = = ≠0
𝑛→∞ 𝑛→∞ 1 + 2\n 𝑒2 𝑒
So the series 𝑎𝑛 is divergent at x=1.
Finally the series converges if x<1and diverges if 𝑥 ≥ 1.
Comparison of Ratio test Or Second Ratio Test:
𝒂𝒏 𝒃𝒏
If 𝒂𝒏 and 𝒃𝒏 are two series of positive terms such that ≥ ∀ 𝒏≥𝒎
𝒂𝐧+𝟏 𝒃𝐧+𝟏

Then (i) 𝒃𝒏 converges implies that 𝒂𝒏 converges.

(ii) 𝒂𝒏 diverges implies that 𝒃𝒏 𝐝𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐬.

D’ Alemberts Ratio Test:

Suppose 𝒂𝒏 be series of positive term such that
𝒂𝐧
lim = 𝒍, then the series is
𝒏→∞ 𝒂𝐧+𝟏
(i) Convergent if 𝒍 > 𝟏.
(ii) Divergent if 𝒍 < 𝟏.
(iii) The test fail to describe the nature of the series if 𝒍 = 𝟏.

Remarks:
(i) This test is applied when 𝑛𝑡ℎ term of the series involves factorials, product of several factors
or combinations of powers and factorial.
𝒂𝐧+𝟏
(ii) The another equivalent form of ratio test is lim = 𝒍, if 𝒂𝒏 is series of positive term
𝒏→∞ 𝒂𝐧
then
a. 𝒂𝒏 converges if 𝒍 < 𝟏.
b. 𝒂𝒏 diverges if 𝒍 > 𝟏.
c. Test fail if 𝒍 = 𝟏.
 𝒂𝐧
(iii) If lim = ∞, then 𝒂𝒏 is convergent.
𝒏→∞ 𝒂𝐧+𝟏
𝒂
(iv) If lim 𝐧+𝟏 = 𝟎, then 𝒂𝒏 is convergent.
𝒏→∞ 𝒂𝐧
Example: Test the convergence of the given series
1 1.2 1.2.3 1.2.3.4
+ + + +⋯
3 3.5 3.5.7 3.5.7.9
1.2.3.4…n
Solution: Here 𝒂𝒏 = [since 3.5.7.9… are in A.P. 𝑛𝑡ℎ term is 3+2(n-
3.5.7.9…(2𝑛+1)
1)=2n+1]
1.2.3.4…n(𝑛+1)
𝑎𝑛+1 =
3.5.7.9…(2𝑛+1)(2𝑛+3)

𝑎𝑛 2𝑛 + 3 2 + 3\𝑛
lim = lim = lim =2>1
𝑛→∞ 𝑎𝑛+1 𝑛→∞ 𝑛 + 1 𝑛→∞ 1 + 1\𝑛

Therefore by ratio test 𝒂𝒏 is convergent.

𝑥𝑛
Example: Test the convergence of the series
𝑥+𝑛
𝑥𝑛 𝑥 𝑛+1
Solution: Here 𝒂𝒏 = and 𝑎𝑛+1 =
𝑥+𝑛 𝑥+(𝑛+1)
𝑎𝑛 𝑥+𝑛+1 𝑥 𝑛 *1+ 1+𝑥 \n+ 1 (1+0) 1 1
Now lim = lim = lim = =
𝑛→∞ 𝑎𝑛+1 𝑛→∞ 𝑥+𝑛 𝑥 𝑛+1 𝑛→∞ (1+𝑥\n) 𝑥 (1+0) 𝑥 𝑥
1 1
By Ratio test 𝒂𝒏 is convergent if > 1 𝑖. 𝑒. 𝑥 < 1and 𝒂𝒏 is divergent if < 1 𝑖. 𝑒. 𝑥 >
𝑥 𝑥
1. For x=1 test becomes fail and we have
1
𝒂𝒏 =
1+𝑛
 1 1
𝑎𝑛 = choose 𝑏𝑛 =
𝑛(1+1\𝑛) 𝑛
𝑎𝑛 1
𝑙𝑖𝑚 = 𝑙𝑖𝑚 = 1 ≠ 0(𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑒)
𝑛→∞ 𝑏𝑛 𝑛→∞ (1 + 1\𝑛)

By Comparison test 𝑎𝑛 and 𝑏𝑛 are either both convergent or divergent.

1
Since auxillary series 𝑏𝑛 = is divergent so 𝑎𝑛 is also divergent.
𝑛
Hence the series 𝑎𝑛 is convergent if 𝑥 < 1 and divergent if 𝑥 ≥ 1.

