UNIT 6 .

POSITIVE TERM SERIES

Structure
6.1 Introduction
Objectives
6.2 Infinite Series
6.3 Series of Positive Terms1
6.4 General Tests of Convergence
Comparison Tests
p-test
6.5 Some Special Tests of Convergence
D'Alembert's Ratio Test
Cauchy's Root Test
Cauchy's Integral Test
Raabe's Tcst
Ciauss's Test
6.6 Summary
6.7 Answers/Hints/Solutions

6.1 INTRODUCTION
In the Unit 5, you were introduced to the notion of a real sequence and its convergence to a
limit. It was also stated that one of the main aims of discussing the real sequences and its
convergenceewasto find a method of obtaining the sum of an infinite number of real
numbers. In other words, we have to give a meaning to the infinite sums of the forms

1 + - 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 +.............

where the ' ....,.............' is interpreted to indicate the remainiiig infifiite number of
additions which have to be performed. The clear explanation of this concept will, then, lead
us to conclude that it is possible to achieve the addition of an infinite number of real
numbers, by using the limiting process of the real sequences.
To give a satisfactory meaning toathesllmmation of the infinite number of the terms of a
sequence, we have to d@ne a summation which is popularly known as an infinite series.
The infinite series have been classified mainly into two categories - the positive term
series and the general Series. What are, then, the positive term series and
the general series? We shall try to find answers for these questions, T h e
summation of an infinite series of real numbers is directly connected with the convergence of
the associated real sequences. We shall, therefore, give a meaning to the term
associated sequence for an infinite series and hence its convergence which
will lead us ultimately. to find the sum of an infinite series.
L

Although the famous Greek philosopher and mathematician, Archimedes had summed up the
well-known Geometric Series, yet other results on infinite series did not appear in Europe
until the 14th century when Nicole Oresme [I 330-1382] showed that the Harmonic series
diverges. Since then, a lbt of work has been going on in this direction. There is evidence that
this type of work was known in lndia also as early as in 1550. Indeed, even modem work has
shown evidence of the discovery of a number of mathematical ideas pertaining to the infinite
series in China, India and Persia much before they came to be known in Europe. In the 17th
century, there seemed to be little concern for the convergence of the,infinite series. But
during the 18th century, two ~rench*mathematicians D'Alethbert and Cauchy devised
, remarkable tests for the convergence of infinite series under certain conditions which we shall
discuss in this unit. Also, we shall discuss, in this unit, a few more tests for the
Sequences and Series , convergence of the infinite series when these two basic tests fail to help us in knowing the
convergence of the Infinite Series.

' Objectives
Therefore, after studying this unit, you should be able to
* define an infinite series as well as a positive term series .
I.. define the associated sequence of partial sums associated with an infinite series and
hence its convergence
* use the Ratio and Root Tests to determine the convergence of infinite series
I.. apply Integral Test and few more tests to discuss convergence of positive term series.

.- - - -- 1

6.2 INFINITE SERIES

" 1
Consider the sequence (-). Its term as you know, are
n

With the help of the terms of this sequence, form an expression

1
n ). Such an
which is nothing but a summation of the infinite number of terms of ( -
expresiion is known as an infinite series.
In general, we define an inf~niteseries as follows:
DEFINITION 1: INFINITE SERIES
If ( un ) be r sequence of real numbers, then the expression

is called an infinite series of real numbers.

The series is generally written in the. form

n.1
u,or sibply I: u, , where
ul, u,, ......, u, ........
are respectively called the first term, the second
. term, ............
the nth. term .........,
of the series. We jlhall write just
"infinite serieszor "series*' in place of "infinite series of real numbers".
EXAMPLE 1: i) ?he series a t (atd) t (a+2d) +
- ..+.
.....:...... .
is a 6 infinite'
series.
You are familiar with it. It is an Arithmetic Series with 'a' as the first term and 'd' as the
common difference.
i i ) The series atar+ar 2 + ......... is an infinite series.
You know that it is a Geometric Series with 'a' as the first term and 'r' as the common
ratio. I
iii) The expression 1 -1
\ .
+ 1 -1 ........ is an infinite series.
I
It has been formed by using the terms of sequence (1, -1, 1, -1 .......... )
Consider the series
I

We find the sum of first renn, first two terms, first three terins, ...........,first n terms of the
series and denote them by,s,, 3, s,, ........ s, respectively. Then, we have
s1 = l (sum of the f"st term)
30
 Positive Term G x - i ~ @
1
s2= 14-z (sirn~of the first two terms)
, ,

1 1 1
sn = 1 + - + - + .. + suit^ of the first n ternls)
2 4

From the above series, we obtained a sequence (s,, s,, s,, -

.........) (s,J.
This sequence (s,,) is called the sequence'of partial sums or the sequence associated
with the series. In general, we define the associated sequence of ally series as follows.

DEFINITION 2: SEQUENCE OF PARTIAL SUMS (ASSOCIATED SEQUENCE)

Let C un be a given series. Define s,, s,, s,, ... as follows :

Then the sequence ( s n ) = (s,, s,, ...) is called the sequence of partial sum o r (simply
associated sequence) of ihc series C I I ~where
, s, is calIed the first partial sum, s, tile
2nd partial sum, s, the 3 r d partial sum, ...,
sn the nth partiaI sullr and so on.

