Unit VI

Real Series
Unit VI
Real Series

6.1 Infinite Series

Let

a n n 1 be a sequence and let s 1 = a 1 , s 2 = a 1 + a 2 , s 3 = a 1 + a 2 + a 3 , . We can form a

sequence s j
called the sequence of partial sum. The expressions a 1 + a 2 + a 3 , and
a n are
j 1
n 1
called series.
Definition 6.1 Let

a n n m , usually m = 0 or m = 1, be a sequence of real numbers.

For each j N, the jth partial sum s j is the sum of the first j terms of the sequence.

If im s j exists, then we say that the series

a n converges, and we call im s j
j
j
nm

the sum of the series. Otherwise, we say the series

a n diverges. The numbers

nm

a m , a m 1 , a m 2 , are terms of the series

Finally if

a n converges, then

nm

Example 1 Show that

n (n 1)

an .
nm

an

nm

denotes the sum of the series.

Converges and find the sum.

n 1

Solution Since

1
1
1
=

n N, the partial sum

n (n 1) n
n 1

1
1
1
1
1 1
1
1 1
sj
im

sj = ( 1 ) + ( ) + ( ) + + (

)=1
and
= 1 im j 1 = 1.
j
j 1
j 1
j
3 4
2
2 3
j

Therefore,

1
1
Converges
and
n (n 1)
n (n 1) = 1.
n 1
n 1

Example 2 Show that

n 1

diverges.

Solution We need to show that

Claim: s

2 j

1+

s j j 1 is unbounded.

1
j for any j N
2

Proof Use the P.M.I. on j

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1
1
1 + 1 is true.
2
2
1
Assume that it is true for j = k. i.e. s 1 + k. Now we need to show for j = k + 1.
2
2k
For j = 1, s

2 k 1

Since

21

=1+

1 1
1
1
1
1
...

...
2 3
k
k
k
2
2 1 2 2
k 1
2
1
1
1
1
1 k

...
2
2k 1 2k 2
k 1
2
1

1
1

...
k
k
2 1
2 2

1
k 1

2k
2

Therefore, by the P.M.I. for any j N, s

2 j

1
1 ,

2
k 1

1+

2 k 1

1
(k 1)
2

1
j.
2

1 j
Since lim
2 = , s j j 1 is unbounded.
j
1
Therefore,
diverges.
n 1 n

Remark: Let m2 m1. The series

a n converges if and only if the series

nm
1

If the two series converge, then

m2 1

nm
1

nm
1

an =

an +

an

nm
2

converges.

an

nm
2

Theorem 6.1 ( nth term divergence test)

a) If

an

n 1

converges, then im a n = 0.

b) If im a n 0 or does not exist, then

Proof a) For n 1. an = sn sn 1. Since

an

n 1

an

n 1

diverges.

converges im s n exists.

Hence by the above remark im s n 1 and im s n = im s n 1 .

Therefore, im a n = 0.

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b) Take the contra positive of part a).

Note that: i) Part b) of theorem 2.1 is called the nth term test for divergence.
ii) The converse of part a) of theorem 6.1 may not hold true.

1
lim 1 = 0 while lim
diverges.

n n
n n 1n

Note that: A geometric series is a series of the form

c r n , where c, r .

nm

Theorem 6.2 (Geometric Series theorem.)

Let r be any number and let c 0 and m 0. Then the geometric series

cr n

nm

converges if and only if r 1. For r 1

cr n =

nm

c rm
.
1 r

Proof Where r 1.
If r 1, then c r m c for n m.

Hence the series

cr n

nm

If r 1, then (1 r )

diverges by theorem 6.1 part (b).

r j = 1 r k

j 0

m k 1
k 1
Thus s c r m c r m 1 ... cr
c r m (1 r r 2 ... r
)
k
m
lim s
c r m (1 r m )
k cr

and
1 r
1 r
k
Therefore,

cr m

nm

1 r

cr n =

Note that: The number r is called the ratio of the geometric series.

