13

Convergence and Divergence of Series

STRUCTURE
130. INTRODUCTION
131. INFINITE SERIES
132, CONCEPT OF LIMIT
131. EVALUATION OF LIMITS
134. CONVERGENCE OF AN INFINITE SERIES
135. DIVERGENCE OF AN INFINITE SERIES
I36. OSCILLATORY SERIES
137. SEQUENCE OF PARTIAL SUMS
131. CONVERGENCE OF SERIES
139. AUXILIARY SERIES
1310. COMPARISON TEST
1011. D' ALEMBERTS' RATIO TEST
1312. CAUCHY'S ROOT TEST
1313. RAABE'S TEST
1314. ALTERNATING SERIES
1315. LEIBNITZ TEST
OBJECTIVES
Alter studying this chapter, you should be able to understarLd
• the meaning of convergence and divergence of series
• different methods for finding the convergence and divergence of
series.
130. INTRODUCTION
The concepts of convergence and divergence are associated with
infinite series, their limits and evaluation. Therefore, it becomes necessary
to say something about ticm


CONVERNcE AND DZVE1GBNCE OF SI3RII3S 437

13 . 1 INFINITE SERIES
We know that an expression whose successive terms are formed by
some definite law is a sequence. When these individual terms are summed
up with plus or minus signs they form a series. Now, if the series
terminates at some assigned term it is called a finite series and if the
number of terms are unlimited it will be an infinite series. We can detine
the series formally as follows
Let (u s ) = U1 , u 2 , U3 ,,. , u, .. be the sequence of real numbers, then
the expression in the form
Ut -I + U3 +'.. '+
is called an infinite series and is denoted symbolically as
u,, or Xu., where U1 , U, U 3 ,..., U,,,.,.
,i=i
are called the first term, second term, third term,..., nth term,... of the
infinite series. The nth term of the infinite series is also sometimes known
as the general term.
132. CONCEPT OF LIMIT
The concept of x approaching a implies that the difference between
x and a (i.e., x—a or a —. x) is decreasing steadily and is capable of being
made as small as we like, say smaller than any positive number c. We
express this as
x—a (x tends towards a)
which implies that the numerical difference between x and a can be less
than any positive number c, expressed as
x—a I < £
In case x is infinitely large we express it as
X
which implies that we can take any value of x larger than any large positive
number say m (when x> m).

For example, consider the function

The tabulated values of f(x) foi larger and larger values of x are U
follows

X 5 10,000 1,000,000 20,000,000

A X) 02 00001 0000001 000000005

Here, 1(x) becomes smaller and smaller as x becomes larger and

larger. By making x sufficiently large, we can make f(x) less than any
given number.
 BUSINESS MATHnMA'r(c

Thus Ax) < 0 '00000005 if X>20,000,000

This explains that l/x approaches 0 as x becomes larger and largei
i.e., as x_ * . Therefore
Tim f(x)=0
X-
i.e.,
limit of function l/x approaches 0 as x approaches infinity (oo).
Theorems on Limits;
If urn f(x)=1, and Tim g(x)=,n, then
x-*a
I. lini { Jx)+g(x)}_= Tim j x)+ lim g(x)=1+rn
X+j x+a
IL. urn ( AX) —g(x)}= Tim f(x)— Tim g(x)=!_-,n
xo X-.a

Hi. Tim ( f(x) g(x)) Em flx) , Tim g(x) -= I. in

X-*a X-+
IV. Tim (
X-+a
Ax) I g (x)}= lini f(x)/Iim g(x)=111n, where m7^-0
x.
V. Jim x"=a
X— a

VI. urn k=k, where k is a constant.

x-a
133. EVALUATION OF LIMITS
Before giving the tests for convergence and divergence of a series, let
us Study the methods of finding the limits in various cases; The most
Common type of expressions in n, where limits are required to be found out

for testing series for convergence are of the type P(n) and Q(n) are
Polynomials in 'z of a suitable degree.
Case I.
Tim P(n) is smaller
,Q(n)-=0, if the degree or the power of
than that of Q(n).
For example, let the degree of P(n) be r and that of Q(n) be 3,
where s >r. Dividing the numerator and the denominator by n' and taking
fl large, the limit 0 can be obtained.

Case II. Tim

Q(n)
if the degree of Q(n) is smaller than that of P(n).
P(n) a 0
Case 111. lim
o

if degrees of P(n) and Q(n) are equal, where a0 and b0 are the cefficient
of highest power of n in P(n) and Q(n) respectively.


CONVFRGIiNCn AND D1VnRGF?NCE o p snms

Remark. ihe method of finding limits requires that the given
expression, both iii the numerator and the denominator, be divided by
a (raised to the highest power of the expression) so that we have nearly
all terms of the expression in the form etc., which we know
-,
II
approach zero when a becomes indefinitely large. 'rhose terms of the
expression which are not of this form, both in the numerator and denomi
nator will determine the limit of the expression as illustrated in the
following examples
Exzn pIe 1. Find the value of Jim/is in the follow ing cases
7n3-80.j IOn-_ 7 n4 --7n2 -1
(a) tim ---. - (I)) i/rn
8n2 . 9n i + 5 3n2 ± 5
lx^

• 3n3 f-7n._IIri-j-19 2n
(c) Ii (d) Jim and
17
n4418n1 - 2(JTl

- 1

a ( n 2.
(e) Jim ___________

LV(2fl2+3fl4J)

Solt11). (a) Denoting the expression by o, and dividing both

the numerator and the denominator
tor by a, we have
8 10 7
1
P1 ii
11
9 5
8-

8 10 7
lim a 7
ii a- n3
him - . - - -
i?' 0) '
-'- 8 - --j- .--
Pt 1I

and 0asfl.-cx )
( : a 112

(b) Now dividing the numerator and denominator by a4 , we have

7 9
It
U"

7 9
urn u , = him --z— -
0
W1 'n


440 BUSINESS MATHEMATICS

(c) Here dividing the numerator and the denominator by n, we

have

3 7 Ii 19
+ - +
0 L
17+----
n n 3
- n4
7 3 11 19
I-;- -
- -
tim tim
,1 - n-(1D 17+ 18 -- 2-0-145
7

2
((1) U =------- -

n(2)(3+±) 6

(e) Dividing the numerator and the denominator by i t, we gel

=
t ) V2
j { 2±H-j

Since , -11 and tend to zero as n tends to infinity.