Raabe’s Test:
Suppose 𝒂𝒏 be series of positive term such that
𝒂𝐧
lim 𝒏 −𝟏 = 𝒍, then the series is
𝒏→∞ 𝒂𝐧+𝟏

(i) Convergent if 𝒍 > 𝟏.

(ii) Divergent if 𝒍 < 𝟏.
(iii) The test fail to describe the nature of the series if 𝒍 = 𝟏.

Remarks:
(i) Raabe’s Test is Stronger than D’Alemberts Ratio Test.
𝒂𝐧
(ii) When Ratio test fail i.e. lim = 𝒍 then Rabbe’s test may apply.
𝒏→∞ 𝒂𝐧+𝟏
𝒂𝐧
(iii) If lim 𝒏 −𝟏 = +∞ then series 𝒂𝒏 is convergent.
𝒏→∞ 𝒂𝐧+𝟏
𝒂𝐧
(iv) If lim 𝒏 −𝟏 = −∞, then series 𝒂𝒏 is divergent.
𝒏→∞ 𝒂𝐧+𝟏
Example: Test the convergence of the series
𝑎(𝑎+1) 𝑎(𝑎+1)(𝑎+2)
1+𝑎+ + +⋯
2! 3!
𝒂 𝒂+𝟏 𝒂+𝟐 +⋯+(𝒂+𝒏−𝟏)
Solution: Here 𝒂𝒏 =
𝒏!
𝒂 𝒂 𝒂+𝟏 𝒂+𝟐 +⋯+(𝒂+𝒏)
𝒏+𝟏=
𝒏+𝟏!
𝑎𝑛 𝒂 𝒂 + 𝟏 𝒂 + 𝟐 … (𝒂 + 𝒏 − 𝟏) (𝒏 + 𝟏)!
𝑙𝑖𝑚 = 𝑙𝑖𝑚 ×
𝑛→∞ 𝑎𝑛+1 𝑛→∞ 𝒏! 𝒂 𝒂 + 𝟏 … . . (𝒂 + 𝒏)

𝑎𝑛 𝑛+1 1 + 1\n
𝑙𝑖𝑚 = 𝑙𝑖𝑚 = 𝑙𝑖𝑚 =1
𝑛→∞ 𝑎𝑛+1 𝑛→∞ 𝑎 + 𝑛 𝑛→∞ 1 + 𝑎\n

Therefore D’Alembert’s ratio test fail it is not able to describe the nature of series.
Thus we apply Rabbe’s test
𝒂𝐧 𝒏+𝟏 𝒏 𝟏−𝒂
lim 𝒏 − 𝟏 = lim 𝒏 −𝟏 = lim
𝒏→∞ 𝒂𝐧+𝟏 𝒏→∞ 𝒂+𝒏 𝒏→∞ 𝒏 𝟏 + 𝒂\n

𝒂𝐧
lim 𝒏 −𝟏 = 𝟏−𝒂
𝒏→∞ 𝒂𝐧+𝟏
So the series is convergent if 𝟏 − 𝒂 > 𝟏 𝒊. 𝒆. 𝒂 < 𝟎 and divergent if 𝟏 − 𝒂 < 𝟏 𝒊. 𝒆. 𝒂 >
𝟎 and test fail if 𝟏 − 𝒂 = 𝟏 𝒊. 𝒆. 𝒂 = 𝟎 .
Now if 𝒂 = 𝟎 then the series contains only first term and therefore the convergent.
Hence finally the series is convergent if 𝒂 ≤ 𝟎 and divergent if 𝒂 > 𝟎.
Example: Test the convergence of series 𝑥 𝑛 log 𝑛 𝑝

Solution: Here 𝑎𝑛 = 𝑥 𝑛 log 𝑥 𝑝

𝑎𝑛+1 = 𝑥 𝑛+1 log(𝑛 + 1) 𝑝

𝒑 −𝟏
𝑎𝑛 𝑥 𝑛 log 𝑥 𝑝 𝟏 log(𝒏 + 𝟏)
𝑙𝑖𝑚 = 𝑙𝑖𝑚 𝑛+1 𝑝
= 𝑙𝑖𝑚
𝑛→∞ 𝑎𝑛+1 𝑛→∞ 𝑥 log(𝑛 + 1) 𝑛→∞ 𝒙 (log 𝒏)𝒑

−𝒑 −𝒑
𝑎𝑛 𝟏 log 𝒏(𝟏 + 𝟏\n) 𝟏 log 𝒏 + log( 1 + 1\n
𝑙𝑖𝑚 = 𝑙𝑖𝑚 = 𝑙𝑖𝑚
𝑎𝑛+1 𝑛→∞ 𝒙 log 𝒏 𝑛→∞ 𝒙 log 𝒏
𝑛→∞