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3

n 1

Example 3 Show that the series

n 3

n 3

converges and find the sum.

n 1

33
3 n
3 n
Solution n 1 = 1 , Since
= 135 and is a geometric
1
5
n 1 5
5
n 1 5
n 1 5

3
3 n 3
series with r =
and m = 1. =
.
5
2
n 1 5

Therefore,

n 1

33

n 3

converges and

n 1

n 1

3
5

n 3
n 1

405
.
2

Example 4 Remove the middle third open subinterval of the interval I0 = [0, 1]. Successively continue the
process for each of the remaining subintervals. Show that the sum of the lengths of the intervals
removed is equal to the length of I0.
Solution Let I n be the sum of the lengths of the removed subintervals on the nth step for each n N.

1 2

Now I 1 = , I 2 = 2 , I 3 = 2
3
3

Hence

In =

n 1

1 2

n 1 2 3

1 2 n
1 3
and in general I n =
.
2 3
3

n
= 1= I 0

Therefore, the sum of the lengths of the intervals removed is equal to the length of I0.
Theorem 6.3

a n and b n converge, then ( a n b n) converges, and

a) If

n 1

n 1

( a n b n)

n 1

an

n 1

n 1

bn.

n 1

b) If

an

n 1

converges and c is any number, then

c a n also converges and

n 1

n 1

n 1

ca n = c a n .

Proof Let s j , s j and s j be the j th partial sums of

and

bn

n 1

( a n b n) , a n
n 1

n 1

respectively. Then s j s j s j and hence

( a n b n)

n 1

s
= lim j
j

( )
lim s j s j = lim s j lim s j = a n + b n .
j
j
j
n 1
n 1

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Therefore,

(a n b ) =
n

n 1

n 1

an +

bn.

n 1

b) Let s j and s j be the j th partial sums of

Then s j c s j and

n 1

sj
c a n = c lim
j

n 1

n 1

n 1

c a n and

a n respectively.

n 1

=c

an

n 1

ca n = c a n .

Therefore,

Remark: Part (a) of theorem 2.3 holds for finite number of convergent series.

- If

n 1

a n and

b n converge, then

n 1

(a n b ) =
n

n 1

Example 5 Show that

n 1

an

( a n b n) converges and

n 1

bn.

n 1

(n 1) (n 2) converges and find the sum of the series.

n 1

Solution

n 1n 2

1
1

for each n N.
n2
n 1

1
1
lim s j =
lim j 2
2
j
j

1
1
1
Therefore,
converges and
=
.
2
(
(
n
n

1
1
)
)
(
(
n
n

2
2
)
)
n 1
n 1

1
Example 6 Show that
converges and find the sum of the series.
n 1 n (n 1) (n 2)

Thus sj =

1
1

2
j2

for any j N and

1
.
2

1 1
1 1
1
1
1

for each n N.
=

n n 1 n 2
2 n
2 n 1 n 2
n 1
1
1
1
1
1
= 1 and
=
Hence
.
2
n
n

1
n
n

1
2
n 1
n 1

Solution

Therefore,

1
1
1
converges
and
n (n 1) (n 2)
n (n 1) (n 2) = 4 .
n 1
n 1

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Remark: Changing index.

an=
nm

n0

am n.

1
1
=
n ! n 3 !
n0
n3

Example 7

Exercises 6.1
1. Find the sum of each of the following series.

a)

10
( n 3) (n 4)
n 1

b)

2n 5n
2 n 5 n

n 1

c)

n 1 n
( 1)
3
n 1

2. A ball is dropped from a height of 3 meters onto a smooth surface. On each bounce, the ball rises to

1
3

of the height it reached on the previous bounce. Find the total distance the ball travels.
3. Express each of the following periodic decimals as a fraction in simplest form.
b) 0.00864444 . . .

a) 0.727272 . . .

c) 23.45232323 . . .

6.2 Non-negative Term Series

A series all of whose terms are non-negative is called a Non-negative term series.

