Unit-5 Sequences and Series

Department of Mathematics,
SRM Institute of Science and Technology,
Kattankulathur - 603203.

Sequences and Series SRM Institute of Science and Technology

CONTENTS
Sequences

Series

Series of positive terms

Problems

Cauchy’s Integral Test

D’ Alembert’s Ratio Test

Raabe’s Test

Cauchy’s Root Test

Alternating Series-Lebnitz’s Test

Absolute Convergence and Conditional Convergence

Sequences and Series SRM Institute of Science and Technology

Sequence

Definition:
A set of numbers a1 , a2 , ...an , ... such that to each positive inte-
ger n, there corresponds a number an of the set , is called a
sequence and it is denoted by {an }. In otherwords, a sequence
of real numbers is a function s from the set of natural numbers
N into the set of real numbers R.
Examples:
1 If an = n1 , then the sequence is 1, 12 , 13 ..., n1 ...
2 If an = (−1)n , then the sequence is −1, 1, −1, ....
3 If an = k , then the sequence is k, k , ....
Note:
1. A finite sequence has a finite number of terms.
2. A sequence which is not finite, is an infinite sequence.
3. Example 3 is a constant sequence.

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Sequence
Operations on Sequences:
If {sn } and {tn } are sequences then
1 Sum sequence is {sn + tn } = {sn } + {tn }.
2 Product sequence is {sn tn } = {sn }.{tn }.
3 If c ∈ R, then c{sn } = {csn }.
4 { s1n } is called the reciprocal of {sn }.
5 { stnn } is defined as the quotient of sequence {sn } and {tn },
tn 6= 0.
Bounded Sequence
A sequence {sn } is said to be bounded if there exist numbers
m, M such that m < an < M for all n ∈ N. Otherwise it is said to
be unbounded.
Example:
1. { n1 } which is bounded by 1.
2. {2n } which is unbounded.
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Sequence
Monotonic Sequence:
A sequence {sn } is said to be
(i) Monotonically increasing if sn+1 ≥ sn for every n, s1 ≤ s2 ≤
s3 .... ≤ sn ≤ sn+1 ≤ ....
(ii) Monotonically decreasing if sn+1 ≤ sn for every n, s1 ≥ s2 ≥
s3 .... ≥ sn ≥ sn+1 ≥ ....
(iii) Monotonic if it is either monotonically increasing or monoton-
ically decreasing.
Example:
1 1, 4, 7, 10, .... is a monotonic sequence.
2 1, 12 , 13 , .... is monotonic sequence.
3 1, −1, 1, −1, .... is not a monotonic sequence.
Limit of a sequence:
Let {sn } be a sequence. l is said to be limit of the sequence
{sn }, if to each ε > 0 there exists m ∈ z + such that |sn − l| < ε,
∀n ≥ m. That is limn→∞ sn = l.
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Sequence

Convergent Sequence:
A sequence {sn } is said to be convergent if it has a finite limit.
That is limn→∞ sn = l.
Divergent Sequence:
If limn→∞ sn = ∞, {sn } is divergent.
Oscillatory Sequence:
If limn→∞ is not unique (oscillates finitely) or ±∞ (oscillates in-
finitely) then {sn } is oscillatory sequence.
Examples:
1 { n12 } is a convergent sequence.
2 {n} is a divergent sequence.
3 {(−1)n } oscillates finitely.
4 {(−1)n n2 } oscillates infinitely.

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Sequence

Problems:
Which of the following sequence are convergent?
n
1 n
(i) { n2n+1 } (ii) {(−1)n+1 } (iii) { n+1
n
} (iv) {1+ (−1)


n } (v) { 2 }
Solution: (i)
n
limn→∞ sn = limn→∞
n2 + 1
n
= limn→∞
n n + n1

1
= limn→∞
n + n1

=0

Hence the sequence is convergent.

(ii) {(−1)n+1 }=1,-1,1,-1,.... is an oscillating sequence.

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(iii)
n
limn→∞ sn = limn→∞
n+1
n
= limn→∞
n 1 + n1

1
= limn→∞
1 + n1

=1

Hence the sequence is convergent.

