1.

Convergence and Divergence Tests for Series

Test

When to Use

Divergence Test
Integral Test

for any series

X
1

Conclusions

X
1

Diverges if lim |an | =

6 0.

an

n!1

n=0

an with an

0 and an decreasing

Comparison Test

an and

1
X
n=0

n=0
1

an , (an > 0). Choose

n=0

n!1

if lim

n!1

if lim

n!1

for alternating Series

Absolute Convergence

1
X

1
X

an
=L
bn

an diverges =)

1
X

with 0 < L < 1

n=0
1

an
=0
bn

n=0
1

an
=1
bn

( 1)n an (an > 0)

bn diverges.

an and

1
X

bn both converge/diverge

n=0

bn converges =)
bn diverges =)

1
X

an converges.

n=0
1

an diverges.

n=0

converges if

n=0

lim an = 0 and an is decreasing

for any series

X
1

for any series

1
X

For any series

n!1
1

an

If

|an | converges, then

1
X

|an | diverges but

n=0

an

if

n=0
1

n!1

Calculate lim

n!1

an converges,

n=0

1
X

an converges.

n=0

an conditionally converges

n=0

1
X

Calculate lim

1
X

(definition of absolutely convergent series.)

an ,

there are 3 cases:

n=0

Root Test:

an converges.

n=0
1

n=0

n=0

n=0

Ratio Test:

1
X

bn , (bn > 0)

n=0

Conditional Convergence

bn converges =)

n=0

n=0

if lim

Convergent test

an both converge/diverge

n=0

1
X

bn

if 0 an bn
1
X

1
X

where f (n) = an .

n=0

Limiting Comparison Test

f (x)dx and

n=0

1
X

an+1
=L
an

if L < 1, then

p
n

if L > 1, then

|an | = L

1
X
n=0
1

X
n=0

|an | converges ;
|an | diverges;

if L = 1, no conclusion can be made.

2. Important Series to Remember

Series

How do they look

Conclusions

Geometric Series

Converges to

p-series

arn

n=0
1

X 1
n=1

np

a
1

if |r| < 1 and diverges if |r|

Converges if p > 1 and diverges if p 1