134. CONVERGENOE OF AN INFINITE SERIES

An infinite series consisting of n terms is a function of it (natural
numbers). If n increases infinitely the sum may either tend to a certain
finite limit or it may become infinitely large. Now, an infinite series will
"e convergent when the sum of the first n terms of the series c;t
merically exceed some finite quantity, however large n may be. This
s been explained below
A sequence {u} is said to converge to a number / if the absolute
tlilkrence between u and I. i.e., u-1 j ) can be made as small as we
please by taking it sufficiently large. Here 1 is the limitof the sequence
To define it in a formal way, {u} converges to a number I if for a
given positive number c, there corresponds a positive integer m such that
I u—/
CONVERGENCE AND DIVERGENCE OF SERIES 441

Then (is said to he the limit of the sequence, and is written as

Jim Li,,::,,!
n-'

For example, let us take a sequence {} which we shall show

converges to the limit 0. Take E>O to be any small number. Then
1 1

Choosing the positive integer in> , we see that

U,,.— 0 - - <E v fl>tfl

I1
--0 '(€ when ;- <.

Hence the sequence U, tends to iero Yet the series formed b y such
S equenceis not con vergent which we will discuss later.
In short we sa y that ati infinite series of positive terms is said to he
convergent if its sum is a finite quantity.

35. DIVERGENCE OF AN INFINTTF SERIES

An infinite serits is divergent when the sum of the first n terms can
be made numericallygreater than any finite quantit y by taking 1 suffi-
ciently large. It can he defined as follows
A sequence {u , ) is said to diverge to + if u renains pos iti ve and
becomes larger nod larger as ' becomes large in such a way that u can
he made to exceed any finite number, however large by taking
sufficiently V,rea t.
Formally. ftQ diverges to _1 oo if for a qivefi positive number k,
howsoev:•r large. there exists a positive number rn such that
u >k V n>m.
In this case urn
n
Similarl y , a sequence uJ is said to diverge to — for each negative
number I. howsoever STTall, There corresponds a positive integer in such that
U ,>.I V fl>'flZ
Then Jim U,

For example, the sequence u} defined by u,-=n2 , it diverges to +°,

while defined by u-= —(a 2 ), it diverges to --no,
442
BU-SINLSS MATHEMATICS
13 6. OSCILLATORY SERIES
A sequence {u} is said to be oscillatory when it neither converges
nor diverges, eg.,

U,,=-r(__j)fl fl
both are oscillatory.
137. S EQUENCE OF PARTIAL SUMS
Let >u be a given infinite series. Let us form a sequence (S,) with
the help of the series as follows
Si == U'
U I .-i ti

. U . + u2 -t-... +_
The sequence {S} is called the sequence of partial sums
infinite series. of an
The infinite series u, is said to be convergent (i.e., has a finite sum)
if the corresponding sequence of partial sums {S) is convergent.
In this case 1( liiii 5,,) is called the sum of the series
u,.

If the sequence {S,,} is divergent, ju is said to be divergent and if

{S} oscillates, the series iu,, is said to be oscillatory.
G ENERAL RULES
We can ascertain whether a series is convergent or divergent by
finding out whether the sum of the first a terms of a given series remain
finite or becomes infinite as a is made infinitely large.
(i) Consider the following expression of a series
l-f-r+r2±r3++rn-1+
Iii this ease if r is equal to 1, the sum of the first n
n, therefore, it is divergent as indicated in the series belowterms is equal to
14-1+1+1+1
Here the sum of the first a terms can be made sufficiently large by
taking a sufficiently large.
If r is equal to - I then the series is I - I -f-I —1 + 1 - I -f-
Here the sum of the series is equal to 0, if the number of terms is
even and I if the number of terms is odd so the series does not converge
nor does it diverge but it oscillates infinitely.
If r is numerically less than 1, then the sum approaches the finite limit

and the series becomes convergent. For example, the series with
r=O5 will be


CONVERGENCE AND DIVERGENCE OF SERIES 443

l-t-O54-O25+Dl25+..

and the sum will be equal to -j--. Therefore, with r-0'5 the sum

2
urn S,,=r2
I cx

Thus the series approaches a finite limit 2. It is, therefore, convergent.

If r is numerically greater than 1, the series will be divergent. For
example if r=2, then the series becomes
or 1+2+4+ s-i- 16+
r- I
and the sum of the n terms will be equal to r-1'
When r=2 and n= 5, the sum will he
2"--! 2-1 31
S, =- 31

lim
n-
(2) An infinite series of the type
lL.()
1++
has a common ratio . It can also be written as

Formally, it is a geometric series of the type

a+ar
This type of series is convergent when r<1 because it approaches a
finite limit which in the above case is 2. The sum of the f i rst n terms is
(where rr. , and ar=11
Thus, S approaches 2 as n -*c and (i)"
(3) An infinite series of the following type is convergent

Here the nth term of the series is

1 1 1

n(n-f I) or - 1
Actually this series can be written in the form
-)-
 MATHEMATICS
The sum of the first n terms is
s =i— L.
(nf-
"
The series IS Convergent because as fl—c,
not exceed 1. I.e., its sum does
138. C ONVERGENCE OF SERIES

For an infinite series to be convergent its general term should

approach zero as ,i becomes infinitely large. In symbols, for an infinite
series
Ui 12U3
is convergent
Convergent * urn U=Ø
Co