(iv)

(−1)n
limn→∞ sn = limn→∞ 1 +
n
=1

Hence the sequence is convergent.

n
(v)The sequence { 12 } is convergent.
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Series

Definition:
u1 , u2 , ...., un ... is an infinite sequence. The expression u1 + u2 +
.... + un + ... is called the series. It is denoted by ∑∞ n=1 un .
Note:
1. If the number of terms are finite in a series then the series is
called a finite series.
2. If the number of terms are infinite in a series then the series
is called an infinite series.
Definition:
The sum of a finite number of terms (the first n-terms) of a series
is called the nth partial sum of the series. Sn = u1 +u2 +....+un =
∑∞ n=1 un .
1. If limn→∞ Sn = S(finite), then the series ∑∞ n=1 un converges.
2. If limn→∞ Sn = ±∞, then the series ∑∞ n=1 n diverges.
u
3. If limn→∞ Sn is more than one limit (or) ±∞, then ∑∞ n=1 un is
oscillatory (or) non converges.

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Series
Problems:
1.Examine the nature of the series 1 + 3 + 5 + 7 + ....∞
Solution:
The nth partial sum is Sn = 1+3+5+7+...+n. It is an arithmetic
n
series with a = 1, d = 2, Sn = [2a + (n − 1)d] = n2 . It follows
2
that limn→∞ Sn = ∞. Hence the series is divergent.
2. Show that the series 1 + r + r 2 + ...∞ (i) Converges if |r | < 1
(ii) Diverges if r ≥ 1 and (iii) Oscillatory if r ≤ −1
Solution:
(i) If |r | < 1, the nth partial sum is Sn = 1 + r + r 2 + · · · + r n−1 =
1(1 − r n )
. limn→∞ r n = 0, if |r | < 1. Thus the series is convergent.
1−r
(ii) If r > 1, limn→∞ r n = ∞. If r = 1, then Sn = 1 + 1 + · · · + 1=n.
Hence limn→∞ r n = ∞. Hence the ( series is divergent if r ≥ 1.
∞, if n is odd
(iii) If r < −1, then limn→∞ Sn =
−∞, if n is even
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Series
(
1, if n is odd
If r = −1, then Sn = 1 − 1 + 1 − 1 + · · · 1. Sn =
−1, if n is even
2
Hence the series 1 + r + r + ...∞ is oscillatory if r ≤ −1
3. Examine the converges of the following series.
(i) 5−4−1+5−4−1+· · · ∞ (ii) 1+ 54 + 64 +· · · ∞ (iii) ∑∞ 1
n=1 n(n+2)
2
(iv) 1 + 12 + 212 · · · ∞ (v) 1 + 43 + 43 + · · · ∞

Solution:
(i) nth partial sum is Sn =5 or 1 or 0. Hence the series is oscilla-
tory.
(ii) The series is arithmetic series a = 1, d = 14 ,
Sn = n2 [2a+(n −1)d] = n8 [7+n]. Therefore limn→∞ Sn = ∞. Hence
the series is divergent.
1 1
(iii)un = . By using partial fractions = An + n+2
B
.
n(n + 2) n(n + 2)
Which implies 1 = A(n + 2) + Bn. When n = 0, A = 12 and when
n = −2, B = −1 2 .
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Series

1 1 1
Therefore un = = 2n − 2(n+2) . The nth partial sum is
n(n + 2)
Sn = u1 + u2 + · · · + un = 12 − 2(n+2)
1
. limn→∞ Sn = 12 . Hence the
given series is convergent.

2
n−1
(iv) The nth partial sum is Sn = 1 + 12 + 12 + · · · + 12 .
1− 21n
Sn = 1 = 2 1 − 21n . limn→∞ Sn = 2. Hence the given series is


2
convergent.

2
n−1
(v) The nth partial sum is Sn = 1 + 43 + 43 + · · · + 43 .
n
( 43 ) −1

n 
Sn = 1 = 3 43 − 1 . limn→∞ Sn = ∞. Hence the given
3
series is divergent.

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Series of Positive terms

Properties of Series:
1. Convergence of a series remains unchanged by the replace-
ment, inclusion or omission of a finite number of terms.
2. A series remains convergent, divergent or oscillatory when
each term of it is multiplied by a fixed number other than zero.
3. A series of positive terms either converges or diverges to +∞.
That is omitting the negative terms the sum of first n terms tends
to either a finite limit or +∞
4. Every finite series is a convergent series.
Definition:
If all terms after few positive terms in an infinite series are posi-
tive, such a series is a positive term series.
Example: -10-6-1+5+12+20+· · · .