-
f

I
For instance, in case of scries C (-1)"" = 1-l+l-I-t .... s, 1, s, = 0 (sum of first two
I 02 l

terms), s, = I (sum of first three terms), and so on. 'That is,

1

I
I
1 However, if we consider the series C (-1)"
nt 1
- -I+l-1.1-!-I+ .... thed

otherwise
. .
Now, you try the following exercise.

EXERCISE 1
Find the sequence of partial sums of the following series:

i) l t T 1+ T + 1. . . ; ii) 1 +2+3+...
-
-,-
I
Having defined a sequence associated with a series, we are in a position to define
convergence of a scries and then, give a meaning to the phrase 'surn of an infinite series'.

03
.Let XU,, be an infinite series a n d (sn) be its sequence of partial sum i.e., sn= rr, + u, t
n=l
... t
u,, V n 2 I. If the sequence ( s n ) converges to s, wc say that the series C usconverges Note t h ~ when
t
03 ra m
I to s and we write 2 s, = s. The11 Is' is called the sum of series C un. u, = converge, the symbol
k=1
11*1
11=1 '

1 m n jk-1: u,, is uvcd to

In other words T: u, =lim Z a,, provided the limit on r.h.s. exists. denote not only the inflnitc
1 n-l n-bV r"l
series, hut also its sum.

1 31
Sequences cYr Scries However, if the associated sequence ( s w )diverges, we say that the ,

CO

series C
11x1 u,, diverges. If the sequence ( s n ) diverges to +* o r -*, we write
a
un = +m or Z un = - m, respectively.
II=I n-l

As'you have seen above, for the series x (-I)"", the associated sequence is (1, 0, 1, 0.
n 21
.....), which does not converges. Thus the series C (-1)"" is divergent. However, it
n 21
neither diverges to + a, nor to - 0 3 .
EXAMINE 2: Examine the convergence of the following infinite series:
Im
" 1
ii) n=l
n; . iii) 'x[l+(-l)"+'l.
n=l

k
SOL TION ': (i) Consider the series C l i. Here sn =
--,
n=l 2
I + --j-
2
1 + ... + 1 .
Using, simple induction arguements, it is easy to see that

" O 1
Since ( s,, ) converges to I , the series C
n=12
converges to I (by above definition) and

we can write C -1' = 1

n= 1 2"

ii) Consider the series 1 + 2 + 3 + .... In this case,

CO
The sequence ( s n ) is unbounded and, so, is divergent. Thus the series En is divergent.
n=I
m
iii) Consider the series. C[1 + (-1)"+']. As before, ( sn) is 2 or 0 according as n is
n= I

odd or even. Thus, ( s n )= (2, 0, 2, 0, ...) is divergent. Therefore, the series is divergent.

Note that the following results follow immediately froin the definition of convergence of
the series.
I. The addition, omission or change of a finite number of terms of a series does not
affect its behaviour regarding its convergence or divergence.
11. Multiplying the terms of a series by a non-zero uumber does not affect its
behaviour as regards its convergence or divergence.

EXERCISE 2 .
i) Let a t (a+d) + (a+2d) + ......... = x (a+ (n-1)d) be an arithmetic series. Prove
m

n= l
that the series diverges to +* o r -* according as d 5 0 or d < 0. What can
you say if d = O?
ii) If a series u, + ......... converges to s, then prove that u, + u, + u, +
........
m 1
iii) Prove that the series
I
C
"=I n(n+l)
converges to the sum 1.

he following theorems are immediate consequence of the theorems on sequences which

you have studied in Unit 5. ,
 m m Positive Tcrln Series
THEOREM 1: If
n=I
C un converges to s and C vn converges to t, then
n=I

-
i) x ( u n + vn) converges to s+t; and
n=I

ro

ii) &un converges to cs, for c ER.

n=l
CI) a3

PROOF : Let ( s " ) and ( t , , ) be the sequences of partial sums of 1un

l l ~ l
and C vn ,
u=l
m
respectively. Then the nIh partial sum of the series 1 (ull + v n ) is
11=1

-
We know that, lim (sll 1- tll) = !im sll+ li~ntll = si-t. I-Jence (un+ vll) converges to s+t.
n+r n-,* n-P r 11-1
z
This proves (i).
m
For (ii), observe that the n'll partial sum of the series cun is
11" 1

CUI + CUI -t- ... + Cull = C (u I + u2 -+ .,.. -1. un) = CSI1.

"0,
Since 1i1-n (csn) = c lirn s,] = CS,therefore the series cun converges to cs.
n+m 11-m 11=1

In the following theorem, we have shown that if the series is convergent, then all the
terms after some stage must beco~nearbitrary small.

THEOREM 2: If z u,,is
93

n= l
a convergent series, then lirn un = 0.
113'

m
PROOF: Suppose 21 un = s.
11-
l'hen lim sll = s, where ( s n ) is the sequence of partial sums
n.+r

u3

of tlie series C
n-l
un. Now. since l i ~ nsn = s, therefore lini s
n-) r 11-P~C
~ =- s~as well. Also,

ul, = sn- sn-, implies that l i ~ nun = lirn ( sn - sn-[) = lirn sn - l i ~ nso_,= s - s = 0.
n-1 n-P c n-r~j n- bm
m
Thus, linl un = 0 is a necessary co~lditionfor un to converge.
n-tx nzl

At times, this little result is very useful. We would suggest you to make use of this
result as a tool while tesing the colivergence or divergence of a series. So, if for a series

un, you are able to show that l i ~ nun s 0, then it is easy to deduce that
n->'c
00