−𝒑
𝟏 𝟏
𝑎𝑛 𝟏 log 𝒏 + − +⋯
𝒏 𝟐𝒏𝟐
𝑙𝑖𝑚 = 𝑙𝑖𝑚
𝑛→∞ 𝑎𝑛+1 𝑛→∞ 𝒙 log 𝒏

−𝒑
𝑎𝑛 𝟏 𝟏 𝟏
𝑙𝑖𝑚 = 𝑙𝑖𝑚 𝟏 + − 𝟐 +⋯
𝑛→∞ 𝑎𝑛+1 𝑛→∞ 𝒙 nlog 𝒏 𝟐𝒏 log 𝒏

𝑎𝑛 𝟏 𝒑 𝑷 𝟏
𝑙𝑖𝑚 = 𝑙𝑖𝑚 𝟏 − + 𝟐 −⋯ =
𝑛→∞ 𝑎𝑛+1 𝑛→∞ 𝒙 nlog 𝒏 𝟐𝒏 log 𝒏 𝒙
𝟏
Hence by ratio test the series is convergent if > 𝟏 𝒊. 𝒆. 𝒙 < 𝟏 and divergent if
𝒙
𝟏
< 𝟏 𝒊. 𝒆. 𝒙 > 𝟏. Test fail when x=1.
𝒙
For x=1, Applying Rabbe’s test
 𝒂𝐧 𝒑 𝒑
lim 𝒏 − 𝟏 = lim 𝒏 𝟏 − + 𝟐 −⋯− 𝟏
𝒏→∞ 𝒂𝐧+𝟏 𝒏→∞ nlog 𝒏 𝟐𝒏 log 𝒏
−𝒏 𝒑 𝒑
= lim − −⋯ =0<1
𝒏→∞ 𝒏 log 𝒏 2nlog 𝒏
So by Raabe’s test the series diverges if x=1. Hence finally series converges if x<1 and
diverges if 𝑥 ≥ 1.
Example: Test the convergence of the series
𝑝 𝑝(𝑝 + 1) 𝑝(𝑝 + 1)(𝑝 + 2)
1+ + + +⋯ 𝑃 >0 𝑞 >0
𝑞 𝑞(𝑞 + 1) 𝑞 𝑞 + 1 (𝑞 + 2)
Solution: Neglecting First term
𝑝 𝑝+1 𝑝+2 …(𝑝+𝑛−1) 𝑝 𝑝+1 𝑝+2 …(𝑝+𝑛−1)(𝑝+𝑛)
𝑎𝑛 = , 𝑎𝑛+1 =
𝑞 𝑞+1 𝑞+2 …(𝑞+𝑛−1) 𝑞 𝑞+1 𝑞+2 …(𝑞+𝑛−1)(𝑞+𝑛)

𝑎𝑛 𝑞+𝑛 1 + 𝑞\n
𝑙𝑖𝑚 = 𝑙𝑖𝑚 = 𝑙𝑖𝑚 =1
𝑛→∞ 𝑎𝑛+1 𝑛→∞ 𝑝 + 𝑛 𝑛→∞ 1 + 𝑝\n

So D’Alembert’s test fail Now applying Raabe’s test

𝒂𝐧 𝑞+𝑛 𝑞−𝑝
lim 𝒏 − 𝟏 = lim n − 1 = lim n =𝑞−𝑝
𝒏→∞ 𝒂𝐧+𝟏 𝒏→∞ 𝑝+𝑛 𝒏→∞ 𝑝+𝑛
By Raabe’s test the series is convergent if 𝑞 − 𝑝 > 1 i. e. q > 1 + p and divergent if
𝑞 − 𝑝 < 1 𝑖. 𝑒. 𝑞 > 1 + 𝑝. The test fail if 𝑞 − 𝑝 = 1 𝑖. 𝑒. 𝑞 = 1 + 𝑝.

𝑝 𝑝 + 1 𝑝 + 1 … (𝑝 + 𝑛 − 1)
𝑎𝑛 =
𝑝 + 1 𝑝 + 2 … (𝑝 + 𝑛 − 1)(𝑝 + 𝑛)
 𝑝 1
𝑎𝑛 = Let 𝑏𝑛 =
(𝑝+𝑛) 𝑛
𝑎 𝑝𝑛 𝑝𝑛 𝑝
Then 𝑙𝑖𝑚 𝑛 = 𝑙𝑖𝑚 = 𝑙𝑖𝑚 = 𝑙𝑖𝑚 =𝑝>0
𝑛→∞ 𝑏𝑛 𝑛→∞ 𝑝+𝑛 𝑛→∞ 𝑛(1+𝑝\n) 𝑛→∞ 1+𝑝\n
𝟏
So by comparison test 𝒂𝒏 converges or diverges. Here series 𝒃𝒏 = divergent.
𝒏
Hence 𝒂𝒏 diverges when q=1+p.
Therefore finally the series is convergent if q>1+p and diverges if 𝑞 ≤ 1 + 𝑝.