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Series of positive terms

Necessary Condition for Convergence:

If a positive term series ∑∞
n=1 un is convergent, then limn→∞ un =
0.
Note:
Converse of the above theorem is not true.
Example:
The series 1 + √12 + √13 + · · · + √1n + · · · is divergent eventhough
limn→∞ un = limn→∞ √1n = 0.
Test for Divergence:
If limn→∞ un 6= 0, the series ∑∞
n=1 un must be divergent.
Comparison Test for Convergence:
If two positive term series ∑∞ ∞
n=1 un and ∑n=1 vn be such that
∑n=1 vn converges and un ≤ vn for all values of n, then ∑∞
∞
n=1 un
also converges.

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Series of positive terms

Comparison Test for divergence:

If two positive term series ∑∞ ∞
n=1 un and ∑n=1 vn be such that
∑n=1 vn diverges and un ≥ vn for all values of n, then ∑∞
∞
n=1 un
also diverges.
Limit Comparision test:
If two positive term series ∑∞ ∞
n=1 un and ∑n=1 vn be such that
limn→∞ uvnn = non zero finite value, then ∑∞ ∞
n=1 un and ∑n=1 vn con-
verges or diverges together.
Auxiliary Series:
(a) p-series:
1
The harmonic series ∑∞ n=1 np is convergent for p > 1 and diver-
gent for p ≤ 1.
(b) Geometric series:
The geometric series ∑∞ n−1 is convergent if r > 1 and diver-
n=1 r
gent if r ≥ 1.

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Problems:
1 2 3
1. Examine the series + + + · · · for conver-
1.3.5 3.5.7 5.7.9
gence.
Solution:
To find un :
1,2,3,.... is an arithmetic series where a = 1, d = 1,
tn = a + (n − 1)d = n
1,3,5,.... is an arithmetic series where a = 1, d = 2,
tn = a + (n − 1)d = 2n − 1
3,5,7,.... is an arithmetic series where a = 3, d = 2,
tn = a + (n − 1)d = 2n + 1
5,7,9,.... is an arithmetic series where a = 5, d = 2,
tn = a + (n − 1)d = 2n + 3
n 1
Therefore un = = .
(2n − 1)(2n + 1)(2n + 3) n (2 − n )(2 + n1 )(2 + n3 )
2 1

Choose vn = n12 .

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Problems:

1
limn→∞ uvnn = limn→∞ 1 1 3
= 1
8 6= 0. By comparison
(2 − n )(2 + n )(2 + n )
1 n
test, ∑∞ ∞
n=1 n2 is convergent, implies that ∑n=1
(2n − 1)(2n + 1)(2n + 3)
is convergent.
2. Discuss the convergence or divergence of the series
2 3 4
1p + 2p + 3p + · · · ∞.
Solution:
(n + 1) 1
un = p
. Choose vn = p−1 . We have
n n
un 1 1
limn→∞ vn = limn→∞ (1 + n ) = 1 6= 0. The series ∑∞n=1 p−1 is con-
n
vergent if p > 2 and it is divergent if p ≤ 2. Hence the given
(n + 1)
series ∑∞ n=1 is convergent if p > 2 and it is divergent if
np
p ≤ 2.

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Problems:

3. Determine
√ whether
√ the following
√ series is convergent or di-
2−1 3−1 4−1
vergent 3 + 3 + 3 +···.
3 −1 4 −1 5 −1
Solution:
√
q
n+1−1 1 + n1 − √1n
u
un = =
. Choose vn = 15 . limn→∞ vnn =
(n + 1)3 − 1 n 52 (1 + 2 )3 − 13 n2
q n n
1 1
1 + n − √n
limn→∞ =
= 1 6= 0. Since ∑∞ n=1 vn is convergent.
(1 + n2 )3 − n13
Hence by comparison test ∑∞ n=1 un is convergent.

