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Gandhinagar Institute of Technology

Lecture Notes
Of
Sequence And Series

Program (UG/PG): B. TECH

Name of Department: Mathematics and

Humanities

Academic Year: 2023-2024

Semester: 1st

Subject Code: 10000101

Subject Name: Engineering Mathematics I

Name of the Institute: Gandhinagar Institute of

Technology

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INFINITE SEQUENCE & SERIES

Sequence
➢ An ordered set of a real numbers as 𝑢1 , 𝑢2 , 𝑢3 , . . . , 𝑢𝑛 , … is called a sequence
and is denoted by {𝑢𝑛 }.
➢ If the no. of terms in a sequence is infinite, it is said to be an infinite sequence,
otherwise it is a finite sequence and 𝑢𝑛 is called the 𝑛𝑡ℎ term of the sequence.
Example – 1
Sequence 𝒏𝒕𝒉 term
(1) 1, √2, √3, √4, … √𝑛, … 𝑎𝑛 = √𝑛
1 1 1 1
(2) 1, , , … , , … 𝑎𝑛 =
2 3 𝑛 𝑛
1 2 3 𝑛−1
(3) 0, − , , − , … , (−1)𝑛+1 ( ) , … 𝑎𝑛 =
2 3 4 𝑛
𝑛+1 𝑛−1
(−1) ( 𝑛 )
(4) 3, 3, 3, … 3, … 𝑎𝑛 = 3
Limit of a Sequence
A sequence {𝑢𝑛 } tends to a finite no. 𝑙 as 𝑛 → ∞ if for every 𝜖 > 0 there exists
an integer 𝑚 such that, |𝑢𝑛 − 𝑙| < 𝜖 for all 𝑛 > 𝑚. i.e., lim 𝑢𝑛 = 𝑙.
𝑛→∞

Convergence, Divergence and Oscillation of a Sequence

If the sequence {𝑢𝑛 } has a finite limit, i.e., lim 𝑢𝑛 is finite, the sequence is
𝑛→∞
said to be convergent.
1
(1) For example, {𝑢𝑛 } = { }
1
1+
𝑛
1
lim 𝑢𝑛 = lim { 1 }
𝑛→∞ 𝑛→∞ 1 + 𝑛
1
=
1+0
= 1 (finite)
Since the limit is finite, the sequence is convergent.
(2) If the sequence {𝑢𝑛 } has infinite limit, i.e., lim 𝑢𝑛 is infinite, the sequence is
𝑛→∞
said to be
divergent.
For example, {𝑢𝑛 } = {2𝑛 + 1}
lim 𝑢𝑛 = ∞
𝑛→∞
Since the limit is infinite, the sequence is divergent.