Logarithmic Test:
Suppose 𝒂𝒏 be series of positive term such that
𝒂𝒏
𝒍𝒊𝒎 𝒏 𝒍𝒐𝒈 = 𝒍, then the series is
𝒏→∞ 𝒂𝒏+𝟏

(i) Convergent if 𝒍 > 𝟏.

(ii) Divergent if 𝒍 < 𝟏.
(iii) The test fail to describe the nature of the series if 𝒍 = 𝟏.

Remarks:
(i) Logarithmic test applied only when ratio test fails and it involves the exponential ‘e’.
(ii) Logarithmic test is alternative form of Raabe’s test.
De Morgans and Bertrand’s Test (D&B Test):
Suppose 𝒂𝒏 be series of positive term such that
𝒂𝐧
lim 𝒏 − 𝟏 − 𝟏 𝒍𝒐𝒈𝒏 = 𝒍, then the series is
𝒏→∞ 𝒂𝐧+𝟏

(i) Convergent if 𝒍 > 𝟏.

(ii) Divergent if 𝒍 < 𝟏.
Remark:
This test is applied only when D’Alembert’s Ratio test and Raab’s test fail to describe
nature of the series.

Higher(Second) Logarithmic Ratio Test:

OR
Altenative To Bertrand’s Test:
Suppose 𝒂𝒏 be series of positive term such that
𝒂𝐧
lim 𝒏 𝒍𝒐𝒈 −𝟏 𝒍𝒐𝒈𝒏 = 𝒍, then the series is
𝒏→∞ 𝒂𝐧+𝟏

(i) Convergent if 𝒍 > 𝟏.

(ii) Divergent if 𝒍 < 𝟏.
Remark:
This test applied when Logarithmic test failed.
 Ratio Test

Comparison Test Test For Divergence

Raabe’s Test Logarithmic Test

D & B Test Higher Logarithmic Test

Example: Test the convergence of following series
𝑥 22 2 33 3
(i) 1+ + 𝑥 + 𝑥 +⋯
1! 2! 3!
1 𝑝 1.3 𝑝
(ii) (1)𝑝 + + +⋯
2 2.4
𝑛𝑛 𝑥 𝑛
Solution: Here 𝑎𝑛 = 𝑛𝑒𝑔𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝐹𝑖𝑟𝑠𝑡 𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑚
𝑛!
(𝑛 + 1)𝑛+1 𝑥 𝑛+1
𝑎𝑛+1 =
𝑛+1 !
𝒂𝐧 𝒏 𝒏 𝟏 𝟏 𝟏
−𝒏
lim = lim = lim 𝟏 + 𝟏\n =
𝒏→∞ 𝒂𝐧+𝟏 𝒏→∞ 𝒏 + 𝟏 𝒙 𝒏→∞ 𝒙 𝒆𝒙
𝟏
By D’Alembert’s Ratio Test the series is convergent if > 𝟏 𝒊. 𝒆. 𝒙 < 𝟏\e and divergent if
𝒆𝒙
𝟏 𝟏
< 𝟏 𝒊. 𝒆. 𝒙 > and the test fail if x=1\e.
𝒆𝒙 𝒆
1
Now when 𝑥 =
𝑒
𝒂𝐧 −𝒏
= 𝒆 𝟏 + 𝟏\n
𝒂𝐧+𝟏

𝒂𝐧
𝒏𝒍𝒐𝒈 = nlog 𝒆 − 𝒏𝟐 log(𝟏 + 𝟏\n)
𝒂𝐧+𝟏
𝒂𝐧
𝒏 log = 𝒏 − 𝒏𝟐 𝟏\n − 𝟏\𝟐𝒏𝟐 + 𝟏\𝟑𝒏𝟑 − ⋯
𝒂𝐧+𝟏
𝒂𝐧 𝟏 𝟏 𝟏
lim 𝒏 log = lim − +⋯ = <𝟏
𝒏→∞ 𝒂𝐧+𝟏 𝒏→∞ 𝟐 𝟑𝒏 𝟐
So by logarithmic test, given series is divergent if x=1\e
𝟏 𝟏
Finally given series is convergent if 𝒙 < and diverges if 𝒙 ≥ .
𝒆 𝒆
 1.3.5….(2𝑛−1) 𝑝 1.3.5….(2𝑛+1) 𝑝
(II). Here 𝑎𝑛 = 𝑎𝑛+1 =
2.4.6….2𝑛 2.4.6….2𝑛+2
𝑝
𝑎𝑛 (2𝑛 + 2)
𝑙𝑖𝑚 = 𝑙𝑖𝑚 =1
𝑛→∞ 𝑎𝑛+1 𝑛→∞ 2𝑛 + 1