I
I
series 2 un does not converge. For example, using Theorem 2, you can quickly deduce
n= 1
00
~ n
that the series - is not convergent becausc lint --
n+= n f 1
n = I + 0 in.this case.
n-w n+l

-
I

I However, the converse of tlie above heorem is not true i.e., the condition lirn un 0 is
n+x
I
m
I not a sufficient condition for the convergence of x u n . In other words, tliere are divergent
,.
n;.l '
m
' . series 1 un with
n=I
un = 0. For cxnmple, lim
n+x
.& = 0, but the sequence of partial sums
.of the series Cx1 is known to be a divergent series. (see pp.16-17 of the block)
r
1
In Unit 5, you have learnt the Caucliy criterion for the convergence of a sequence.
Closely connected with this. is Cauchy's Pri~lcipleof convergence of infinite series. We
?
I state and prove this theorem as follows.
I
(1
Sequences & Scrics THEOREM 3: CAUCHY PRINCIPLE OF CONVERGENCE
m
The series 1 un converges if and only if, given E > 0, there exists m E N
n=l

such that
:1 1
C
+,.
ur < G, whenever n, k 3 m (n > k).

PROOF: Let ( s n) be the sequence of partial sums of the series C un. By Cauchy's
principle of convergence of sequence, (s,) is convergent iff, given F, > 0, there exists

m E 1
N such that 1s" - sk < 6, for n, k > m, (n > k). But sn - sk = i: u,, and since
r=k+l
convergence of the sequence (sn) implies the convergence of C u , it follows that C un
is convergent iff, given E > 0, tilere exists m EN such that

/ f:ur ( < a, for n, k > n ( u > k).

rk+ l

Let us use Cauchy's principle of convergence to test the convergence of the harrnoriic
series.
1 1
EXAMPLE 3: Test the convergence of the series 1 + - + - + ...
2 3

SOLUTION : Suppose the series converges. By Cauchy's Principle of convergence, given

E > 0, 3 m, E N such that

I 1 g U , < c, for n, L > m, (n > k).

Take k = m and n = 2m, where m > m,. Then

1
But L.H.S. > - + -+1 1 m-
....... 4- 2m
-= 1 =-1
2m 2m 2m 2 '

1
This will lead to a contradiction, if we choose E < - . Hence, the series
2
converge.

EXERCISE 3

i) Find the sum of the series 1 - - + - -

1
4
1
16
1
-+.,,
64
.
ii) Does g,(-$-) converges?

00 OD 00
iii) Prove that if C un converges and C vn diverges, then C (un + vn) diverges.
n=l n=l n=l

ca
iv) Give an example of a series C un such that
riel

(u, + u,) + (u, + u,) i- ... converges, but.u, + u, + u, + u, + ... does not
converge.

The infinite series series have been divided into two major classes: The positive term
series and the series with arbitrary terms both positive and negative t e n s , called the
-general series. We shall study the positive term series in this unit while the series with
arbitrary terms (general series) will be discussed in Unit 7. .
 ~ o s i t i v c ' ~ e ~Series
.m
4.3 SERIES OF POSITIVE TERMS
A series u,,, where u,, ,0 for all n, is called a series of positive terms or a positive
term series.

Recall that the behaviour of a series is defined in terms of it's associated

sequence of partial sums. The sequence (s,,) associated with a series C un of positive
terms is a ~iionotonicincreasing sequence, because s n l l- sn = \ i n + , :.0. We know that a
monotonic sequence converges if it is bounded and diverges to + 03 if it is unbounded.
Tl~us,as a silnple consequence of this fact, we have the following theorem.

THEOREM 4: Let C II,, be a series of positive terms with associated sequence (s,,).
n=l
UJ m
Then C 11" converges if ( st,) is bounded, and C 11" diverges to +a if ( s n ) is
n=l n=l

unbounded.

For example, consider the Hannonic Serics xI 11..

Let ( r ) bc the sequence of partial
sums of this series. We claim that the sequcnce ( s n) is unbounded, Indeed

sl = 1; s,-s, = -1 ; s , - 5 =-.1 f -.1 > - 1'

2 ' 2 3 4- 2 '

s -s
8

S21;
=
1
--+ -
6

I
1

1
4- -
7

--
1 1 . 1
+ -- > - ; and, in general,
8
1
- S2k-l= 2L-1+1 f 2 -1- + ... + -
2

2k
5.
-
1 -. -
7k-I -- -
'
1
,
2k
,,
G
.
and so,

-,
I

This shows that ( sn) is itself unbounded. Hence the series 15'1 divergers to + oo,
a,
Next, we consider another important series C x n, called the geometric series with
n= I

EXAMPLE 4: (Geometric Series) Tlie scries x x" converges to -

00

n=l
1
1-x
, if 0 < x < 1,
and diverges to cc, if x 2 1.

SOLUTlON ; If x>l, tlleli the sequence ( sll) associated with the series
1
I 5 rn
n=!
~f positiva tenns is unbounded, Indeed

1 But (n) is unbounded and hellce divs@ent. Thercforc ( s n ) is divergent and hence the
giver! series is divergent for x 2 I .

For the case 0 < x .< 1, we have

Therefore, ( s n ) is convergent and hence xn = = , for0.:x<1.