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(3) If the limit of the sequence {𝑢𝑛 } is not unique, the sequence is said to be
oscillatory.
For example, {𝑢𝑛 } = (−1)𝑛
lim 𝑢𝑛 = lim (−1)𝑛
𝑛→∞ 𝑛→∞
= 1 ; if 𝑛 is even
−1 ; if 𝑛 is odd
Since limit is not unique, the sequence is oscillatory.
Monotonic Sequence
➢ A sequence is said to be monotonically increasing if 𝑢𝑛+1 ≥ 𝑢𝑛 (i.e., 𝑢𝑛+1 −
𝑢𝑛 ≥ 0) for each value of 𝑛 and is monotonically decreasing if 𝑢𝑛+1 ≤ 𝑢𝑛
(i.e., 𝑢𝑛+1 − 𝑢𝑛 ≤ 0) for each value of 𝑛.
➢ The sequence is called alternating sequence if the terms are alternate positive
and negative.
For example,
(1) 1, 2, 3, 4, … is a monotonically increasing sequence.
𝑢𝑛 = 𝑛, 𝑢𝑛+1 = 𝑛 + 1
So, 𝑢𝑛+1 ≥ 𝑢𝑛
1 1 1
(2) 1, , , , … is a monotonically decreasing sequence.
2 3 4
1 1
𝑢𝑛 = , 𝑢𝑛+1 =
𝑛 𝑛+1
So, 𝑢𝑛+1 ≤ 𝑢𝑛
(3) 1, −2, 3, −4, … is an alternating sequence.
Bounded Sequence
➢ A sequence {𝑢𝑛 } is said to be bounded above if there exists a real number 𝑀
such that 𝑢𝑛 ≤ 𝑀, ∀ 𝑛 ∈ 𝑁. 𝑀 is called an upper bound for {𝑢𝑛 }.
➢ A sequence {𝑢𝑛 } is said to be bounded below if there exists a real number 𝑚
such that 𝑢𝑛 ≥ 𝑚, ∀ 𝑛 ∈ 𝑁. 𝑚 is called an upper bound for {𝑢𝑛 }.
➢ A sequence {𝑢𝑛 } is said to be bounded if it is both bounded above and bounded
below.
➢ Thus, A sequence {𝑢𝑛 } is said to be bounded sequence if there exist nos. 𝑚
and 𝑀 such that 𝑚 ≤ 𝑢𝑛 ≤ 𝑀 for all 𝑛.
Note
➢ Every cgt sequence is bounded but converse is not true.
➢ A monotonic increasing sequence converges if it is bounded above and diverges
to +∞ if it is not bounded above.
➢ A monotonic decreasing sequence converges if it is bounded below and
diverges to −∞ if it is not bounded below.

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Example – 1
𝑛2 + 𝑛
Test the convergence of the sequence { 2 }.
2𝑛 − 𝑛
Solution:
𝑛2 + 𝑛
Let 𝑢𝑛 =
2𝑛2 − 𝑛
𝑛2 + 𝑛
lim 𝑢𝑛 = lim 2
𝑛→∞ 𝑛→∞ 2𝑛 − 𝑛
1
1+
𝑛
= lim 1
𝑛→∞ 2 − 𝑛
1+0
=
2−0
1
=
2
= Finite limit
Hence, {𝑢𝑛 } is cgt.
Example – 2
Test the convergence of the sequence {2𝑛 }.
Solution:
Let 𝑢𝑛 = 2𝑛
lim 𝑢𝑛 = lim 2𝑛
𝑛→∞ 𝑛→∞
=∞
Hence, {𝑢𝑛 } is dgt.

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INFINITE SERIES
If 𝑢1 , 𝑢2 , 𝑢3 , … , 𝑢𝑛 , … is an infinite sequence of real numbers, then the sum of
yhe terms of the sequence, 𝑢1 , 𝑢2 , 𝑢3 , … , 𝑢𝑛 , … , ∞ is called an infinite series & it is
denoted by ∑∞ 𝑛=1 𝑢𝑛 or ∑ 𝑢𝑛 .
The sum of its first n terms is denoted by 𝑆𝑛 and is also known as 𝑛𝑡ℎ partial sum of
∑ 𝑢𝑛 .

Convergence, Divergence & Oscillation of finite Series

Consider the infinite series ∑ 𝑢𝑛 = 𝑢1 + 𝑢2 + 𝑢3 + ⋯ 𝑢𝑛 + ⋯ ∞ and let the
sum of the first n terms be 𝑆𝑛 = 𝑢1 + 𝑢2 + 𝑢3 + ⋯ 𝑢𝑛 . As 𝑛 → ∞, three possibilities
arise for 𝑆𝑛 .
i.e. lim 𝑆𝑛 = 𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑒 ⇒ 𝑆𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑠 𝑖𝑠 𝐶𝑜𝑛𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑒𝑛𝑡
𝑛→∞
lim 𝑆𝑛 = 𝑖𝑛𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑒 ⇒ 𝑆𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑠 𝑖𝑠 𝐷𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑒𝑛𝑡
𝑛→∞
lim 𝑆𝑛 = 𝑑𝑜𝑒𝑠 𝑛𝑜𝑡 𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑞𝑢𝑒 𝑙𝑖𝑚𝑖𝑡 ⇒ 𝑆𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑠 𝑖𝑠 𝑂𝑠𝑐𝑖𝑙𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑦.
𝑛→∞