So D’Alembert’s test fail to describe nature of series. Now we applying Logarithmic

test:
𝑝
𝑎𝑛 (2𝑛 + 2) (1 + 1\𝑛)
𝑛 log = 𝑛 log = 𝑛𝑝 log
𝑎𝑛+1 2𝑛 + 1 (1 + 1\2𝑛)
𝑎𝑛 1 1 1 1 1 1
𝑙𝑖𝑚 𝑛 𝑙𝑜𝑔 = 𝑙𝑖𝑚 𝑛𝑝 − 2+ 3−⋯ − − 2 2+ 3 3−⋯
𝑛→∞ 𝑎𝑛+1 𝑛→∞ 𝑛 2𝑛 3𝑛 2𝑛 22 𝑛 32 𝑛
1 3 7 𝑝
= 𝑙𝑖𝑚 p − + − ⋯ =
𝑛→∞ 2 8𝑛 24𝑛2 2
𝑝 𝑝
So by Logarithmic test, the series is convergent if > 1 i. e. p > 2 and if <
2 2
1 𝑖. 𝑒. 𝑝 < 2 and test fail at p=2.
Now applying Higher Logarithmic Test

𝑎𝑛 1 3 7
𝑛 𝑙𝑜𝑔 −1=2 − + −⋯ −1
𝑎𝑛+1 2 8𝑛 24𝑛2
𝑎𝑛 3 7 log 𝑛
𝑙𝑖𝑚 𝑛 𝑙𝑜𝑔 − 1 log 𝑛 = 𝑙𝑖𝑚 − + −⋯ =0<1
𝑛→∞ 𝑎𝑛+1 𝑛→∞ 4 12𝑛 𝑛
Therefore by Higher Logarithmic Test the series is divergent if p=2.
Thus finally given series converges if p>2 and diverges if p<=2.
Example: Test the convergence of the series:
12 12 .32 12 .32 .52 2
(i) + 𝑥+ 2 2 2𝑥 + ⋯
22 22 4 2 2 4 .6
1+1\2 1+1\2+1\3
(ii) 𝑥+𝑥 +𝑥 + 𝑥 1+1\2+1\3+1\4 + ⋯
12 .32 .…(2𝑛−1)2 𝑛−1 12 .32 .…(2𝑛+1)2 𝑛
Solution: Here 𝑎𝑛 = 𝑥 𝑎𝑛+1 = 𝑥
22 4 2 ….(2𝑛)2 22 4 2 ….(2𝑛+2)2
𝟐
𝒂𝐧 2𝑛 + 2 𝟏 𝟏
lim = lim =
𝒏→∞ 𝒂𝐧+𝟏 𝒏→∞ 2𝑛 + 1 𝒙 𝒙
𝟏
Therefore by D’Alembert’s Test the given series is convergent if > 𝟏 𝒊. 𝒆. 𝒙 < 𝟏 and
𝒙
𝟏
divergent if < 𝟏 𝒊. 𝒆. 𝒙 > 𝟏 and the test fail if x=1
𝒙
Now when x=1
𝟐
𝒂𝐧 𝟐𝒏 + 𝟐
−𝟏= −𝟏
𝒂𝐧+𝟏 𝟐𝒏 + 𝟏
𝒂𝐧 𝟒𝒏 + 𝟑
lim 𝒏 − 𝟏 = lim 𝒏 × =𝟏
𝒏→∞ 𝒂𝐧+𝟏 𝒏→∞ 𝟐𝒏 + 𝟏 𝟐
Therefore Raabe’s test fail to describe nature of series, now applying DeMorgans and Bertrand
test
𝒂𝐧 𝟒𝒏 + 𝟑
𝒏 −𝟏 −𝟏=𝒏× −1
𝒂𝐧+𝟏 𝟐𝒏 + 𝟏 𝟐
𝒂𝐧 −𝒏 − 𝟏 −𝟏 − 𝟏\n log 𝒏
lim 𝒏 − 𝟏 − 𝟏 log 𝒏 = lim log 𝒏 = lim =𝟎<𝟏
𝒏→∞ 𝒂𝐧+𝟏 𝒏→∞ 𝟐𝒏 + 𝟏 𝟐 𝒏→∞ 𝟐 + 𝟏\n 𝟐 𝒏