Seqqences and Serics
EXERCISE 4
i) Show that if u, + u, + ......,converges to s, then' so dues m, + O + u2 +
0 + u, + 0 +....... More generally, show that any number of zero terms
may be inserted anywhere ( or removed from anywhere) in a convergent
series without affecting its convergence or its sum.
w
I
i i ) Determine the convergence or divergence sf the series log (I + - ).
n=l n

From Exercise 4 (i), it follows that the behaviour of a series of non-negalive terms is
determined by that of a series of positive terms. In other words, the convergence or
divergence of the positive term series and the non-negative term series is same.
Now, let us study some tests of convergence of the positive term series. In Section 6.4, we
discuss some general tests and in Section 6.5, we shall study some special tests of
convergence.

6.4 GENERAL TESTS OF CONVERGENCE

So far, you have seen the convergence of a series. Jt is defined in terrrls of convergence of its
associated sequence of partial sums. However, it is not always easy to find the sequence ( s,, j
and its convergence. Then, how to tesl the convergence of such scries? For this, we state and
prove some general tests for the convergence of series of positive terms.
COMPARISON TEST
The most common tests of convergence of the positive term series are the comparison tests.
x x
In these tests, we compare the series u, with a series v, with known behaviour.
Accordingly, we decide whether the series C u,, is convergent or divergent. This is
x
sometimes, reworded by saying that the behaviour of the series u, in terftls of its
convergence or divergence is dominated by h e behaviour of the series C v, . In other words,
we say that if a posilive term series u, is dominated by a positive lerm serie:; C v, which
is convergent, then u, is also convergent. Similarly, if a positive t e ~ mserics C u,,
dominates another positive term series bI, and C u, is divergent, then C v, is also
divergent.
We discuss the comparison tests in the form of the following Lheorem:

THEOREM 5: Let x u,
n=1
and x v,
n=l
be any two series of positive terms.

I) Suppose there exists a positive real number k such that u, c k v, V n .

Then if Cv, is convergent, Xu, is ctinvergent and if Xun is divergent,
Cv, is divergent.
un
11) Suppose !$ -n
= A, where A is a finite non-zero real number.
Then Xun and Cv, converge or diverge together.

un V
111) Suppose there exists a positive integer m such that-2 - for
11

"n+1 v n - i ~
n 2 m. Then if Cv, is convergent, xu,, is convergent and if Cu, i s .
divergent, Cv, is diverge*>+
.e=-.
PNOOF:I. since' u, < kv, for all n, therefore

Suppose C vn is convergent.
Since X v, converges, there musoexis1 a positive number A such that

Consequently, u,+uZ+ . . . . . . + u, < kA, V n.

 Positive 're,-rn Series
--..- . .
monotonic. Hence
u,, is convergent.

Sinlilarly you can show that C u, is divergent implies that 2 v,is divergent.

l a Since C, u, and C v, are two series of positive terms, therefore

U"
which implies that !2--
V"
2 0.

In other words, A 10.

But by our assumption A $0, therefore A > 0.

Now let us choose an E >0 (however small) such that A - F. > 0.

Since --"-U = A, therefore there exists a positive integer m

" I,

such that

Consider

Using (I),it follows that if 2 v, converges. u,, also converges. Further if 2 u, diverges,
then vn also diverges.

Now consider the inequality

(A -" E)V*,< u,,

Then
1
v, <-
(A*) un
Thus, a g a ~ nit follows that if C u, converges, then Z, v , also converges and if C v , diverges,
then C, u, diverges. Hence Z, u, and C v,, converge or diverge together.
You may note that in thc case when convergence of C u, follows from the convergence of
v, , then A may or inay not be zero. But conversely when the coilvergence of 2 v,
follows from the convergence of C u, , then A niust not be zero ( A # 0).

ID) Putting n=m, m+l, m-e2, m+3, . . . . n-2, n-1 in the given inequality, we get
Sequences and Series Multiplying the correspop2ing sides of the above inequalities, we get
L, L Vn>m
U" V"
U" V Vn>m
i.e. -< -
um Vrn

Since rn is a fixed integer, u, and v, both are positive, therefore

"
"m
is a positive fixed number. Let %= k, where k is a fixed positive number. Then
vm
obviously, by using I, it follows that if C v, converges, then C u, converges
and if 1 u, diverges, then v, diverges.
This completes the proof of the theorem.
EXAMPLE 5: Test the convergence of the following series:

SOLUTION: (i) Consider the series

Compare the series with the convergent geometric series

1
Clearly 2"-'+ p for each n. That is, each term of the first series is less than the
corresponding term of the second series. Hence, by *theComparison Test (I) the given series
converges.
1 1 1
ii) Consider the series 1 + -+ - + ........+- +- : . . .
4-5 43 &
Let us compare this series with the Harmonic Series

You have seen earlier that the Harmonic Series diverges.