Note that: If

a n is a non-negative term series, then the sequence of partial sum

n 1

s j j 1

is increasing.

Theorem 6.4 Let

a n n 1 be a non-negative term sequence and let f be a continuous

decreasing function defined on 1, such that f (n) = an for n 1. Then the

series

an

n 1

converges if and only if the integral

f ( x) dx converges.

Proof Since f (n) = an n N and f is a continuous decreasing function on 1, .

0

k 2

a k f ( x) dx for n 2.
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n

a
f ( x) dx
0 lim k 2 k lim
=
1
n

n 1

ak

lim
f
(
x
)
dx

=
ak.

k 1
k
1
1
n
n

f ( x) dx and 0

Therefore, the theorem holds true.

Note that: Theorem 6.4 is called the integral test.

n 1

n 1

Remark: In theorem 6.4

a n converges if and only if f ( x) dx converges

a n f ( x) dx

while

Example 8 Show that

np

converges if and only if p 1.

n 1

1
1
p 0 and hence
lim
Solution If p 0, then
n p diverges by theorem 6.1(b).
n
n
1
n
1
If p = 1, then

is a harmonic series which diverges.

n 1 n

If p 0 and p 1, then define f: 1, by f (x) =

Since f (n) =

.
xp

1
n N and f is a continuous decreasing function on 1, , we need to determine
np

whether

f ( x) dx converges or not.

1
b

x 1 p b
1 p

1
b
1
f ( x) dx
dx lim
lim

Now lim
= lim x p
=
=
1 p

1
1
1 p b
1
b
b
b

b
Since lim
b

1 p

exists for p 1 and does not exist for 0 p 1, f ( x) dx converges for

p 1 and diverges for p 1.

Therefore,

n p converges for p 1.

n 1

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Note that: Series of the form

np

for any fixed number p is called a p series.

n 1

Example 9 Show that

converges.

n 1 n 2

Solution Let f (x) =

x2

x 1, . f is a continuous decreasing function on 1, .

b

Hence for b 1, lim

2
1x

dx

b
Therefore,

n 1

n2

1 b
1

lim
=
= lim

b = 1.
b x 1
b

converges.

Example 10 Show that

1
diverges.
n 2 n ln n
1

for x 2. f is a continuous decreasing function on 1, .

Solution Let f (x) =

x ln x

b
(ln (ln b) ln (ln 2) )
1
dx = ln (ln x)
Hence for b 2,
= lim
= .
b

x
ln
x
2
2

1
Therefore,
diverges.
n 2 n ln n
b

Theorem 6.5 (The Comparison Tests)

b n converges and 0 an bn for all n 1, then

a) If

n 1

an

n 1

n 1

n 1

Solution 2 n

But

converges and

b n diverges and 0 bn an for all n 1, then

Example 11 Show that

an

n 1

bn.

b) If

n 1

1
2

a n diverges.

n 1

converges.

2 n 1 n N.

1
1
n 1 n N.
2 1 2
n

1 n 1
1 n 1
is
a
geometric
series
that
converges
and
2
2 = 2.
n 1
n 1

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Therefore,

n 1

converges.

Example 12 Show that

diverges.

2 n 1

n 1

Solution 2 n 1 2 n n N

But

2 n

n 1

is a p series with p =

Therefore, by part (b) of theorem 6.5,

1
n N.
2 n 1

1
and hence it diverges.
2

n 1

2 n 1

diverges.

Theorem 6.6 Limit Comparison Test

an
lim
Let a n and b n be non-negative term series. Suppose
b n = L,
n 1
n 1
n

where L is a positive number.

a) If

b n converges, then

an

n 1

n 1

b) If

converges.

b n diverges, then a n diverges.

n 1

n 1

an
an
Proof lim b n = L 0 N N such that
L nN
bn
n
L
Take = .
2
a
an
3
3
L
L
bn an
L
Now n N
n L
L bn
bn
2
2
2
2
bn
3L
L
and
b
b n converge.

n
n 1 2
n 1 2

If

b n converges, then

n 1

a n converges.