Thus by D & B Test given series is divergent when x=1. hence finally series is convergent if
x<1 and divergent if x>=1.
Cauchy’s Condensation Test:
If f(a) be a positive function of positive integral value of n and f(n) is a monotonically
decreasing function of n ∀𝑛 ∈ 𝑁 then the two infinite series 𝑓(𝑛) and 𝑎𝑛 𝑓(𝑎𝑛 )
converge or diverge together, here a being a positive integer greater than unity.
OR
If f(n) be a positive monotonically decreasing function of n ∀𝑛 ∈ 𝑁, then the two series
f(1)+f(2)+f(3)+ …..…+f(n) and 𝑎𝑓 𝑎 + 𝑎2 𝑓 𝑎2 + 𝑎3 𝑓 𝑎3 + ⋯ + 𝑎𝑛 𝑓(𝑎𝑛 )
converge or diverge together, here a being a positive integer greater than unity.

Remark:
This test generally applied when 𝑎𝑛 contains log 𝑛.

Theorem:
∞ 1
The auxiliary series 𝑛=1 𝑛 log 𝑛 𝑝 is convergent if 𝑝 > 1 and divergent if 𝑝 ≤ 1.

Proof: Case I if 𝑝 ≤ 0
1 1
Then ≥ for 𝑛 ≥ 2
𝑛 log 𝑛 𝑝 𝑛
1 1
So by comparison test since is divergent so the series is also divergent.
𝑛 𝑛 log 𝑛 𝑝

Case II If 𝑝 > 0 the consider

1
𝑓 𝑛 = 𝑝
𝑛 log 𝑛
 𝑝 1
Here f(n) is positive for all 𝑛 ≥ 2 and since 𝑛 log 𝑛 is increasing sequence so
𝑛 log 𝑛 𝑝
i.e. f(n) is decreasing sequence. Hence by Cauchy’s condensation test should apply. By
CCT the series 𝑓 𝑛 is convergent or divergent according as 𝑎𝑛 𝑓 𝑎𝑛 is
convergent or divergent.
𝑎𝑛 1 1 1
Now 𝑎𝑛 𝑓 𝑎𝑛 = = =
𝑎𝑛 (log 𝑎𝑛 )𝑝 (𝑛 log 𝑎)𝑝 𝑛𝑝 (log 𝑎)𝑝
1 1
Since is constant so the series 𝑎𝑛 𝑓 𝑎𝑛 is converges or diverges as is
(log 𝑎)𝑝 𝑛𝑝
convergent or divergent.
1
Since is convergent if p>1 and divergent if 𝑝 ≤ 1. hence by CCT the given series
𝑛𝑝
1
is convergent if p>1 and diverges 𝑝 ≤ 1.
𝑛 log 𝑛 𝑝

Example: test the convergence of the series

(log 𝑛)2
(i)
𝑛2
𝑡ℎ (log 𝑛)2
Solution: The 𝑛 term of the series 𝑎𝑛 = 𝑓 𝑛 =
𝑛2
Which is positive for n≥ 2and monotonically decreasing as n increases.
(log 𝑎𝑛 )2 𝑛2 (log 𝑎)2
Now 𝑎𝑛 𝑓 𝑎𝑛 = 𝑎𝑛 =
𝑎2𝑛 𝑎𝑛
Where a being a positive integer greater than one .
(log 𝑎𝑛 )2
Consider 𝑎𝑛 𝑓 𝑎𝑛 = 𝑎𝑛 = 𝑏𝑛 (𝑠𝑎𝑦)
𝑎2𝑛
 𝑛2 (𝑙𝑜𝑔 𝑎)2 (𝑛+1)2 (𝑙𝑜𝑔 𝑎)2
𝑏𝑛 = 𝑏𝑛+1 =
𝑎𝑛 𝑎𝑛+1
𝑏𝑛 𝑎𝑛2
𝑙𝑖𝑚 = 𝑙𝑖𝑚 2 =𝑎>1
𝑛→∞ 𝑏𝑛+1 𝑛→∞ 𝑛 (1 + 1\𝑛2 )

So by D’Alemberts Ratio test the series 𝑏𝑛 𝑖. 𝑒. 𝑎𝑛 𝑓 𝑎𝑛 is convergent.