Proof. Let us Suppose that

be a
given
whereconvergent Series. By definition the sequence {S} of partial sums,
S. =r u -u2 + ... + u is Convergent.
Jim S,,=/ (finite quantity)
Also
s1tI1+U2+Us+...+U1=sn_U,
Jim u,= Jim (S-S_1)
flCo
= Jim S,,— urn S_1r4/Ø•
Hence u,, Convergent
Jim u,=
fl- h Co

Remark It should be noted that this theorem never proves the

convergence of a series. It only states that if the above limit is not zero
then the series must be divergent. It is still possible for the limit to be
zero and the series to be divergent, e.g., in the series
9 23 17 4n-4-5
22 32 4- 42 lO+12

4±
the nth term is

Jim
4
U,,==r -
,r' C

and is not zero, therefore, the series is divergent.

But in the harmonic series
CON VERGENCB AND DIVERGENCE OF SERIES 445

tim U,,= urn ----I)

fl+(O flui

and yet the series has been proved to be divergent.

Thus, the condition of limit tending to zero is only a necessary con-
dition but not the sufficient one. Even when the limit tends to zero, the
series may not be convergent and for what we have to apply certain other
tests, one of which is based on the use of an auxiliary series.
139. AUXILIARY SERIES
It is a series whose nature is known to us. The common auxiliary
series which are used to test any series are
L 1 -t- r -f- r2 -F -f r' 1 where r< I.

IL ip+2p+3, f . -. rip f-.. whercp<L

We give the proofs below
I. 1Dr infinite geometric Series
1 * r i r 2 r-...

(1) is convergent if r j <1 and its sum to ., is

(ii) is divergent rjr>1,

(iii) is finitely oscillatory if r 1,
(iv) is infinitely oscillatOry if r< -- 1.
Proof. Let us consider the partial sum

Cse. (i) \Vhcri i <1

I ---rn
T 4- r -- -. + r 1 -.

Jim S= 'tin)
. hill (-)
--r )r-r

r"->Oasn.>c, when <I)

finite quantity.
sequence {S.,) is convcrgent and consequentl y u, is also
convergent The suni of the series is
hni S-
l—r


446 BUSINESS MATHEMATICS
Case (ii) Let T> I Let r=I
Sr= I -I- r i . - - f r''
r e, -- i
=1+I+I+."-1--1
r— 1 S-fl

r' I
• urn U ,- Inn . urn =oo
(rr --1 r-1
= (.. r—* o as fi—* co when r>1) sequence {S} is divergent
sequence {S} is divergent and hence the series is divergent.
hence the series is also divergent.
Case (iii) Let r= -
S r -1--I+1 --... +(- ])r_1

=1 or 0 according as n is odd or even

lirn Sc0 or I.
1-

sequence {S} oscillates between two points and as such

is an oscillatory series.
II. The series

44,

Is convergent lip> I and divergent If pl.

Proof. Case 1. When p> 1
The terms of the series

n 1'
JLi±
2'
3 4P
IL +
5p
=
can he grouped as
I Il I ) i1 1 1 1

Now since 3>2 3 P > 21
1
3P <I,1
I 1 1 1 2 1
+ 3p<+p -T


CON VERG1NCE) AND DIVRG!NCE OF SERIES 447

Using similar arguments, we have
11 1 1 1 1 1 1 4
4)' 5? 6' 7? -- ' 4P 4)' 4P I 4P 4? 2(P--n

Also we have
I 1 1 1 1 8
±.._+5p<±fTh..
and so 0)1

<j -f- + --

The series on the R.H.S. is a geometric series with common ratio

which is less than 1 since p >1 -j<l ) Converges (by geometric

seies test) and consequently the given series being less than a convergent
series, is also convergent.
Case II. When p=1.
In this case the series is
I == , +- I -, i
E n 2 3 4 5
- 6 -.
can be grouped as follows

)+...
Now I I I I I

l I 1 1 1 1 1. 1 4
++
and so 011.
1 1 1\ (1 I i
±-)+
>
The series o il R.11.S. is a geometric series with
I diverges (by geometric series test) and Co COflllflorl ratio
nsequently
greater than a divergent series, is also divergent. the given series bein1


448 BUSINESS MATHItNIATICS

Case III. Whcnp<l, we have

But the series ---- is divergent.

4- being greater than a divergent series is also divergent

Hence the auxiliary series =1 +- +;- +- - ... is con-

vergent if p> I and divergent if pl

1- he above two auxiliary series form the basis of comparison test.
1310. COMPARISON TEST
The convergence or divergence of a series can be determined by
comparing it with some suitable auxiliary series (known also as standard
series or helping series) whose convergence or divergence is known before-
hand. Through this test we can know about the convergence or the diver
gence M ithout knowing the SUm of the series.
In the following comparison methods, serves as an auxiliary
series.
Test 1. 4) If >U, are two positive eriu series and there is a
Oositie constant k such that
u, u and is convergent then is also convergent.
(is) If t,, are two positive teini series and there is a positive
constant k such that
Y n and Yv, is divergent then ZU is also divergent.
Test 11 If are to positive term series and there exists
two positi e constants A and B such that

<B n

tnn the two series ii, and , converge or diverge together.

Test HI. (Comparison by limits)
(a) If ju, ajid Ev, are iwo series of positive terms and

tim / (finite and oi-:ero

hen the two series ju, and y u, are either both convergent or bat/i diergeni.


CONVERGENCE AND DIVFRGFNCfl OF S1ES 449

(b) If Urn 11 2 -=O and is convergent. then Urn is also convergent.

V,J

(c) If Urn -'-- = and Y,, is divergent, then u, is also divergent.