Hence by comparison test

If

b n diverges, then

n 1
L

n 1

Example 13 Show that

n 1

b n diverges and hence

3n 2

n2

2n n 5

an

n 1

diverges by comparison test.

converges.

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Solution For large n,

2n n 5

3 2n

6n 3 4n 2

= lim 6n 3 3n 15 = 1 and

3n 2

. Now compare
and
3
2
2n 2
n 1 2n n 5
n 1 2n

2n3 n 5

3n 2
Since lim

3n 2

n2

2n

3 1

2 n 1 n 2

converges, because it is a p series with p = 2.

3n 2

Therefore,

converges by the limit comparison test.

2n n 5

n2

Example 14 Show that

n2 1

n2
2

n n 1

diverges.

n 2 1
1
1
Solution For large n, 3
and
. Now compare

3
n
n n 1
n 2 n n 1
n2 n

n 1

n 2 1 n3 n 1

Since lim

n2 1

n2

n n 1

comparison test

Therefore,

1 n

n2 1

n2

n n 1

n3 n

1
lim n 3 n 1 = 1 and
diverges, by the limit
n
n2
n

diverges.

diverges.

Theorem 6.7 (The ratio Test)

Let

an

be a non-negative term series. Assume that a n 0 for all n and that

n 1

a n 1
lim a
n
n

= r (possibly )

a) If 0 r 1, then

n 1

a n converges.

b) If r 1, then

an

n 1

diverges.

Note that: If r = 1, then from this test alone we cannot draw any conclusion

about the convergence or divergence of

Example 15 Show that:

i)

3n

n 1 n !

converges.

an.

n 1

ii)

n!
n n converges.
n 1

iii)

n!

2n

n 1

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Real Series
n 1

n 1
3
3
(n 1) !
n!
Solutions i) r = lim
= lim (n 1) ! 3 n = lim n 1 = 0.
3n n!
n
n
n

3n

Since r 1,

Therefore,

n 1 n !
3n

converges.

n 1 n !

ii) r = lim

converges.

(n 1) ! ( n 1)
n! nn

n 1

(n 1) !

n
n n
n

1
lim
n ! = lim n 1
=
(n 1)

n
n

1
3n
lim
1
1n
=
= . Since r 1,
converges.
1
e
n

n 1 n !
n
n!
Therefore, n converges.
n 1 n
n 1

iii) r = lim

(n 1) ! 2
n! 2 n

Since r 1,

Therefore,

n!

2n

n 1

n!

nn

n 1

(n 1) ! 2
1
(n 1)
n 1 n ! = lim
lim
=
=
2
2
n
n

diverges.

diverges.

Theorem 6.8 The Root Test

Let

an

n 1

be a non-negative term series, and assume that

n
lim a n = r (possibly )
n

a) If 0 r 1, then

an

n 1

converges.

b) If r 1, then

an

n 1

diverges.

Note that: If r = 1, then from this test alone we cannot draw any conclusion

about the convergence or divergence of

an.

n 1

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Example 16 Determine whether the series converges or diverges.

i)

n n
2n 5
n 1

ii)

n0

n!
en

iii)

n
n

n 1 4

Solutions i) a n =
2n 5

n
n n

n n
1

converges.
r = lim 2n 5 = lim 2n 5 =
. Since r 1,

2
n

5
2
n 1

n
n

n n
converges.
Therefore,
n 1 2n 5
n!
ii) Let a n = n .
e
n

Now claim n ! 3 n n 7. Use induction on n.

For n = 7, 7! = 5040 2187 is true.
Assume for n = k. i.e. k! 3 k we want to show (k + 1)! 3 k + 1.
(k + 1)! (K + 1) 3 k 3 k + 1
Thus lim

n!
en

3
lim e

Therefore,

n0

3
1
e

n!
diverges.
en

n
.
4

iii) Let a n = n

r = lim

n n n

lim n n
4 n

1.
4

Therefore,

n
n converges.
n 1 4

Remark: Use ratio test when factorials or powers appear in the terms of the series.