Properties of Infinite Series

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1. The convergence of an infinite series remains unaffected by addition or removal

or by multiplication of each term with a finite number.
2. If two series ∑ 𝑢𝑛 and ∑ 𝑣𝑛 are convergent, then ∑(𝑢𝑛 + 𝑣𝑛 ) is also convergent.
3. If two series ∑ 𝑢𝑛 and ∑ 𝑣𝑛 are divergent, then ∑(𝑢𝑛 + 𝑣𝑛 ) may be convergent.

GEOMETRIC SERIES
Consider the geometric series 𝑆𝑛 = 𝑎 + 𝑎𝑟 + 𝑎𝑟 2 + ⋯ + 𝑎𝑟 𝑛−1
𝑎(1−𝑟 𝑛 )
= ; 𝑖𝑓 𝑟 < 1
1−𝑟
𝑎(𝑟 𝑛 −1)
= ; 𝑖𝑓 𝑟 > 1
𝑟−1
Geometric Series is
(i) Convergent if |𝑟| < 1
(ii) Divergent if 𝑟 ≥ 1
(iii) Oscillatory if 𝑟 ≤ −1
𝟐 𝟒 𝟖 𝟏𝟔
EXAMPLE-1: Prove that 𝟏 + + + + + ⋯ converges and find its sum.
𝟑 𝟗 𝟐𝟕 𝟖𝟏
SOLUTION:
2
The given series is geometric series with 𝑎 = 1 and 𝑟 =
3
2
According to convergence criteria of geometric series |𝑟| = < 1
3
Hence, the series is convergent.
𝑎 1
𝑆𝑛 = = =3
1 − 𝑟 1 − 2/3
𝟏𝟎 𝟐𝟎 𝟒𝟎
EXAMPLE-2: Test the convergence of the series 𝟓 − + − + ⋯
𝟑 𝟗 𝟐𝟕
SOLUTION:
The given series is geometric series with 𝑎 = 5 and 𝑟 = −2/3
2 2
Here |𝑟| = |− | = < 1
3 3
So, series is convergent.
𝑎 5
𝑆𝑛 = = =3
1 − 𝑟 1 − (− 2)
3

EXAMPLE-3:

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SOLUTION:

Positive Term series

An infinite series in which all terms after some particular term are positive then
it is called positive term series.
e.g. -5-4-2-1+3+4+6+7+…
NOTE:
Positive term series can not be oscillate, it may either converge or diverge.

Test-1: nth term test for divergence:

If the limit as n goes to infinity for the nth term is not 0, the series DIVERGES
In an infinite series:
∞

𝑎1 + 𝑎2 + 𝑎3 +⋅⋅⋅ +𝑎𝑛 +⋅⋅⋅= ∑ 𝑎𝑘

𝑘=1
a1, a2,… are terms of the series.
an is the nth term.
i.e. If lim 𝑆𝑛 ≠ 0 then the series diverge, otherwise test fail(may or may not
𝑛→∞
convergent)

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Test-2: p-series Test:

∞
1 1 1 1
∑ 𝑝 = 𝑝 + 𝑝 + 𝑝 +⋅⋅⋅
𝑛 1 2 3
𝑛=1
converges if 𝑝 > 1, diverges if 𝑝 ≤ 1.

Test-3: Limit Comparison Test:

If 𝑎𝑛 > 0 and 𝑏𝑛 > 0 for all 𝑛 ≥ 𝑁
𝑎
If lim 𝑛 = 𝑙(𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑒 & 𝑁𝑜𝑛𝑧𝑒𝑟𝑜)
𝑛→∞ 𝑏𝑛
If 𝑏𝑛 is convergent, then 𝑎𝑛 is also convergent.
If 𝑏𝑛 is divergent, then 𝑎𝑛 is also divergent.