,.
It should he noted that this test is very useful in practice and as such
is worth remembering.
Test IV. If u and Iv. be two series of positive terms, tlien1t,
is convergent if (I) XVrn is convergent and (ii) from and after some parti-
cular term
U,_4_I Vrn+I

Urn

)u, is divergent if (I) Ev, is divergent, and (ii) from and after some parti-
cular term
Urn+1 Vjj

Un > V

Since the removal of a finite number of terms does not alter the nature .f
the series, we shall assume that the inequlity is satisfied from the every
first term.
flow to find an Auxiliary Series. If the given series is indicated
by its nth term u, we have to take a suitable auxiliary series t. First we
have to simplify the given series Y u. and then take the highest power of
FT , dropping the coefficient, as an auxiliary series, indicated by its 'ith
term vn.
E:ampIe 2. Pro'e that the following series Is divergent
2 3 4 nJ

1+-:,--
U=n+1
Solution, Here -
'I

Let us take the auxiliary series Xs., where

'I

+l -- 1
Jim - Jim- n
"+1
Jim - Jim
1mm
I\
i I + - 1.
- U, ir fl n 77

By limit comparison test both >u, and converge or diverge

together. But the auxiliary SCric8 is divergent, hence the given scrie
u, is also divergent.
E.-ample 3. Discuss the con-ergence or divergence of the series:
1 / 1
VI+V2+V2+373+\/4+
450 EUS1NFSS MATHEMATIC

Solution. Here Uz
n +vTfl+1

[i+(

Let us take the auxiliary series

L Vr n

so that
Un I I
tim -. tim -
2

which is -I quantity other than zero.

By limit comparison test, and v, both converge or diverge
together.
But the auxiliary series Xv, is divergent as p <I.

Hence the given series Xu. is also divergent.

Example 4. Examine the convergence of the series
12 3.4 5.6

Solution. Here (2n±I)2(2fl+2)2

degree of numerator is 2 and that of the denominator is 4, i.e. degree of
denominator is in excess by 2. This suggests that the given series may be
compared with the auxiliary series Xv,, where

(2n—L)(2n)n2
1
z-f.IY42n+2)

2+
LI,
lim 24^0
,1—cx) -
By limit comparison test Xu, and iv. are either both convergent
is convergent, hence the given series is
or both d ivergent. But XvMXh
also convergent.


CONVERGENCE AND DIVERGENCE OF SERIES 451

Example 5. Examine the convergence of the series

E^ /(n 3 -7^
n

Solution. Let u denote the nth term of the series, then

=n 3i2 i ±4_) _i], (apply Binomial Theorem)

U
=ii2[(
I i+ —2! ()
••• _iJ
l+_
n 3 8n )- 1 1
I I
8n9'
212 32

Comparing the series with the auxiliary series t, where

then, lLm ±
r -s J =---,
which is non-zero and finite.
By limit comparison test, the series >u and are either both
convergent or both divergent. But the auxiliary series
V,1

is convergent (p> 1), hence the given series is also convergent.

Example 6. Show that the series whose nth term is
(n±I) _/(n1—J)
is convergent.
Solution. Here u=(\/n+l—\/fl--l)
-
X

1)—(n I)
/i+ /;c:-j

- n
+n4 T fri f I--!]'
n4

= [( i+i)+]
^ (
452 BUSINESS MAT}IBMATXCS

Let us take the auxiliary series jv,, where v= so that

['+(-)(+ 11)]H°
* By limit comparison test both )u and t', converge or diverge
together.
But V,,== is convergent. (: p> I)
Hence the given series )U is also convergent.
ELamplt 7. Examine for convergence the series:
33 43
1k.3k + 2k4 +3k 5k

Solution. Here

(n -f- l) - [ i +
nk -f (n )k]
- 1+ (1 + -
Degree of numerator is 3 and that of denominator is k. The degree of
denominator is in excess by k - 3. Compare the series with the auxiliary
series Ye,,, where

It may be seen that u n r

-cO
=4^o
* By limit comparison test ru,, and Zv,, are either both convergent
or both divergent.
But Xv. is convergent if k-3>1, i.e., k>4 and divergent if k-3< , I,

I.e., k'c4.
Hence the given series is convergent if k>4 and divergent if ks4.
Example S. Discuss the convergence of the series:
CO

n) , (p and q being positive)

+ n)'(b 1-

S&tutIon. Here

U=)1b) )P(
Taking auxiliary series
I


CONVERGENCE AND DIVERGENCE OF SERIES

453

Jim - ti. Jim __

1- Co
)P( i -3-.!
l+')"(
which is finite for any given value of p and q and 18 non-zero.
By limit comparison test, Yu, and U., either both converge or
both diverge.
But is convergent if p -I q > I and divergent ifp+q1.
Hence the given series is convergent if ( p +q)> I and divergent if
(p + q) 1.
Example 9. Examine the convergence of the series:
1± x4x±

S o l ution. Here u,,_ x'

Let us take the auxiliary series >.=xn- 1, then
2
.
2"
Jim — urn --2 --- = u rn =1
-* CO -* CO Fl Fl -4 CO
+
2
By limit comparison test both M u. and U. converge or diverge
together,
But Ev r=x'-' (geometric series) converges if I x I
<1 and diverges
if x> 1, hence the given series converges if x'(l and diverges if x> 1.
Example 10. DIscusS the convergence or divergence of the series;
1 21 33

Solution. Since we know that the convergence or divergence of a

series remains unaltered by the omission of a finite number of terms, neg-
lecting the first term, we get
nfl 71"
U!=(_
1 13+1
+1( i+--)

- I
1V'
n( 1 +—) 1+ 711
Let us take the auxiliary series

(
u4)( i+)


454 BUSINESS MATHEMATICS

U,1 1
Jim -= urn )fl( i

1+
1 1
urn -. urn
n-+ CO (1+ JL)' n_co( i+---)

e :AO iirn(i+-)"=e]
[... n- CO
By limit comparison test, xu,, and xv,, both converge or diverge
together.
But the auxiliary series is divergent. Hence the
L
given series is also divergent.