(𝑙𝑜𝑔 𝑛)2
Hence by CCT the series is convergent.
𝑛2

Convergence Of Infinite Integrals:

∞
The infinite integrals 𝟏
𝒇 𝒙 𝒅𝒙 is said to be convergent (divergent) if
𝒕
𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇 𝒙 𝒅𝒙 𝒊𝒔 𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒆 𝒐𝒓 𝒊𝒏𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒆 .
𝒕→∞ 𝟏

Definition:
Let f(x) be real valued function with domain ,𝟏, ∞) the function f(x) is said to be
non negative if 𝒇 𝒙 ≥ 𝟎 ∀𝒙 ≥ 𝟏 and f(x) is said to be monotonically decreasing if
𝒙 ≤ 𝒚 𝒊𝒎𝒑𝒍𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝒇 𝒙 ≥ 𝒇 𝒚 𝒙, 𝒚 ∈ 𝟏, ∞ .

Cauchy’s Integral Test:

If f(x) is nonnegative monotonically decreasing and integrable function such that
𝐟 𝐧 = 𝒂𝒏 ∀𝒏 ∈ 𝑵
∞ ∞
Then the series 𝒏=𝟏 𝒂𝒏 is convergent and the integral 𝟏
𝒇 𝒙 𝒅𝒙 are either both
convergent or both divergent.
Example: Test the convergence of the series by using Cauchy’s integral test
∞ 1
(i) 𝑛=1 𝑛(𝑛+1)
1
(ii)
𝑛 (log 𝑛)𝑝
1
Solution: Here 𝑓 𝑥 = so that 𝑓 𝑛 = 𝑎𝑛
𝑥 2 +𝑥
For 𝑥 ≥ 1, 𝑓 𝑥 is nonnegative, decreasing and integrable function. Now

𝑡 𝑑𝑥 𝑡1 1 𝑡 𝑥 𝑡
1 𝑥(𝑥+1)
= 1𝑥
− 𝑑𝑥 = log = log − 𝑙𝑜𝑔2
𝑥+1 1 𝑥+1 𝑡+1
𝑡 𝑑𝑥
Therefore lim = 𝑙𝑜𝑔1 + 𝑙𝑜𝑔2 = 𝑙𝑜𝑔2 (𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑒)
𝒕→∞ 1 𝑥(𝑥+1)
∞ 𝑑𝑥
Hence the integral 1 is convergent and so by Cauchy’s integral test the given
𝑥(𝑥+1)
∞ 1
series 𝑛=1 𝑛(𝑛+1) is also convergent.

Alternating Series
𝑛−1
A series of the form 𝑎1 − 𝑎2 +𝑎3 −𝑎4 + ⋯ + −1 𝑎𝑛 + ⋯ where 𝑎𝑛 > 0∀𝑛 ∈ 𝑁
is called an alternating series and denoted by
∞
𝑛−1
−1 𝑎𝑛
𝑛=1
Leibnitz Test:
∞ 𝒏−𝟏
An alternating series 𝒏=𝟏 −𝟏 𝒂𝒏 where 𝒂𝒏 > 𝟎∀𝒏 ∈ 𝑵 is convergent if
(i) 𝒂𝒏+𝟏 ≤ 𝒂𝒏 ∀𝒏 ∈ 𝑵
(ii) 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒂𝒏 = 𝟎
𝒏→∞
Example: Test the convergence of the series
1 1 1
(i) 1− +
− +⋯ p >0
2𝑝3𝑝 4𝑝
𝑙𝑜𝑔2 𝑙𝑜𝑔3 𝑙𝑜𝑔4
(ii) 2 − 2 + 2 −⋯
2 3 4
1 1
Solution: Here 𝑎𝑛 = 𝑝 𝑎𝑛+1 =
𝑛 (𝑛+1)𝑝
1 1
𝑎𝑛 − 𝑎𝑛+1 = − >0 , 𝑝>0
𝑛𝑝 𝑛+1 𝑝
𝑎𝑛 − 𝑎𝑛+1 > 0 𝑎𝑛 > 𝑎𝑛+1 ∀𝑛
1
And 𝑙𝑖𝑚 𝑎𝑛 = 𝑙𝑖𝑚 =0 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑝 > 0
𝑛→∞ 𝑛→∞ 𝑛𝑝
Hence by Leibnitz test the given series is convergent.
log(𝑛+1)
(ii) Here 𝑎𝑛 = ∀𝒏 ∈ 𝑵
(𝑛+1)2
log(𝑛+1) log 𝑛
𝑙𝑖𝑚 𝑎𝑛 = 𝑙𝑖𝑚 =0 [since 𝑙𝑖𝑚 =0]
𝑛→∞ 𝑛→∞ (𝑛+1)2 𝑛→∞ 𝑛2
Next to show that 𝒂𝒏+𝟏 ≤ 𝒂𝒏 ∀𝒏 ∈ 𝑵
 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑥 ′ 𝑥 2 1\𝑥−2𝑥𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑥
Let 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑓 𝑥 = <0 ∀ 𝑥 > 𝑒 1\2
𝑥2 𝑥4
1\2
(Since 𝑥 > 𝑒 ↔ 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑥 > 1\2 ↔ 1 − 2𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑥 < 0)
Which implies that f(x) is decreasing function ∀ 𝑥 > 𝑒 1\2
Thus f(n+2) ≤f(n+1) ∀𝒏 ∈ 𝑵 𝒏 + 𝟐 > 𝒏 + 𝟏 > 𝑒 1\2
log(𝑛+2) log(𝑛+1)
≤ ∀𝒏 ∈ 𝑵
(𝑛+2)2 (𝑛+1)2
This shows that 𝒂𝒏+𝟏 ≤ 𝒂𝒏 ∀𝒏 ∈ 𝑵
Hence by Leibnitz’s test the given series is convergent.
Absolute convergence:
A series 𝒂𝒏 𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐚𝐢𝐝 𝐭𝐨 be absolutely convergent if the series
𝒂𝒏 𝐢𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐭.