𝟐𝒏𝟐 +𝟑𝒏
EXAMPLE-1: Test the convergence of ∑∞
𝒏=𝟏 √𝟓+𝒏𝟓
SOLUTION:
1
𝑎𝑛 2𝑛2 +3𝑛 𝑛2
lim = lim .
𝑛→∞ 𝑏𝑛 𝑛→∞ √5+𝑛5 2
𝑎𝑛 2𝑛 + 3𝑛3/2
5/2
lim = lim
𝑛→∞ 𝑏𝑛 𝑛→∞ 2√5 + 𝑛5
𝑎𝑛 2+0
lim = =1
𝑛→∞ 𝑏𝑛 2√0+1
Σ bn = 2 Σ 1/n1/2 is divergent
(p-series with p = ½ < 1).Thus, the given series diverges by
the Limit Comparison Test.
𝟑 𝟓 𝟕 𝟗 𝟐𝒏+𝟏
EXAMPLE-1: Test the convergence + + + +⋅⋅⋅= ∑∞
𝒏=𝟏 (𝒏+𝟏)𝟐
𝟒 𝟗 𝟏𝟔 𝟐𝟓
SOLUTION:
2𝑛 + 1
𝑎𝑛 (𝑛 + 1)2
lim = 𝑙𝑖𝑚
𝑛→∞ 𝑏𝑛 𝑛→∞ 1
𝑛
𝑎𝑛 (2𝑛 + 1)𝑛
lim = 𝑙𝑖𝑚
𝑛→∞ 𝑏𝑛 𝑛→∞ (𝑛 + 1)2
an 2n2 + n
lim = lim 2 =2
n→∞ bn n→∞ n + 2n + 1
1
Since ∑ diverges, the
n
series diverges.

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TEST-4: D’ALEMBERT’S RATIO TEST:

𝑢
If ∑ 𝑢𝑛 is positive term series & lim 𝑛+1 = 𝑙
𝑛→∞ 𝑢𝑛
(i) If 𝑙 < 1 , ∑ 𝑢𝑛 is Convergent
(ii) If 𝑙 > 1 , ∑ 𝑢𝑛 is Divergent
(iii) If 𝑙 = 1 , then test fail.

𝒏!(𝟐)𝒏
EXAMPE-1: Test the convergence of ∑
𝒏𝒏
SOLUTION:
𝑛! (2)𝑛
𝑢𝑛 =
𝑛𝑛
(𝑛 + 1)! (2)𝑛+1
𝑢𝑛+1 =
(𝑛 + 1)𝑛+1
𝑢𝑛+1 (𝑛 + 1)! (2)𝑛+1 𝑛𝑛
=
𝑢𝑛 (𝑛 + 1)𝑛+1 𝑛! (2)𝑛
𝑛 𝑛
= 2( )
𝑛+1
𝑢𝑛+1 1
lim = 2 lim
𝑛→∞ 𝑢𝑛 𝑛→∞ 1 𝑛
(1 + 𝑛)
2
= <1
𝑒
By Ratio test , the series is convergent.

TEST-5: Cauchy’s Root Test

1
If ∑ 𝑢𝑛 is a positive term series and if lim (𝑢𝑛 )𝑛 = 𝑙
𝑛→∞
(i) If 𝑙 < 1 , ∑ 𝑎𝑛 is convergent
(ii) If 𝑙 > 1 , ∑ 𝑎𝑛 is divergent
(iii) If 𝑙 = 1 , then test fail.