1 1
Now, for each n,.- 2 2 In other words, each term of the given Series is greater than the
&
corresponding term of the harmonic series. Hence, by the Comparisoq Test (I) the serjeg
diverges.
iii) In the series
1 1 1 1
I+-+-+-+.*
I! 2! 3!
....... +- n! .
.....
+
you know that n! is 'n factorial'. That ia nl = n(n-1) ...3.2.1,
Does this converge? With which series shall we compare it? Let us examine it.
We know that deletion of a finite number of terms does rlot @$r the canvergeqce 07
r pthird term
divergence of a series. So, let us consider the terms of the above series f ~ ~the ,
onwards.
1 1
Now, - = -
2! 2
 Positive .Term Series

I
I --
1 1 <
1 -- 1
- ?,,-I , and so on.
n!-n(n-1) ... 3.2 2 x 2 .~. . x 2

1 1 1
- + - + - + ... converges. Hence, by Comparison Test (I), the given
We also know that 2 22 23 . -
1 1 1 1
series converges. This series 1 + - + - + - + ............ + 7 + ......... is a very
l! 2! 31 n.
important series. The number to which it converges, is denoted by e, which, as you know,
is called the exponential number o r transcendental number.
You would have !~otedthat, in order to use the Colnparison Test I, you must liave a large
number of known convergent and divergent series.
8 Let us now discuss important series which is frequently used for the Colnparisoi~Tests.
1 1 1 1
This is known as the p-series namely 7 + - + - + ......... + - + ............
1 2P 3P nP
I where p is a positive real number. Let us investigate the behaviour of the p-series for
different values of p.
The p-series is one of most important series. Its behaviour changes from divergence to .
convergence as we go from p=l to p'> 1.
We state and prove the following theorem known as p-test for its convergence which depends
upon the values of p.

THEOREM 5 : ( p-Test)

1 - p > 0 is convergent if p > 1 and is

A-positive term series
n=l nP
divergent if p 5 1.
PROOF: There are three cnses namely p = 1, p < 1 and p > 1. We discuss these cases as
follows:

Case 1: Let p = 1. The series is just the Harmonic Series, which has already been shown to
be divergent.
Case 2: Let p < 1.
1 1
, Since p < 1, np 5 n and hence - 2 -for each n. In other words, each term of the series is
nP n
1 1 1
greater than the corresponding term of the divergent scries 1 + 5 + + ... + - +
n
5 ....
Hence, in this case also, p-series diverges.
Case 3 : Let p r 1.
To'consider this case, we use the following series for comparison:

(The pattern should be clear).

It is clear that each term of the p-series is less than or equal to the corresponding term of this
b
series. We claim that this series converges. Indeed, it is clear that

2
which is a geometric series with common ratio --< 1.
2p
Thus this series converges. Hence by Comparison Test I, the p-series also converges.
This completes the proof of the theorem.
 EXERCISE 5 ,

In the proof of Theoren] 5, we have grouped some terms of the series of positive
terms. Prove that such grouping does 180: affect the nature of thr. series.
-
To see how p-tests works, let us discuss a case in.Lhe following example.

.EXAMPLE 6: Sllow that the series 2- n

n1 + 1
,,=I
diverges.

I1 tl 1
SOLUTION : For large values of n, -2
n + I
behaves like
: '
n-
i.e. - So, for comparison,
n

we can take the harmonic series ,

"
n= l
1
. As seen above, this is a divergent series.

n 1
So, w e take un = ---
n2+ I
and vn= -, then
n
u n2
Iim = liln - - 1 , which is non-zero and finite.
n->m Vn n - t r n2 +l

Hence by the Comparison Test (JI), it follows that the given series diverges.
Try the following exercises.

EXERCISE 6
Determine whether the foHowing series are convergent ?

EXERCISE 7
m
Show that if the series C u,,of positive terms converges,
11-1
then the series
1
5 $ also converges. Hence, deduce that the series
II=~
-
d n- diverges.

6.5 SOME SPECIAL; TESTS OF CONVERGENCE

In section 6.4, w e discussed some general tests to know the convergence 01. divergence OK
infinite series. These tests enable us to deal with a fairly large numbcr of positive term
series. I-Iowevcr, the scope is really quite limited and we are forced to look for other
tests to handle a few more series. In this section, we shall develop some special tests
which can be used to test the convergence of a still a larger number of infinite series.
We begin our discussion with the two basic tests which are more useful and frequently
employed.
Thc first test, called the Ratio Test, is due to J.DIAlembert [1717-17831 and the other,
called the Root Test is due to Cauchy, both eminent French Mathematicians.
In the Ratio Test, we discuss the convergence of a given series by studying the sequence
of the ratios of the consecutive terms. Comparison Test needs another series with known
behaviour for the purpose o f comparison but in ratio test we use only the t e ~ mof the
given series. We now state and prove D'Alembert's Ratio Test.
I
T H E O R E M 6: D'ALEMBERT'S RATIO TEST

Let

hold.
if. urnbe a series of positive terms such that lim - = L. Tllcn the following
n-1 n-tm
uII+~

Un
I
I
i) If L < 1, then bn
converges.
n=l
 Positive Tcr~nSeries
ii) If L > 1, then un diverges.
11=1

iii) If L = 1, the test fails to give any definite information about the convergence
of the series.
L1n+ 1
PROOF: Case (i) ~ e t , / E-= L < 1.

I-et r be a real number Such that L < r < 1. Choose a number E> 0 such that L+E = r.
un+1
Since lim - = L, there exists a positive integer III such that
. n- U,

But L + E < r, therefore

i.e, u,,, < r u, fur n 2 m.

Thus,

< r urn,, < r2 urn,for n = m+l

u,, < r umt2 < I3 urn,for 11 = m+2.
In general, u, < rk un, for k = 1, 2, 3 ,.......
Hence, by Colnparison Test, urn+,+ u ~ , ,.....
+ ~ ... converges, since it is do~ninatedby the .
convergent geometric series
u,, r + u,, r2 . . . . .+ u,, rk . . .,
L
,.

Therefore, the series u,, also converges.

n= l

Case (ii) Let - = L > 1.

Choose a number E > 0 such thar La-& > 1.