Now consider the series

1
n
n 1

and

n 1 n

n
n2
If we use: i) the ratio test we get: lim n 1 1 lim n 1 2
n
n
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and ii) The root test we get: lim n n 1 lim n n 2 ,

But

diverges while

n 1 n

n 1

converges.

Therefore, for r = 1 ratio test and root test are not helpful.
Exercise 6.2

2. Show that

1. Determine the values of p for which

p converges.
n
(ln
n
)
n2

diverges. (Hint: ln n n, for n 2)

n 2 ln n

3. Determine whether each of the following series converges or diverges.

(2

5n 3

a)

n 1

d)

g)

n !3
n
n 0 10

n0

3
2
n 1 n n 6

b)

26
4 n 10
n2

e)

h)

n 1 n (n

n2
n 1 (n 1) n

f)

n 1 2n 5

c)

2
n 4 n 3

n! e n
i)
n
n 1 n

4. Let

3n

a n and

an bn

n0

b n be nonnegative convergent series. Then show that both

an

and

n0

are convergent.

n0

6.3 Alternating Series Test and Absolute Convergence

6.3.1 Alternating Series Test
Definition 6.2 If a n 0 for all n N, then series of the form

n
1

n 1

a n or

1 n 1 a n

n 1

is called an alternating series.

Example 17

n 1

cos n
n 1
1
n
are examples of alternating series.
, 1 cot ( ) and
ln n n 1
2 n
n
n 1

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Theorem 6.9 (Alternating series Test or Leibnizs Test)

Let

a n n 1 be a decreasing sequence of positive numbers such that

Then the alternating series

n 1

lim a n = 0.
n

a n and

1 n 1 a n

n 1

converge.

s j j 1 satisfies the inequality

Further more, the sum s and the sequence of partial sums

s s j a j 1.
Example 18 Determine whether the series converges or diverges.

a)

n 1
1 ln n

n2

b)

n 1

n 1

n
2n 1

c)

n cos n

n 1

n2 1

1
Solutions a) Since
is a decreasing sequence of positive numbers and lim ln n = 0,

ln n n 2
n

n 1
1 ln n converges.
n 2

n
is an increasing sequence of positive numbers

n
2
n

n 1 n
1
and lim 2n 1 =
0, 1
diverges.
2n 1
2
n

1
n

b) Since

is a decreasing sequence of positive numbers,

n 2 1 n 1
n

lim n 2 1 = 0 and cos n = ( 1)n n N, n cos n converges.

2
n 1 n 1
n

c) Since

Example 19 Approximate the sum of the following series with an error less than 0.01.

a)

n 1 1
n3

n 1

b)

n 1

n 1

8
n

10 1

Solutions A partial sum s n is an approximation for the sum s with an error less than 0.01
if

s s n

a) Let a n =

a n 1 0.01.
1
n

n N. Then s s n

n 1 3

0.01 (n + 1) 3 100 n 3

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Hence

n 1 1

n 1

Therefore,

n 1 1

n 1

b) Let a n =

1549

s 4=
1728
n3

10 1

8
10

n 1

n 1

10

n 1
10

n 1

Therefore,

Example 20 Show that

10

n 1

0.01 10

n 1

1 800 n 1

720

0.01

s 2=
1111
1

n 1

n 1

s 4=
with an error less than 0.01.
1728

n N.

Then s s n

Hence

1549

720

s 2=
with an error less than 0.01.
1111
1

n 1 1
is convergent and approximate its sum correct to three
n!

decimal places.

1
1
lim
Solution Since
is a decreasing sequence of positive numbers and
n ! = 0,
n ! n 1
n

n 1 1
1 n ! converges.
n 1
1
n N.
n!

Now let a n =

Then s s n

1
4
5 10
n 1 !