𝒏 𝒏 𝒙𝒏
EXAMPLE-1: Test the convergence of the series ∑ (𝒏+𝟏)𝒏 , 𝒙 > 𝟎
SOLUTION:
𝑛𝑛 𝑥 𝑛
𝑢𝑛 =
(𝑛 + 1)𝑛

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1
1 𝑛𝑛 𝑥 𝑛 𝑛
(𝑢𝑛 ) 𝑛 =[ ]
(𝑛 + 1)𝑛
𝑛𝑥
=
𝑛+1
1 𝑥
lim (𝑢𝑛 )𝑛 = lim
𝑛→∞ 𝑛→∞ 1
1+
𝑛
=𝑥
By, cauchy’s root test, the series is
(i) Convergent if 𝑥 < 1
(ii) Divergent if 𝑥 > 1
(iii) The test fails if𝑥 = 1
𝑛𝑛
Then 𝑢𝑛 = (𝑛+1)𝑛
1
lim 𝑢𝑛 = lim
𝑛→∞ 𝑛→∞ 1
(1 + )𝑛
𝑛
1
= ≠0
𝑒
the series is divergent for x=1
hence, the series is convergent if 𝑥 < 1 and is divergent if 𝑥 ≥ 1

TEST-6: The Integral Test:

Let {an} be a series of positive terms. Suppose that an = f(n) where f is a
continuous positive, decreasing function of x for all x belongs to N. Then the series and
the corresponding integral shown both converge of both diverge.

𝟏
EXAMPLE-1: Test the convergence ∑∞
𝒏=𝟏 𝒏𝟐 +𝟏
SOLUTION:
1
𝑎𝑛 = 𝑓(𝑛) = 2
𝑛 +1
1
𝑓(𝑥) = 2
𝑥 +1
∞
1
∫ 2 𝑑𝑥
𝑥 +1
1

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𝑏
1
= lim𝑏→∞ ∫ 𝑑𝑥
𝑥2 + 1
1
= lim𝑏→∞ [tan 𝑥]1𝑏
𝜋 𝜋 𝜋
lim𝑏→∞ ( tan 𝑏 − tan 1) = − = (finite)
2 4 4
Thus the series converges.

Alternating Series:
A series in which the terms are alternatingly positive and
negative is an alternating series.
Leibnitz’s test
A series in which terms alternate in sign
∑∞ 𝑛 ∞
𝑛=1(−1) 𝑎𝑛 or ∑𝑛=1(−1)
𝑛+1
𝑎𝑛
The series
∞

∑ (−1)𝑛+1 𝑢𝑛 = 𝑢1 − 𝑢2 + 𝑢3 − 𝑢4 + ⋯
𝑛=1
converges if all three of the following conditions are satisfied:
(i) 𝑢𝑛 ≥ 𝑢𝑛+1 for all 𝑛 ≥ 𝑁 for some integer 𝑛 ∈ 𝑁
(ii) lim 𝑢𝑛 → 0
𝑛→∞

Absolute and Conditional Convergence:

➢ the alternating harmonic series is convergent but
not absolutely convergent, we say it is conditionally
convergent (or converges conditionally).
➢ A series ∑∞ 𝑛=𝑁 𝑎𝑛 is absolutely convergent if the

corresponding series of absolute values ∑∞

𝑛=𝑁|𝑎𝑛 | converges.
➢ A series that converges but does not converge absolutely, converges
conditionally.
➢ Every absolutely convergent series converges. (Converse is false!!!)

𝟏 𝟏 𝟏 𝟏
EXAMPLE-1: test the convergence of the series 𝟏 − + − + − ⋯
𝟐 𝟒 𝟖 𝟏𝟔
SOLUTION:
1
Let 𝑢𝑛 = (−1)𝑛−1 𝑛−1
2

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1
|𝑢𝑛 | =
2𝑛−1
The given series is an alternating series.
1 1
(i) |𝑢𝑛 | − |𝑢𝑛+1 | = 𝑛−1 − 𝑛
2 2
1 1
= 𝑛−1 (1 − )
2 2
1 1
= 𝑛−1 .
2 2
1
= 𝑛 > 0 ;𝑛 ∈ 𝑁
2
|𝑢𝑛 | > |𝑢𝑛+1 |
1
(ii) lim |𝑢𝑛 | = lim 𝑛−1
𝑛→∞ 𝑛→∞ 2

=0
Hence, by Leibnitz’s test, the series is convergent.

