Tests for Convergence (of Divergence) of a series

Name of Test
Test for Divergence

n =1

Brief on how it works

When to use it
Can be used anytime --- its
a quick check to see if the
series diverges

If lim an 0 , then an diverges.

n

Integral Test

n =1

Find function from nth general term f (n) = an , if

1. f positive

2. f continuous
3. f decreases

f ( x) dx
f ( x) dx

Then

Comparison Test

a converges
a diverges

converges
diverges

If the given series is an , and the chosen series

If 0 an bn and bn converges, then a n also converges.

n =1

n =1

n =1

If the given series is a n , and the chosen series

is b n (which you know converges or diverges.)
n

an
bn

= nonzero # , then

b n converges then

n =1

b
n =1

Alternating Series
Test

a n also converges

n =1

diverges then

When you have a positive

series that can be compared
to another positive series
known to converge or
diverge.

n =1

If an bn 0 and bn diverges, then a n also diverges.

If lim

Often used when logarithms

are involved.

is bn (which you know converges or diverges.)

Limit Comparison
Test

When you have a positive,

decreasing series and when
f ( x) is easy to integrate.

Often choose a p-series to

use for comparison.
When you have a positive
series that can be compared
to another positive series
known to converge or
diverge.
Preferred to Comparison
test, but will be
inconclusive if the limit is
0.

also diver ges

n =1

Determine what b n is for the given series.

1. b n + 1 bn for all n; AND 2. If lim

If

bn = 0

When you have an

ALTERNATING series
that is decreasing.

then the series converges.

Absolute
Convergence Test

n =1

n =1

If an converges, then an also converges.

Abs. Convergence implies

convergent

Ratio Test
If

If

If

Root Test

If

If
If

lim

a n +1

lim

an
a n +1

lim

an
a n +1

lim

lim

factorials or nth powers.

diverges.

Never use if the series looks

similar to a p-series.

n =1

= L > 1 , then

Good to use if an consists of

converges.

n =1

= 1 , then the test is inconclusive .

an = L < 1, then

converges.

an = L > 1, then

diverges.

Can be used with positive or

alternating series.

Good to use with Power

series
Use if an is raised to the nth
power.

n =1

lim

an

= L < 1 , then

n =1

an = 1, then the test is inconclusive

The following outline offers one method of attack for determining the convergence or divergence of a series.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

Check to see if the given series is either a geometric series or a p-series.

Take the limit of the nth term of the series to see if the Test for Divergence applies.
If the series has terms involving products, factorials, or powers, the ratio test is a good first choice.
If the series is a positive series and the nth general term is easy to integrate, then you might try the
Integral Test.
If the series is positive and the nth general term is a quotient of polynomials, the Limit Comparison Test
is a good first choice. (Use an appropriately chosen p-series to compare to.)
If the series is positive and the preceding test fails, then try the Comparison Test.
For alternating series, first try the Alternating Series Test.
For alternating series, if the previous tests fails then try the Ratio Test.

Name
Geometric Series

Description

a r

n1

n=1

p-Series

If r 1, then series diverges.

If p > 1, then series converges.

1
n

Diverges

(1) n +1
n

Converges

n =1

Alternating Harmonic
Series

If r < 1, then series converges to

1
np

n =1

Harmonic Series
(p-series with p = 1)

a 0, r is "common ratio"

Comment

n =1

If p 1, then series diverges.

a
.
1 r