Since - = L, there exists a positi~einteger m such that

u"+l

u"tl
i.e. L-E < - < L + E for n 1 m
4
un -
Thus

That is, u,,, > u, for all n 2 m. This means that fi5u, # 0.

Hence x- u, caanot converge. Thus x u,, is divergent to

PI
m

n=l
m.

Case (iii) L = 1. The test fails because the series may converge or may diverge. The reason is
Ilial there are convergent scries of positive terms with
I .-.-.
 and there are divergent series of positive terms with lim
n.+=
- = 1.
"n+~
Un

"0 I
For instance
n=i
-
n
diverges. Here un = n , so that

1
On tlie other hand, n=I conveizes by p-test. Here II,, =--n2 SO that

112
linl VEL = lim -- = I .
n-+x uII n ill,
Note tllal i t . 111 the st:iternent of the D'Alernbert's Test, had we taken !i!n -- = L then
Clll I I
w

L. > I \r':l~dr.l~mplyconierpcnct. and L < 1 would imply divergetrce of

n= I
u, .
'nr~
You may also note ~ h nifl liyj -= then the cerieb u, is divergent. You may prove i t
U"
by ;ipply~nprhc pl.ocodurt of the case (ii).

EXilMPI.E 7: Test the convergence of the series

211- 1 :!n+ l
SOLUTION: Here u, = --
2"
.S O lhat u , + ~= 2"+1 .

",+I
Since nlim
-ko
--
11,
= 2 < 1. the series converges.
-..- --- ---

EXERCISE 8
1 1 1
i) Show, using the Ratio Test, that the series e = l + --
I! + +-
3! + 2i ...........
converges.

i i ) For what positive values of x does the series

11=I
.-l. converge?
n
.
i i i ) Find all positive values of x for which the series 1 + 2x + 3x 2 + 4x 3
+ .......
converges.
rn
5"
i v ) Test for convergence the series --
,,=I (2n+l)!

You have seen that D'Alembert's Ratio Test fails to give any definite information about thc
convergence or divergence or the series in some situations. In such cases, sometimes
Cauchy's Root Test is helpful. But mostly Cauchy's Root Test is more suitable for those
. series whose nth term contains n, n2 etc. in the exponent. In the Root Test, the convergerlce
of a given series is based on the behaviour ol: the sequence formed by taking the nth root of
the terms of the given series. Let us state and prove this test as the following thcclrern:

THEBREM 7: CAUCHY'S ROOT TEST

Let
.
7
un be a series of positive terms such that
nS
!;E(un)" = L. , I
 Positivc Term Series
di) If L < 1, then u,, converges.
n= l
rn

i i ) If L > 1, then LI,, diverges.

11=1

i i i ) I f I , = 1. the test fails a n d the series may converge or diverge.

PROOF: Case ( i ) Let L < I

Cl~oosea real number r S L I C that

~ L. < 1. < I.
Let E > 0 be a number such ~ h n L+E
t = r.

Since lim (un)li" = L, there exists m E N such tliat

n-+a

I(un)" - LJ< E, for 11 2 m;

i.e. L - E < (u,)"" < L+E, for n 2 m;

for n 2 m;
for n 2 m.

Since c
P is a gedmetric series wit11 common ratio r, wt~icliis less than I . so it is
convergent. Thus by Co~nparisonTest, it follows that un is Convergent.

Case (ii) Let L > 1. Choose a real number s such that L > s > 1:
Let E > 0 be a number such tliat L-E = S.
Since lirn (un)lA= L, there exists in E N such :iiaL, for n 2 m.

Since s n is a geometric series with colnmon ratio s, which is greater than I , so it is

divergent. Hcnce by Cornparis011 Test, C un is-divergent.

Casc (iii) Let L, -- 1. In this case, the test fails to f~irnishany definite infornlation about
the convergence or divergence of the series. For exahple, consider the convetLont series
1
;
;i and the divergent series 2 ;r1 . In both tlic cases
n=l
lirn (u,)lh = 1.
n ,I

,l<X,\ hI1'1.1: X : 'l'cst 1'01. Convergence t h e Scries

Sincc n occurs in tlic cxponcnt ol' LI,, , SO wc ~ ~ p p C

l y; I L I C ~Root
~ ' \ TC\[.Hcrc i

i n = + < 1, I
I
11 -.- l l , ~ / ~ ~!1+'
11 211-1
)- ,

Hcncc the series cc?nverpes.

111 tlic abovc cxample. if YOLI wish LO apply the Kulio 'l'est. you will have to c\ta!i~i~lc.

I ~ I I I .!.!\?I isC+
11 +" LI,,
43
I
Sequences Sr Series

which is certainly not easy. Now we take an example where the Ratio Test fails, but the
Roor Test gives a definite answer.
DO

EXAMPLE 9: Consider the series un where

n=l

( 2-""IT;if n i s o d d
un =I 2-n36" i f n i s e v e n
SOLUTION: .Let us try the Ratio Test.

Hence ,lz %
, kn+l
- = 0.

On the other hand. -

U2n
- - 1.. fi+@
u~~~ - 2 - 2 n + l - W ) - 2
Tzn-
,

%+I
In ,otherwords, the sequence-does not have a limit.
u,
Thus, the ratio test is not applicable in this case. However, the root test is applicable as is
evident from the following:
-
I -I+- 1 1
For ( uln )a = 2 '6 SO that lim
,
n+- ( uznlrn = 2
-

-1-4- - 1
and (uzn+, =2 &+I so that E
! (u2n+l)zn+1
-- -2

Thus, tz ( u n )1i -- -21 < 1.