EAXAMPLE-1: Test the series for absolute or conditional convergence

(−𝟏)𝒏
∑∞
𝒏=𝟏 √𝒏+√𝒏+𝟏
SOLUTION:
(−1)𝑛
Let 𝑢𝑛 =
√𝑛+√𝑛+1
1
|𝑢𝑛 | =
√𝑛 + √𝑛 + 1
The given series is an alternating series.
1 1
(i) |𝑢𝑛 | − |𝑢𝑛+1 | = −
√𝑛+√𝑛+1 √𝑛+1+√𝑛+2
>0
|𝑢𝑛 | > |𝑢𝑛+1 |
1
(ii) lim |𝑢𝑛 | = lim =0
𝑛→∞ 𝑛→∞ √𝑛+√𝑛+1

By Leibnitz’s test, ∑ 𝑢𝑛 is convergent.

1
|𝑢𝑛 | =
√𝑛 + √𝑛 + 1
1
=
1
√𝑛(1 + √1 + 𝑛
1
Let 𝑣𝑛 =
√𝑛

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|𝑢𝑛 | 1
lim = lim
𝑛→∞ 𝑣𝑛 𝑛→∞ 1
(1 + √1 + 𝑛)
= 6(finite & nonzero)
1 1
𝑣𝑛 = is divergent as 𝑝 = < 1
√𝑛 2
By comparison test, ∑ |𝑢𝑛 | is also convergent.
The series ∑ 𝑢𝑛 is convergent and ∑ |𝑢𝑛 | is divergent.
Hence the series is conditionally convergent.

Power Series
A power series is an infinite series of the form ∑ 𝑎𝑛 𝑥 𝑛 = 𝑎0 + 𝑎1 𝑥 + 𝑎2 𝑥 2 + ⋯

INTERVAL & RADIUS OF CONVERGENCE:

A power series will converge only for certain values of x.
An interval (-R,R) in which a power series converges is called the interval of
convergence.
The number R is called the radius of convergence.
e.g. if a power series converges for all the values of x, then the interval of convergence
will be (−∞, ∞) and the radius of convergence will be ∞.

TEST FOR CONVERGENCE:

𝑢𝑛 𝑙
lim | |=| |
𝑛→∞ 𝑢𝑛+1 𝑥
𝑙
By, ratio test, the series is absolutely convergent and hence is convergent if | | > 1
𝑥
Hence, interval of convergence of the series is (−𝑙, 𝑙) and the radius of convergence is
𝑙.

𝒙𝒏
EXAMPLE-1: obtain the range of convergence of ∑∞
𝒏=𝟏 𝟐𝒏 ; 𝒙 > 𝟎
SOLUTION:
𝑥𝑛
Let 𝑢𝑛 = 𝑛
2
𝑥 𝑛+1
𝑢𝑛+1 = 𝑛+1
2
𝑢𝑛 𝑥 𝑛 2𝑛+1
lim = lim 𝑛 . 𝑛+1
𝑛→∞ 𝑢𝑛+1 𝑛→∞ 2 𝑥
2
=
𝑥
By D’Alembert’s ratio test, the series is
Mathematics and Humanities Department 10000101 EM I
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Gandhinagar Institute of Technology

2
(i) Convergent if > 1 or 𝑥 < 2
𝑥
2
(ii) Divergent if < 1 or 𝑥 > 2
𝑥
2
The test fails if = 1, or 𝑥 = 2
𝑥
2𝑛
Then 𝑢𝑛 = 𝑛 = 1
2
Then ∑∞𝑛=1 𝑛 = 1 + 1 + 1 + ⋯ ∞
𝑢
Which is a divergent series.
Hence, the series is convergent for 0 < 𝑥 < 2 and the range of convergence is 0 <
𝑥 < 2.

Mathematics and Humanities Department 10000101 EM I