EXERCISE (I)
1. Prove that the series
(i) I+ +--+4--f. ... is divergent.

(ii) Convergent.
1 3 5 7
3+4+3 6-!- ...is convergent.

F
-
Hint 2n-1
n(n+1)(n-i-2)'
I
a2

iirn!i_==riim
Co(1+)(i+
i (2_)n2
2.T2]
J.
a)
(iv) 1 1 1 1
+ ••j divergent.
+ +

(v) AJ +,Vhii+ + / is divergent. ,V4+..

(vi)i+_L+_.4+ _L +...is divergent.
4 3 93 143
(vii) I+ ---- + + j + . is convergent.
2.2 10 3310 4.410
I I I
310 410
(viii) I+—r. + --- +...is divergent.


CONVERGENCE AND DIVERGENCE OF SERIES 455

2. Examine the convergence of the series
1 y2 v' 3 V-4
0 - F- h1 +
1 2 3
a. 1' - h -'-— lb 1a.32 --F
14 24 34 4±Ion
(w)

3. Examine for convergence of the series

n(n4- 1) k -I - I
(i)
(n-f-2)(n-t-3)(n-f-4)2 (n)
k". I
C'-)

(iii) (iv) (3n- I)-', (v)

(Vi) (1,H)' 1 2L
-V / ii' 2

)T
(viii) (Ix) [CA,, Nov., 191]

4. Test for convergence of the following series

(1) (/2— 1)1-(v5-2)-f-( V_3)+... f(/,2
H—n)•f-...

(ii) (n--I) }

(iii) -V fl (iv) v'z -i- 1 -

{ {

(v) /Tfri (vi)

5. Examine the following series for convergence

• 2 3 4 5
(i)

I 1 1 1
(ii)

(in) 1 2P Y 4P


456 BUSINESS MATHEMATICS

1' 2' 3'

(iv)

6. Test for convergence the series whose general term is

(1) 1 fl\/n
+3)' , (ii) (an -f.b7iT' (•••)
ANSWERS
2. (i) Divergent, (Ii) Divergent, (iii) convergent.
3. (1) Divergent, (Ii) divergent, (iii) convergent, (iv) divergent,
(v) convergent, (vi) convergent, (vii) divergent, (viii) divergent,
(it) convergent.
I. (1) Divergent, (ii) divergent, (iii) convergent, (iv) convergent
(v) Convergent, (vi) convergent.
5. (1) Convergent if p>2 and divergent if p2,
(ii) convergent if p>1, divergent ifp1,
convergent if q—p>1, divergent if q - p 1,
(Iv) convergent if q>l, divergent if ql.
6. (1) Convergent if p>1 and divergent if p 1. (ii) divergent,
if PO, (iii) convergent if p> and divergent if
1311. D' ALEMBERT'S RATIO TEST
If we could find S, i.e., the sum of n terms of a series, the question
Of its convergency could be settled. In most cases this is impossible or very
difficult, for which there is a very useful test which requires us only to
know the nth term We will state this theorem without proof.
Let u1 4-u,-f u +... -1- u.+...denote a series of positive terms. Find
the ratio .f_- and find the limit of this ratio as n tends to infinity. If
this limit is greater than I, the series converges ; if less than I the series
diverges, if equal to 1 ; the series may converge or diverge and this test
gives no information.
In symbols, if >u is a positive term series, then
(I) It is convergent if Jun
n-#0
(ii) is divergent if lint _f!_ <:1,

(tii) the test fails If

lint "?_J
,l-
This test is known after the name of a French mathematician Jean
c-Round D' Alembert as I)' Alembert's test or the generalised ratio test.
Example ii. Test for convergence of the series:
1 3 5 7
(a)


CONVERGENCE AND LMVERGNCI OF SflRIFS 457

1 2
2 2 23
(b)
Id +ji+T A- .
1 2 3 4
(C)

Solution. (i) We note that the nth term of the series is

2i—1
so that

F 1)
u 2n -1 2' -- —2
U. t = 2' 2n-i-1 --
2I_1
L 'U

Then urn --- = Jim 2=2>1.

fl-+ u*+1 fl 1 2 --I-- ---
n
L
The series is convergent.
2A-
(b) Here u , ---- ---- so that
3

2-1 10-f-fl
U,, 1 0H( n_ 1) 2"
10

ZfiI

Jini urn -
=- =:+
= =
^ 00• 2 : 2
(. n J
1-lence the series is divergent.
(c) Here U=__j

1 ( i+ - -)

fl-1-1( i+---)( i+ - )
• linl
lT -+)

Thus the test does not give any information, We note, however,
hat since
un=_1


458 BUSINESS MATIH3MATICS

lun U,=],
n - CJ

and since this limit is not zero, the series is divergent.

Example 12. Test the convergence or divergence of the series
1 2! 3! 4!
+...

Solution. The nth term of the series is

ii!
U
3ri

Y +1 3".3 3
3' (n+ l) !3"(n± 1) n !n-4-1
3

urn ----== urn -_= urn ---- =0<1.

fl-*.D fl-+X)

Hence the series is divergent.