Example: Consider a series 𝒂𝒏 = 𝟏 − 𝟏\𝟐 + 𝟏\𝟐𝟐 − 𝟏\𝟐𝟑 + ⋯ which is

absolutely convergent
Since 𝒂𝒏 = 𝟏 + 𝟏\𝟐 + 𝟏\𝟐𝟐 + 𝟏\𝟐𝟑 + ⋯
Which is geometric series with common ratio r=1\2<1 then the series 𝒂𝒏 is
convergent. Hence 𝒂𝒏 is absolutely convergent.
Note: The given series is also convergent
𝒂𝒏 = 𝟏 − 𝟏\𝟐 + 𝟏\𝟐𝟐 − 𝟏\𝟐𝟑 + ⋯

Clearly 𝒂𝒏+𝟏 ≤ 𝒂𝒏 ∀𝒏 ∈ 𝑵
1
𝑙𝑖𝑚 𝑎𝑛 = 𝑙𝑖𝑚 𝑛 =0
𝑛→∞ 𝑛→∞ 2
So by Leibnitz’s test the given series is convergent.
Remark: Every absolutely convergent series is always convergent but converse need not
be true.
Example: consider a series
𝑎𝑛 = 1 − 1\2 + 1\3 − 1\4 + ⋯
Clearly 𝑎𝑛+1 < 𝑎𝑛 ∀𝑛 ∈ 𝑁
And lim 𝑎𝑛 = lim 1\𝑛 = 0
𝑛→∞ 𝑛→∞
So by Leibnitz’s test the given series is convergent.
1
But 𝑎𝑛 = 1 + 1\2 + 1\3 + 1\4 + ⋯ = , which is divergent
𝑛
Hence 𝑎𝑛 is not absolutely convergent.

Conditional Convergence:
A series 𝑎𝑛 is said to be conditionally convergent, if
(i) 𝑎𝑛 is convergent.
(ii) 𝑎𝑛 is not absolutely convergent.
Example 𝑎𝑛 = 1 − 1\2 + 1\3 − 1\4 + ⋯ is conditionally convergent.
Since 𝑎𝑛 is convergent, but 𝑎𝑛 is not convergent.
Summery of tests:
Let us take a series 𝑎𝑛 of positive term, now to check the convergence of series we proceed
as follows:
1. First find 𝑙𝑖𝑚 𝑎𝑛 .
𝑛→∞
i. If 𝑙𝑖𝑚 𝑎𝑛 ≠ 0 then series is divergent.
𝑛→∞
ii. If 𝑙𝑖𝑚 𝑎𝑛 = 0 then series may or may not be convergent.
𝑛→∞
2. In this case we apply comparison test if 𝑎𝑛 is algebraic function in n
First comparison Test Limit for Comparison Test
3. If in 𝑎𝑛 , n as an exponent form then Cauchy’s nth root test applied .
4. If above test fail and 𝑎𝑛 contains the term of logn then Cauchy’s Condensation tesr must
be applied.
5. Next to find the nature of series D’Alembert’s Ratio Test should be applied.
6. If this test fails then apply Raabe’s test.
7. Again if Raabe’s test fails for l=1, then immediately DeMorgan’s and Bertrand test must
be applied.
𝑎 𝑎
8. If 𝑛 − 1 cannot be easily calculated then evaluate log 𝑛 , and apply Logarithmic test
𝑎𝑛+1 𝑎𝑛+1
and after failure if this test we always use Higher Logarithmic Test.