1
4
5 10
(n + 1 ) ! 2000 n 5
n 1 !

n 1 1
Therefore, 1
s 6 = 0.632.
n!
n 1

6.3.2 Absolute and Conditional Convergence

Definition 6.3 The series

an

n 1

is said to be absolutely convergent if the

series

an

n 1

converges.

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Example 21 Show that

(1) n1 2 n

n 1

Solution Let a n = (1) n1

is absolutely convergent.

1
1
1
.
=

N.
Since
a
n is a convergent geometric
n
2n
2n
n 1 2

series

Therefore,

an

n 1

converges.

(1) n1 2 n

is an absolutely convergent series.

n 1

Example 22 Show that

(1) n1 n

n 1

Solution Let a n = (1) n1

is convergent but not absolutely convergent.

1
1
1
. an =
n N. Since
is divergent a n is not an
n
n
n 1
n 1 n

absolutely convergent series. But we know that by A.S.T.

Therefore,

(1) n1 n

n 1

(1) n1 n

n 1

is convergent.

is convergent but not absolutely convergent.

Definition 6.4 A series that is convergent but not absolutely convergent is said to be
conditionally convergent.

cos n
1
and
(1) n1 n are examples of conditionally convergent series.
n
n 1
n 1

Example 23

Theorem 6.10 If

an

n 1

is an absolutely convergent series, then the series

n 1

a n is convergent and

an

n 1

an

n 1

Proof Define:

an
p n
0

if a
if a

n
n

0
0

and

0
q n
a

if a
n

if a

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0

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Then a n = p n q n . Since 0 p n a n and 0 q n a n n N,

(By comparison Test), thus

n 1

an =

an

n 1

Let p =

n 1

n 1

sin n

n 1

n 1

n 1 n

an

n 1

p + q = p + q = s. Since a n = p n + q n .

is convergent.

n 1

sin n
2

n 1
sin

n 1

Solution

n 1

an

an

Example 24 Show that

q n is convergent.

a n , and s =

n 1

= pq

Now t = p q t
Therefore,

n 1

qn , t =

pn ,q=

qn converge.

n 1

an

Now we need to show that

n 1

pn

n 1

p n and

n N and

Therefore, by theorem 6. 10,

sin n

n 1 n

n 1 n

n 1 n

sin n

is convergent.

is convergent.

is absolutely convergent.

is convergent.

Exercises 6.3
1. Determine whether each of the following alternating series diverges, which series converges
conditionally and converges absolutely.

a)

( 1)

n 1

d)

( 1 )

3n

n 1 3

n 1

b)

( 1)

n2

e)

n!

( 1 )

n 1

n (ln n )

n 1

12
n

5 6

( 1)

( 1 )

n 1 n 1
n

n3

f)

1
n ( n 2)

c)

n2

2. Approximate the sum of the following series with an error less than 0.01.

a)

n 1

( 1)

n 1 1

b)

n 1

( 1)

n 1

8
10 n 1

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6.4 The Generalized Convergence Test

Theorem 6.11 Let

an

be a series.

n 1

a) Generalized Comparison Test.

If a n b n for n 1 and if

n 1

b n converges, then

an

(absolutely) converges.

n 1

b) Generalized Limit Comparison Test.

an

If lim b
= L, where L is a positive number and if
n

n 1

b n converges, then

an

(absolutely) converges.

n 1

c) Generalized Ratio Test.

a n 1
Suppose that a n 0 for n 1and that lim

an
n

If r 1, then

n 1

= r (possibly )

a n (absolutely) converges. If r 1, then

an

n 1

diverges.

d) Generalized Root Test.

Suppose that lim

an

If r 1, then

n 1

= r (possibly )

a n (absolutely) converges. If r 1, then

an

n 1

diverges.