OD

Example 13. Prove that the eries is convergent by

I2+
usfng d' Alernoeri's Ratio Test.
Solution, Let u be "th krm. then
n3 a
so that

2--a l+_
u,, 1 (n -- 1)3 -o 2- a Is!8 a

U., 1-1-0 2+0

Now Inn -=--- . —=2.
flD u 1 1+0 I-f 0
which is greater than I.
Hence by ratio test, the series is convergent.
Example 14. Test for convergence of the series whose nth term is
11 2 ±1 nn •.. 1.3.5...(2n-1)
(1) -p-, (ii)
Solution. (i) Let U., denote the nth term of the given series, then
U. fl 2 1_1 50± 5(,12+1)
= 5' (n+l)2+ln2+2n--.2
Thus lim u. =5>1, consequently u1 converges.
n-+,X)


ONVERG3NCE AND DIVERGENCE OF SERIES 459

• u, n (n -- 1) 1
u,, 1 n! (ni- IY+'(fl±lY ( i +

Obviously urn = urn ,-

(1+—
U

Consequently Yu, diverges.

u l,3,5 ... (2n-1) (ri+l)
u,, n4 — ' L3. 5.. .(2n - I )(2n -i- 1)

(u+ ) n-

2+1 • (2±
—
Obviously Ilin -s-- —0, consequently u,, diverges.

Example 15. Prove that the serte

X2 X3 x
x+7+T+fTh.
is convergent for Ox<I and divergent for xl.
Solution. The nth term of the series is
X.
U
n
U. x' "+1 / 1 \ 1
Thus — =—x---=i \ 1 + —i . -
U,,. 1 fl X'1 U / x

Then liin ----= urn r' 1-1.-n .

L' ' / X J X

So if - >1, i.e., if x<l, the series is convergent,

and if <I, i.e., if x>l, the series is divergent.

If x=l, the test gives no information, but in that case, we note
that the given series reduces to the auxiliary series 1 ± - +—_ +... which
we know is divergent.
Hence the given series is convergent if x .zzl and is divergent If xl.
Example 16. Discuss the convergence of the series:
1 x X2 X"
3+36+2433fl2+
X.
Solution. Here u,, =
3+I 1 )' 3
u x' (n 1-1)' 7
Thus -= = 1+ x -


460
BUSINESS MATHEMATICS

J i m -=-- Jim
nhl
r 1 \2
1+--) . 3 1 3
n--00
^ co n-co X

By ratio test, the series 'u,, is convergent if -->1, i.e., if x.3

and diverges if - <1. i.e., x>.3.

X
If x=3, then 3 1

But the series is convergent, being an auxiliary series

(P> 1).
Hence is convergent if x'(3 and divergent if x>3.
Example 17. Test the convergence of/he series:
2 3 4 5 n-fl
Xf...

Solution. If lu. denotes the given series, then

(n+1)+l ;fl+l
•X

• u '+I (n-fl) I
- 713 Pi

(n4-1) 4 I (i+-..)
fl 3 (n +-2) x X
3
±
U. 1
Inn
fl -D 14 ,, + I X

Hence by d' Alcmbei-t's Ratio test, the series is convergent

if ->1, i.e., x<l and divergent jf_L<l, I.e., x>I.

If x = I, then ti, =
n+I (i+)
= 1

Taking the auxiliary series as u,,=

Jim Jim( 1+
=
flcO n ) a non-zero finite quanti ty .
Xu,
and xv,, are either both convergent or both divergent.
CONVERGENC9 AND DIVERGENCE OF SERIES 461

Since V,== _!- is convergent, >u is also convergent

Hence the series is convergent if X 1 and divergent if .x>1.

Example 18. Exwnine the .JOflergerIce oJ the series
(1) +1)
(n 2)i) x, (x>())

(714- 1) .
Solution. here
(n+2)
and so that

- (nj-1)(n- 4)
+) j
U ' Vj - ( n J-2)2 X
i± - --)
(
11,
urn
fl-*cO

By ratio test, it follows that the series is convergent if

1, 1.e.,x <1

and divergent if 7<1 I.e., x>I

For x=1, we have

(n+l)
(n+2)(n+3) n 2 3

Choosing we get

(i+-.-)
Un

( i+—)(
i-4)
n)
him him 1, a non-zero finite quantity.
TJJ v,, fl•(D ( 1+._)(1-2-)

and thus the two series Yu. and Yv, converge or diverge together by
Comparison test.


462 13US1NES MATHEMATICS

But is divergent, therefore, the given series

is also divergent.
Hence >u 1 is convergent if x<1 and divergent if x>1.
Example 19. Test for convergence of the series
2 X4 XG
J
()
77 + + +

1 1 1
(b) jp + 3 p •15pI- J)P

Solution. (a) Here u, - --- and u, -

(n-4-1)\/ n (n±2)Vn+1
U,, n4 2

• (1± .L)2
1+-

r 1 2 -
fi
x
n
urn ----= urn ( +-!_ 2
p-f 1X2 X2
fl-+CC)
i+_!__
L " J

Hence the given series is convergent if- >1, i.e., x 2 <1 and diver-

gent if -. <I X2>1,

But if x 2 - 1, the nth term of the given series becomes

u 1_ = 72 ( '==[ I_-J_+...]

Comparing it with the auxiliary series

:

we find that
U f I
urn = urn ,, 1---+... )=-1, which is non-zero and finite.
fl-3c0

The both Xii,, and Xv,, converge or diverge together. But the

auxiliary series is convergent, hence the given series is

also convergent.


CONvERGENC12 AND DIVERGENCE OF SERIES 463

b) u(2n±l)' l_ ______
fit
U. (2n1)P I
211)

\P
1( )
U,, +2,:) 1 1
hill hill \/' - -
( x x
L" 2n) J

Itence the given series is convergent if >1, i.e., if x,,- I and diver

gent if! <1, i.e., if x>1.

But if x I, the given series becomes

1 1 1

1 1
(2u--1)

Choosing the auxiliary series we have

tip
11.

li p ( 2_) (2_-)
11 ti

1 1 1

which is non zero and finite for any given value of P.

Thus0 1 and either both converge or diverge together.

But
E v=
tip
is Convergent if P 1 and divergent if p1.
Hence the given series is convergent if X< I and divergent if x> I and
when x=- I, the given series is convergent ii p> I and divergent ifp 1.
1312. CAUCHY'S ROOT TEST
According to this test if 2 u, is a positive term series, then

(i) it is covergent if urn (un) 11 <1.

n- '-

(ii) is divergent if urn (u,,)" > 1, and

fl-4. Co


464 BUSINESS MATHEMATICS

(iii) the test is inconclusive if Jim (u1) fl = I.