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Problems:
1
4. Examine the nature of series ∑∞
n=1 where a, b, p, q
(a + n)p (b + n)q
all positive.
Solution:
1
un =
(a + n)p (b + n)q
1
=
p  q
a
np+q 1 + n 1 + bn
1
Choosevn =
np+q
un 1
limn→∞ = limn→∞ q = 1
vn

p
1 + na 1 + bn

1
Since ∑∞
n=1 np+q is convergent if p + q > 1 and is divergent if p + q ≤ 1.
1
Which implies ∑∞ n=1 is convergent if p + q > 1 and is
(a + n)p (b + n)q
divergent if p + q ≤ 1.
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Problems:
5. Determine
√ whether the
 following series is convergent or divergent
√
∞
∑n=1 4 4
n +1− n −1 .
Solution:

√ √ !
p p  n4 + 1 + n4 − 1
un = n4 + 1 − n4 − 1 √ √
n4 + 1 + n4 − 1
(n4 + 1) − (n4 − 1) 2
=√ √ =√ √
4
n +1+ n −1 4 n + 1 + n4 − 1
4

2 1
= 2q q
n 1+ + 1− 1
1
n4 n4
1
Choose vn =
n2
un 2
limn→∞ = limn→∞ = 1.
vn 2
√ √ 
1
Since the series ∑∞ ∞
n=1 n2 is convergent, ∑n=1 n4 + 1 − n4 − 1 is
convergent.
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Problems:
6. Determine
r whether the following series is convergent or divergent
n
3 −1
∑∞n=1 .
2n + 1
Solution:
r
3n − 1
un =
2n + 1
v
r !n u 1
=
3 u t 1 − 3n
2 1 + 21n
r !n
3
Let vn =
2
v
u 1 − 1n
u
un 3
limn→∞ = limn→∞ t =1
vn 1 + 21n
r
3n − 1
Since ∑∞ v
n=1 n is divergent, ∞
∑n=1 is also divergent.
2n + 1
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Problems:

1


7. Examine the nature of the series ∑∞ n=1 sin n .
Solution:
sin n1


1 1 un


un = sin n , choose vn = n . limn→∞ vn = limn→∞ 1 = 1.
n
1 1


Since ∑∞ ∞
n=1 n is divergent. Hence ∑n=1 sin n is also divergent.
**********************************************************************
Cauchy’s Integral Test
If ∑∞
n=1 un is a series of positive terms and if u(x) = f (x) be such
that
f (x) is continuous in 1 < x < ∞.
f (x) decreases as x increases, then the series ∑∞ u is
R∞ n
n=1
convergent or divergent according as the integral 1 f (x)dx
is finite or infinite.

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Cauchy’s Integral Test:
1. Apply Cauchy’s integral test to discuss the nature of the har-
1
monic series (p-series) ∑∞ n=1 np .
Solution:
Let ux = f (x) = n1p . As x increases f (x) decreases.
1
Z ∞ Z ∞
f (x)dx = dx
1
Z1∞
xp
= x −p dx
1
 −p+1 
x
=
−p + 1
−1 −p+1 ∞
= [x ]1
p−1
(
1
ifp > 1
= p−1
∞ ifp ≤ 1
Therefore ∑ un is convergent if p > 1 and divergent if p ≤ 1.
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Cauchy’s Integral Test:

1
2. Find the nature of the series ∑∞
n=2 .
n(logn)p
Solution:
1
Let ux = f (x) = . As x increases f (x) decreases.
x(logx)p

1 dt
Z ∞ Z ∞
=
2 x(logx)p log2 t
p
−p+1
 
t
=
−p + 1

finite,
 if p = 1
= finite, if p > 1

infinite, if p ≤ 1


Therefore ∑ un is convergent if p > 1 and divergent if p ≤ 1.

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Cauchy’s Integral Test:

1
3. Discuss the convergence of the series ∑∞
n=2 .
nlogn
Solution:
1
Let ux = f (x) = . As x increases f (x) decreases.
xlogx

1
Z ∞ Z ∞
f (x)dx = dx
2 2 x(logx)
dt
Z ∞
=
log2 t
= infinite

Therefore ∑ un is divergent.

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Cauchy’s Integral Test:

1
4. Examine the convergence of the series 1 + 2 + 12 + 12 +
...... 4 3 9 3 16 3
Solution:
1
Let ux = f (x) = 4 . As x increases f (x) decreases.
x3
1
Z ∞ Z ∞
f (x)dx = 4
dx
Z ∞x
1 1 3
−4
= x 3 dx
1
−1
= −3[x 3 ]∞
1
= 3(finite)

Therefore ∑ un is convergent.