Hence the series converges.
You may note that whatever the ratio test determines the nature of a series, so does the

root test. In other woids, if = L then it is true that lim (un)Ih= L. But
n->m

converse may not be true as.is clear from the above example. Thus the root test is more
powerful than the ratio test.

EXERCISE 9

Test the following series for convergence:

Sometimes to discuss the nature of a series, we associate an iategral to the series and
discuss its convergence which is easier. This method is given by Cauchy's Integral Test .
which we now discuss.
i
Before introducing the integral test, you may recall some prel; e
improper Integrals.
 Let f be a.real valued function with domain [a, .o [. ' Positive Term Series
t

suppose that f(x) is such that if(x) dx has a meaning for every t 2 a.
d

Then we.write

If lim 4 (t) exists, then we say that the integral [f(x) dx is convergent or that it exists. In
13-
B
that case, we write

jf(x)dx = lim jf(x) dx.

a I-+-,
m

If lim $(t) does not exist, then it follows that jf(x) dx does not exist.
13- a

If fi~
$ (t) = then the integral 1I(x) dx is said to be divergent.
w,
a

For example, let f(x) = -$be a function defined on the interval J l . 00 [: Then, we have

c4

Since 4 (t) = m, therdore the integral

I f(x) dx is not convergent.

1
Let f(x) = - be another function defined on the interval [ I , m[.
x4
Then, we have

Hence ?$@ (t) = -13'

w

In this case, we say that I f(x) dx is convergent and that its value is j.1
, a
I

THEOREM 8: CGUCHY'S INTEGRAL TEST

Let f be a real valued function with domain [ 1, m [ such that

i) f(x) 2 0, V x 2 1 (f is non-negative)
1:
ii) x c y + f(x) r f (y), (f is a monotonically decreasing function)
i i i ) f(x) be integrable for x > 1 such that f(n) = u, i.e.' f (n) is associated
: with the series I: u,.
t 45
i
Ei
 /-
m
Sequences & Serifs
Then Z f(n) is convergent if m d only if I/f(x)dxis convergent and % f(u) is
divergent if and only if
. a
/f(x) dx is divergent.
I

i.r rI f ( x ) d. and 2 un converge or d i v ~ i g rtogether.

n-I

PROOF: Since f is a deerellsing function on [ l , m[, we have

f(n) I f(x) 5 f(n-1) for n-1 2 x 5 n, n=2, 3 ............

n
i.e. f(n) I
n-l
I f(x) dx 5 f(n--1) for n = 2. 3 .........

Thus,

But,

Therefore, for n 2 2,
n II n- 1 n

where (s, ) denotes the sequence of partial surns of the series C u,. Therefore,

n
If we write A, = s" - I f(x) dx, we have I

n+ l
a
= u, - (f(x)dxS 0

Therefore, An+, I An V n. Thus the sequence (A,) is ml ,notonically decreasing sequence.

Also A, 2 u, 2 0 V n, therefore the sequence (A,) is bounded below. Consequently (A,) is
convergent.

Now
I n
S, = A,
1
+ I f(x) dx
The convergence of ( A, ) implies that ( s, ) and
DD
i f(x) dx ) converge or diverge together.

Hence X q,and f(x) dx converge or diverge together.

!C<
1
The idea underlying Liie Cauchy's Integral Test and its proof is self-explanatory frorn the P ~ ~ s i l i v Term
e Serifs
Figure I .

Fie. 1

You may note that if t h e co~iditionsof Cauchy's Integral Test are satisfied for x 2 k ( a
Od 00

positive inleger), then x u n and J f(x) dx converge or diverge together. This can be seen
n=k k
from the following example:
m 4

EXAMPLE 10: Discuss the .Convsrge~leeof the p-series Z $7 p z 0 by

ntl
using the Integral Test.
1
SO1,UTION : Here u, = --
nP
1
Let f(x) = -
xp
For p > 0,f is a decreasing, positive integrable func~ioi~.
So by Cauchy's Integral Test,
and p ( x ) d r converge or diverge together.
*I nQ'

= i-,
OQ
log x if p = 1

x ' - ~-1
ifp+ 1

ifO<pS 1 .
4I1

I;
as x-+a, I

Therefore $,j
(I)
6x1 dx converges for p > 1 and diverges for 0 < p S' 1 and hence the series "7
ff
lt
1

e ;,
,=I
'
nQ
converges for p > I and diverges for 0 < p < 1.
47
-,
*? 5

ti
Sequences and Series oa
1" j
EXAMPLE 11: Test the 'convergence of the seriesx y
n=2 n (log nIp
where p > 8.

SOLUTION: Let f(x) = x(log for x > 2.

If p > 0,then f is a positive, decreasing, integrable function on [2, -1. Hence by Cauchy's

Integral Test, x n (log nIp and

n=2
0

I x (log x)P
converge or diverge together.

log (log x) - log (log 2) if p =1

x (log x ) ~ log x)'-p - (log 2) 1-p

if p#l
2 1-P

This shows that

m
If(x) dx converges if p > 1 and diverges if 0 < p I1. Therefore the given

Series x n (log n). converges if p > 1 and diverges if 0 < p

n=2
5 1.