/v-> CO

Example 20. Show that the series

i- ±4 is convergent.
Solution. Here the nth term of the series is

flfl

I I
(1 ' n 1
Thus (un) ,
\iJ' ) • it

tim n= iim_L—<i
By Cauchy's root test, YU. is convergent.
Example 21. Test for the convergence the series whose genera
term is
j\fl2
/

\ n
Solution. Here u.=7

Thus (u,)(
1- )" [( 1 i'

r,
tim (14.) " = tim
fl -
*C
=e"=—<l 1— ) j
By Cauchy's root test, )u, is convergent.
Example 22. Test for convergence the series whose nih term is
WI,

(n±I)h11

'I fl1
Solution. Here (un)
(l-t-n) /
\ ni

tim (u,j = urn I 1

-= 7<1
fl-+ CO

I ' ,)
Hence the series converges by the root test.


CONVERGENCE AND DIVERGENCE OF SERIES 465

Example 23. Test the convergence of i/ic series
22

( T2
2 ) 1 d

(
33
3y(4 4)8

n4-1- \*+l (n+l A_1

Solution. I lcrc U.—
(11+)fl[n1)fl

l id I

l]1
j
d_
t + i
'[(

Thus km (ufl) = km (i + i]

e which is less than I.

Hence by Cauchy's root test, the given series is convergent.
+1)x}"
Example 24. Show that the series L(7 - Is convergent if
x<i and divergent if x>].
Solution. Here n.
Pt
In
j
(n+l)x( i+), -
(ii)

flfl 1 ri's

liIfl (tij urn n 1]

[ .
By Cauchy's root test, the series is convergent if x<l and
divergent if X>l.
(n-.1)" 1 t n +1' I /
=- -h-- I--) =--,j- I
I
If x=1, then U,,=

the auxiliary series

Taking the where v—
fl

V11 n

Jim —f— - urn (1 i----_ =e^O,

17>


466 BUSINESS MATHEMATICS

By limit comparison test, and Xv, are either both convergent

or both divergent, but - is divergent, therefore, i
also divergent.
Hence the given series is convergent if x'<i and divergent if x> 1.
1313. RAA BE'S TEST
Let ^u be a given positive tertn series such that
urn
a-. ;L
r
n ( u1 1=i then
\U+1 JJ
(1) ru,, is convergent if 1> I
(ii) is divergent if /<1.
(111) if 1= 1, then the test fails, the series may either converge or
diverge.
Example 25. Determine the convergence of the series
1 1.3 1.3.5
-- X2X2F_6X8.{,,

Soluti on . I.3.5...(2n—l)
Here U,, "
2.4.6..(2n)
+ l.3.5 ... (2n—i)(2nf.l)
" 1 2.46...(2n)(2' 2)

U. (2'z 2) 1 n1
u _4(2 n +l) . x
2n
U
urn
n— cc .s+i X

By d'Alembert's Test, the series is convergent or divergent

according as -- >1 or --<1 respectively, I.e., according as x< I or x>i
respectively. Since this test is inconclusive when X 7 1,
test, If x=l, (1) can be written as we use Raabe'g

u.41(
i+)(i+L)'

- ( i+( i—+ -.•. )=i++..

I.e.,

lim n(
n, x ^
—1
)= 2i<1
' By Raabe's test the series is Convergent.
Hence the given series is convergent ifx<I and divergent if xl.


CONVERGENCE AND DIVERGENCE OF SERIES

Example 26. Examine the convergence or the divergence of :/w

series
2 2.42 2.42.62
\2+ 2 X6+

22.42,62... (2n_2)2
Here ii = X
2n
224261 (2n__2)2(2n)2 x
U, 4 1 :- — 2+2
3.4.5. 6 .... 2n(2n-l-l)(2fl+2)
U,, (2': -f 1 )(2j) -4-2)
Thu s - -1 = 4n 2 -4- 6': -I- 2
--
U n I
urn
u,, 1 .v2

By d'Alembert test, the series is convergent '>1, fe,,

if <1 and divergent if 4 <1, i.e., x> I.

If x ' = 1, (1) may be rewritten as
U,,
4'f-1-6n--2
u H 4n -
/ U '/ 4fl26,4. 6,1 2 -2ti
n P=nr-_-__j i=---- \
+1 ) \ 4jj3 47J
/
I , 45n24-2n
Jim n k---- I j - - - 3
CC ( u1 / r Jim -----=-->
4fl
'
By Raabe's test, the series is convergent.
Hence the series is convergent if x< I and divergent if x> 1.

EXERCISE (II)
Find whether the following series converge or diverge.
1 2 3 4
2 22
2 22 23 2"
(ii)
2.34'
2 22 2 3 2
is r± -I-... +-+..,
2 22 21 2
(iv)

I - 3
(v) -_- + i-- -


468 BUSINESS MATEIPMAT1C

2. Examine the convergence of the series:

1 3 5 7
(ii)
i
1 21 3! 41
(fit)
I) -- ±--±fj+.-.