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D’Alembert’s Ratio Test:
D’Alembert’s Ratio Test
un+1
The series ∑∞ n=1 un of positive terms is convergent if limn→∞ <
un
un+1 un+1
1 is divergent if limn→∞ > 1. If limn→∞ = 1, the test fails.
un un
1 + α (1 + α)(1 + 2α)
1. Test the convergence of the series 1+ + +
1 + β (1 + β )(1 + 2β )
......
Solution:
(1 + α)(1 + 2α)....(1 + (n)α)
Let un = then
(1 + β )(1 + 2β ).....(1 + (n)β )
(1 + α)(1 + 2α)....(1 + (n)α)(1 + (n + 1)α)
un+1 = . It follows that
(1 + β )(1 + 2β ).....(1 + (n)β )(1 + (n + 1)β )
un+1 (1 + (n + 1)α) un+1 α
= ⇒ limn→∞ = β . Thus the series con-
un (1 + (n + 1)β ) un
verges if αβ < 1 and diverges if αβ > 1. If αβ = 1, then α = β .
Therefore the series ∑∞ n=1 un = 1 + 1 + 1 + .... is a divergent se-
ries.
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D’Alembert’s Ratio Test:

22 x 2 33 x 3
2. Test the convergence of the series x + + + ......
2! 3!
Solution:
x n nn x n+1 (n + 1)(n+1)
Let un = then un+1 = . It follows that
n! (n + 1)!
un+1
n un+1
n
= x n+1 n ⇒ limn→∞ = xlimn→∞ 1 + n1 = xe. Thus
un un
the series converges if ex < 1 and diverges if ex > 1. If ex = 1,
then the ratio test fails.
2.5.8 2.5.8.11
3. Find the nature of the series 21 + + + ...
1.5.9 1.5.9.13
Solution:
2.5.8....(3n − 1) 2.5.8....(3n − 1)(3n + 2)
un = and un+1 = . Thus
1.5.9....(4n − 3) 1.5.9....(4n − 3)(4n + 1)
un+1 3n + 2 un+1 3 + n2 3
= . Hence limn→∞ = limn→∞ = < 1. Hence
un 4n + 1 un 4 + n1 4
the given series is convergent.

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Raabe’s Test:
Raabe’s Test
∞
The positive termed series  ∑n=1  un is convergent or deivergent
un+1
according as limn→∞ n − 1 > 1 or < 1. If D’Alemberts
un
test fails then use Raabe’s test.
2 2.4 2.4.6
1. Test the convergence of the series + + +......
3.4 3.5.6 3.5.7.8
Solution:
2.4.6.8....2n 1
Let un = then
3.5.7....(2n + 1) 2n + 2
2.4.6.8....2n.2(n + 1) 1
un+1 = . It follows that
3.5.7....(2n + 1).(2n + 3) 2n + 4

2
un+1 1 + n1 u
= 3

4

⇒ limn→∞ n+1 = 1. Hence the ratio test
un 1+ 2n 1 + 2n  un

un+1 (2n + 3)(2n + 4)
fails. n −1 = n − 1 → 32 as n → ∞.
un (2n + 2)2
Therefore by Raabe’s test the given series is convergent.
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Raabe’s Test:

1.3.5....(2n − 1) n
2. Test the convergence of the series ∑∞
n=1 x .
2.4.6....(2n)
Solution: 
un+1 2n + 1 un+1
=x ⇒ limn→∞ = x. Thus the series con-
un 2n + 2 un
verges if 0 < x < 1 and diverges if x > 1. If x = 1, then the
D’Alemberts
 ratio test fails. Apply Raabe’s test.
un n
n − 1 = 2n+1 → 12 as n → ∞. Therefore when x = 1 the
un+1
given series is divergent.