Note that: In the generalized root and ratio tests, If r = 1, then from these tests
alone we cannot draw any conclusion about the convergence of the series.
Example 25 Show that

xn

n 1 n

converges absolutely for x 1, converges conditionally for x = 1 and

diverges for x [ 1, 1) .
Solution If x = 0, then the series obviously converges.

lim
If x 0, then
n

n 1

lim
n x
n
n 1 x

n 2

= x
n 1

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Hence by the Generalized convergence test

xn

converges absolutely for x 1.

n 1 n

For x = 1 the series becomes a p-series with p = 2 and hence

For x = 1 by alternating series test

diverges, we conclude that

Therefore,

xn

n 1 n

xn

n 1 n

xn

n 1 n

diverges.

converges. Since

( 1) n
n
n 1

1
which
n 1 n

n 1 n

converges conditionally.

converges absolutely for x 1, converges conditionally for x = 1and diverges for

x [ 1, 1) .

( 1) n 2n
x converges absolutely for x 1 and converges conditionally
Example 26 Show that
n 0 n 1
for x = 1 diverges for x 1.
Solution If x = 0, then the series converges.
n 1

2n 2

x
lim ( 1)
If x 0, then
n
n2

n 1
( 1)

2n

x2

lim
n

n 1
= x2
n2

Hence by the Generalized convergence test

and for x = 1

( 1) n 2n
converges absolutely for x 1
x

n 0 n 1
n 1

( 1)
( 1) n 2n
=
x

n 0 n 1
n 0 n 1

converges by the alternating series test.

Therefore,

( 1) n 2n
x converges absolutely for x 1 and converges conditionally for x = 1

n 0 n 1

diverges for x 1.

Corollary 6.11.1 Let a n

n 1

If

lim
n

then

an 1

be a sequence.

= r 1 or

an

lim n
n

an

= r 1,

lim a n = 0.
n

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Unit VI

Real Series
2n
lim x
= 0 for all x.
n n n

Example 27 Show that

Solution If x = 0, then clearly the limit is 0.

If x 0, then

x 2n
nn

lim n
n

2
x 2n
lim x
= 0 for all x. Hence n converges for all x.
n n
n 1 n

2n
lim x
= 0 for all x.
n n n

Therefore,

Exercises 6.4

1. Determine the positive number x for which

n!

n0

converges.

2. Find the sum of each of the following series.

10
( n 3) (n 4)
n 1

a)

b)

2n 5n
n n

n 1 2 5

c)

n 1 n
(

1
)

3
n 1

3. A ball is dropped from a height of 3 meters onto a smooth surface. On each bounce, the ball rises to

1
3

of the height it reached on the previous bounce. Find the total distance the ball travels.
4. Express each of the following periodic decimals as a fraction in simplest form.
b) 0.00864444 . . .

a) 0.727272 . . .

5. Determine the values of p for which

n 2 n (ln n )

6. Show that

c) 23.45232323 . . .

p converges.

diverges. (Hint: ln n n, for n 2)

n 2 ln n

7. Determine whether each of the following series converges or diverges.

(2

5n 3

a)

n 1

d)

g)

26
b)
n 2 4 n 10

e)

n !3
10 n
n0

n0

and

3
2
n 1 n n 6

h)

n 1 n (n

c)

n2
n 1 (n 1) n

n
n

f)

n
2 n 5
n 1

n
2

n 4 n 3

n! e n
i)
n
n 1 n

8. Let

3n

a n and

an bn

n0

b n be nonnegative convergent series. Then show that both

an

n0

are convergent.

n0

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9. Determine whether each of the following alternating series diverges, which series converges
conditionally and converges absolutely.

a)

( 1)

n 1

d)

( 1 )

b)

3 n2

n 1 3

n 1

( 1)

n (ln n )

n2

e)

n!

( 1 )

c)

12
n

5 6

n 1

( 1)

( 1 )

n 1 n 1
n

n3

n 1

f)

1
n ( n 2)

n2

10. Approximate the sum of the following series with an error less than 0.01.

a)

( 1)

n 1

11. Suppose

an

an

n 1 1

b)

n3

( 1)

n 1

8
10 n 1

n 1

converges and is not necessarily nonnegative. Give an example to show that

n 1
2

need not converge.

n 1

12. Determine the positive number x for which

n0

n!

converges.

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