3. Examine the convergence of the following ser i es

(1) 1+3x+5X2+7X8+9X4+...
x 1 x3 x
! ......
4. Examine the convergence of the series
X X2 x3 x4
1.2 3.4567
1 x X2
(if)
1.2.3 789
X ! 3
(iii) 1 + x- -3• +

x x2 x X"
(iv)

5. Test the convergence of the series

X x2 X
(')

.+ V2 L.
/3 2 *1
X 8 + ...--
./fl2+1
...
(ill)+2 2

(Iv) - - + -- - x-f-

6. Examine the convergence of the following series

X2 XS Xn
• x
(:)

(ii) X

(in) I -4- +4P +& -

• x x3
(iv)
244x2 3+9x


CONVERGENCE AND DIVERGENCE OF iiuns 469

7 Examine the convergence of the following series

• 1.2 2.3 3.4

(u) 2
x 5 10 x 31
7 x'
)^-(-)+...
S. Test for convergence or divergence of the series:
c%) SO

3n-4 Xn,
112
--2n
(ii)
^^ (n-l- 1)3112 X

iii) n2+ 1 n ] x2

a0 10
1,3.5..(2n—l)
(iv) ( v)
2.5.8...(3n_1) 3.n!
n=I

(ri) x. (given 0<xJ) [CA., May, 19911

9. Test for convergence the following series

(')
CO

r a .
1 ' (n) CO

n1
[n+i _ J Y,
fl1

(iii) [1+

(iv)
2 ((?1+ 1)/nln

00 co

(v) 14- (vi) 2"-"

10. Test for convergence the following series

1 1.3 1.3.5
(i)

CO

1
' '
2.4.6..,(2n— 1)
1.3.5.,.(2n_-3) (2n-2)
n=I


470 RUSINI3SS MATIIBMATICS

• . P I3.3a.5

X x3 1.3 x 1.3.5 x7
(iv)
T1 526 7
ANSWERS
1. (i) Convergent, (ii) divergent, (iii) divergent, (iv) divergent1
(v) divergent.
2. (i) Convergent, (ii) divergent, (iii) divergent.
3. (i) Convergent, if xl and divergent if x 1,
(ii) convergent for all x.
4. (i) Convergent fur X I and divergent for X>1,
(ii) same as in (i) (iii) same as in (I) ; (iv) same as in (i),
5. (i) Convergent if x< 1 and divergent if x I, (ii) same as in (0,
(Iii) a n d (iv) same as in (i).
6. (i) Convergent if x< 1 and divergent if x> 1, (ii) same as in (1),
(iii) convergent if X2 <1, divergent if 1. Also convergent if x 2 1 and
P> 1 and divergent if x' = 1 and 1, <1, ((v) convergent.
7. (i) Convergent if x> I and divergent if x I,
(ii) convergent if .v<a and divergent if xa.
8. (i) Convergent if x<1 and divergent ii' x 1,
(ii) convergent if x1 and divergent if x>l. (iii) same as in (ii).
(vi) convergent if Ox<l and divergent if x=1.
9. (i) to (vi) convergent.
10. (i) Divergent, (ii) convergent, (iii) divergent,
(Iv) convergent if x 2 < 1 and divergent if X 2> 1.
1314. ALTERNATING SERIES
An infinite series in which the terms are alternately positive and
negative and in which each term is numerically less than the preceding
term is called all Series. Symbolically, a series of the form

u--u2-u3—u4+.., i.e., (-
1)1u4

where u >OVn, is called an alternating series.

1315. LEIBNITZ TEST
An alternating series is convergent if each term is numerically 1es
than the preceding term a' j the nth term is infinitely small whea is is
taken infinitely large. Symbolically, the alternating series
 471
CONVERGENCE AND DIVERGENCE OF SERIES

is convergent if (1) u u,, n, and (ii) urn

and its sum always lies bttwecn 0 and u.

Earnp1e 27. Test the convergence of the series
I I 1 1
'1! 2! 31

Solution. In order to discuss the conver3euce of the given series,

wewill apply Lcibnitz test for the convergence of an alternating series
and we shall verily whether the terms of the series satisfy tho two condi-
tions or not.

(1) Obviously u (i/) Jim U, urn 0

fl. J) n 1

By Leibnitz. test, the given series is convergent.

Example 28. Test the convergence of the series
I I I I

obc (a+IXb1I)(c j I) (a 2)(h 2)(c±2) (a3)(b+3)(C+3)"

a, b, c are positive.
Solution. Let the given series be represented by
u 1 -- u 2 -{- u -{ -

=15CT)'
Since a, b and C are all positive,
41

1 1 1 1 1 1
a+ n --l>ai-n' ---->-
-11 and
- 1 1
(a l- 1)(b + n— 1)(c t n j )>(a Fn)( + rr(c +)

u.+l-<U.
1
Also urn U,, -= urn
fl+CY) (a . j-fl—l)(b-t-fl-1)(Ct n—I)

urn - 1C--

113 lj

=0 ...(2)
From (1) and (2), we conclude that the given series is convergent.
472 BUSINESS MATHEMATICS

Example 29. Examine the convergence of the series

Solution. Here U,,r\/QlTfl)_\/ ,j

__
-[\/(fl+1)— W-) X7-_

n±l—n

Now we shall apply the Leibnitz test for the convergence of an alter-
nating series and we shall verify whether the terms of the series satisfy the
two conditions or not.
1 1
(I) u—u
%1(n

(\/2+\/Ti)

(y ,ij \/ , T T)( v r 1 - 1

-- ______ n —V'n f2 n \/fl+2

( \/ +TX/l +v'<
n—(n4-2)
+ /T)
<0
u,1+1 -11,,<0 i.e., u,,>u41.

(ii) Jim u== urn

n -* ) ii - Vn+1 + / n

Jim_l1/2 7i ==°•
R
Hence by Leibnitz test, the series is convergent

EXERCISE (III)
I. Test the convergence or the following series
(1)


CONVERGENCE AND DIVERGENCE OF SERIES 473

1 3 1
223V3
2. Sh ow that the following series are convergent
c,)
)r )nI
(
(1) , ( ii)
-

fl2 .a2
fl - 1
3. Examine the convergence of the following series

(I) +ja . where x arid 'O

1 1 1 -
xy (x i - 1)(y1 I)(x+2)(yF2)(x+3)(y+3)
where x and y>O.
ANSWERS
1. (1) Convergent, (ii) convergent,
2. (i) Convergent, (ii) convergent.