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Cauchy’s root Test:
Cauchy’s root Test
If ∑∞
n=1 un is a series of positive terms, then the series is conver-
1
gent or deivergent according as limn→∞ unn < 1 or > 1.
1
1. Test the convergence of the series ∑∞ n=1 .
(logn)n
Solution:
1 1
1
1
n 1
Let un = n
. By Cauchy’s root test unn = (logn) n = logn . It
(logn)
1
follows that un n → 0 as n → ∞. By Cauchy’s root test the given
series is convergent.
1
2. Test the convergence of the series ∑∞ n=1
n2 .
1 + n1
Solution:
1 1
n
1
Let un = n 2
. By Cauchy’s root test u n =
n . It fol-
1+ 1 1 + n1


n
1
lows that un n → e1 < 1 as n → ∞. By Cauchy’s root test the given
series is convergent.
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Alternating Series-Lebnitz’s Test:

Alternating Series
A series in which the terms are alternatively positive or negative
is called an alternating series.
Lebnitz’s Rule
An alternating series u1 − u2 + u3 − u4 + ... converges if un −
un−1 < 0 and limn→∞ un = 0. The alternating series is not con-
vergent if one of the condition is satisfied. If limn→∞ un 6= 0, then
the given series is oscillatory.
1. Discuss the convergence of the series 1 − 12 + 13 − 14 + ......
Solution:
1 1 −1
un = , un−1 = . Then un −un−1 = n(n−1) < 0. limn→∞ un = 0.
n n−1
Therefore by Lebnitz’s Rule the given series is convergent.

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Alternating Series-Lebnitz’s Test:

(−1)n−1 x n
2. Examine the nature of the series ∑∞
n=2 , 0 < x < 1.
n(n − 1)
Solution:
xn x n−1
un = , un−1 = . un − un−1 is less than zero.
n(n − 1) (n − 2)(n − 1)
xn
Also limn→∞ un =limn→∞ = 0. Thus the Lebnitz’s Condi-
n(n − 1)
tions are satisfied. Hence the given series is convergent.
h√ i
3. Examine the nature of the series ∑∞ (−1) n−1 n 2 +1−n .
n=1
Solution:
√ √
un = n2 + 1−n, un−1 = n2 − 2n + 2−n"+1. Also un −un−1 # < 0.
h√ √
i 2 2
( n + 1) − n 2
limn→∞ un =limn→∞ n2 + 1 − n = limn→∞ √ = 0.
n2 + 1 + n
Thus the Lebnitz’s Conditions are satisfied. Hence the given
series is convergent.

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Absolute Convergence and Conditional Convergence:
Absolute Convergence: If the series of arbitrary terms u1 +
u2 + .... + un + ... be such that the series |u1 | + |u2 | + .... + |un | + ...
is convergent, then then series ∑∞ n=1 un is absolutely convergent.
Conditional Convergence: If the series ∑∞ n=1 |un | is divergent
but ∑n=1 un is convergent, then then series ∑∞
∞
n=1 un is condition-
ally convergent.
1 1 1
1. Test the series 1 − 2√ 2
+ 3√ 3
− 4√ 4
+ .... for (i) Absolute Con-
vergence (ii) Conditional Convergence.
Solution:
1 1 1 1
(i)∑∞ ∞
n=1 un = 1 − 2 2 + 3 3 − 4 4 + ..... Thus ∑n=1 |un | = ∑n=1 3 .
√ √ √ ∞
n2
Which harmonic p-series with p = 32 > 1. Hence the series ∑∞ n=1 |un |
is convergent which implies ∑∞ u
n=1 n is absolutely convergent.
1 1 1
(ii) ∑∞
n=1 un = 1 − 2 2 + 3 3 − 4 4 + .... is an alternating series.
√ √ √
1 1
un = n √ n
and un−1 = n−1√ n−1
. Also un −un−1 < 0 and limn→∞ un =
∞
0. Hence ∑n=1 un is also convergent. Hence the given series is
not conditionally convergent.
Sequences and Series SRM Institute of Science and Technology
Absolute Convergence and Conditional Convergence:

Absolute Convergence:
x x x
2. Prove that the exponential series 1 + 1! + 2! + ... + n! + .... is
absolutely convergent and hence convergent for all values of x.
Solution:
x n−1 xn un+1 un+1
Let un = , un+1 = . Thus = xn . limn→∞ =
(n − 1)! n! un un
limn→∞ |x|
n = 0 < 1, ∀x. Hence the series is absolutely convergent
and hence convergence for all real x.

Sequences and Series SRM Institute of Science and Technology