EXERCISE 10
Discuss the convergence of the series

In general, it is difficult to determine whether an arbitrary positive term series is covergent or

divergent. There is no single universal test or method that will deal with all possible cases.
We have discussed several useful tests including the popular ones like the Ratio Test and the
Root Test. Most of these tests have been derived in some way from one of the forms of the
comparison test. We now discuss some more tests which may be applied when all the
earliest tests fail. In particular, some of these new tests will be helpful when the Ratio Test
and the Root Test fail. We have selected only two tests to be discussed in our course, These
are Raabe's Test and Gauss's Test.
Raabe (1801-1859) was Professor at Zurich. He made lot of important contributions to
Geometry and Analysis. He gave a test for the convergence of a series of positive terms,
which is often decisive when the D'Alembert's Test fails. We state the test, without proof
and discuss examples to illustrate its use.
THEOREM 9: RAABE'S TEST

Let a, be a series of positive numbers such that

n=l

Then i ) u,, converges if L > 1

n=l
DO

ii) u, diverges, if L < 1

n=l
 i i i ) the test Is inconclusive, if L = 1. Positivc 'Perm Series

Let us look at an example.

EXAMPLE 12 : Test the conlvergence of the series

un 2n+5md Nolc 1hi11IIIC c:luias I. = + and I. =

Hence-= - ;ur illstr incil~dc(iin ( i j nrrd ( i i ) in
un+, 2n+4 -0~

Ihc test.
un 2n+5
lim
n+
- = lim -= 1.
un+, n-- 2n+4

Thus, the ratio test fails. But

Hence, by Raabe's Test

- %I u,, diverges.

EXERCISE 11
Test the convergence of the series

We end this section by discussing Gauss's Test.

Gauss (1777-1855) an eminent German mathematician, gave a very powerful test for
convergence which is applicable if Raabe.'s Test fails. It is not essential that first we apply
Ratio Test, then Raabe's Test (if Ratio Test fails) and finally Gauss's Test (if Raabe's Test
also fails). We can straightaway apply Gauss Test. Both D'Alembert's Ratio Test and
Raabe's Test are included in this test. We only state this test and then illustrate it by an
example.
THEOREM 10: GAUSS'S TEST

x- un
. .
Let be a series of positive terms. Suppose

where a,. b, p E R, a > 0, p > 1 and (r,) is a bounded sequence,

Then:

i) u, converges, if a > 1
n=I

; ii) x u, diverges, if a < 1,

*I

I
1 v '
(4

u, diverges, if 'a = 1, b 5 1
1 . n.1 49
I
 Grqwcnces i31 bcrics E%A4MPH,i3 K3: Test the eoraverl,renc~of the series

:'
Flt.fr.{*I.,, .-- -.
,:j
1
.I- A ) ~ \ S : ( ~ Sof -.L
?I
'1.1121 :f<:i.e. j !;; ! is i~ bcralnrfcd srrlui7:rlce. Sirucc ttne coe ltii:i~..ntc.f

. Discuss the conalergencr of the sedle.ui

where x, a,j3, y are rtaasieiac inaganiaers.

<--. -
-..- -~-"-..---,~,.L-~.*z-"---".-,~*"-" ---." ,.-.."-"

In this unii, yt1i.i have bcco ir~kroduredto th.? ~ ? c r i ~ of m an infinite scrie:; :tnd the concept of
c.:~nvcrg":cc of u ! irifir~itc
~ scries. Series of positive tennr;..iGc.rc.tiiki:~lip for r:onsider.ation,
itlrt! v:tr.ric:bus tesis of conve:.gi.ilcc 1.1fitcrirs!; of positive fer!ns were c2iscussed.

l11Section 6.2 we giivt' rl.re definiiinri i>i":rr~ir~l'il~itc

serirs i u ~gave
i a ;:-itsa:~Ii~g
of thi: infinite
sum as its qonvengence. Alt1.1ou~h2n infiriite sumnletion seeam to be :xt.iifici:ll. yct hy rtsiri,g
the powerful totlls of the limit concept, we are able Lo give very concrete r~leaningta 8.n a
infhite sum. The convergence of an infinite series is shown in temls ciF the convergcnci of '
the associated (correspondiiig) sequence of partial sums'of its ternis. The basic technique is to
find an explicit fohula.for the nth .term of the sequence uf partial sums. The convergence of
this seqdence in~pliesthe convergence of t,he corresponding series.
. ~nfiniteseries have bcen ,divided ints Lwo n~ajortlanscs the one with positive terms and - ' .
the other consisting of the arhitilry terms. 111Section 6.3, we deal with the positive teon
szricr;. The notion of convCt'gence of these scries ha,s becn introduced,.Ciener~iltests of
efovergence such as the comparison tests under different conditions and Be p-test have been i
discussed in-Section 6.4. 1
i
In 6.5, we lrave discussed some special tests. Motable among these slre'the two basic tests -
D'Alcrnhcl-1's Ralio Test and Cauchy's Root Test. We also studicd anotlrer important test- !
, Cwchy'r,lntcgr'll Tcst. Fjnally, we haue cliscusscd two more useful tests namely Kaiibc's I
Test and Gauss's T a t to1 tile cncvcrgenc? ol'ttle prrsitive ttm series. f
i
~ 2 i)) For the series a+(a+d) + (a+2d) -t- .... , the nh partial sum is

n
- [ 2 a + ( n - l ) d ] , n . = l , 2 , 3 ,...
=I, --2

If d =i 0, then s, = na.
If a ;t:0, then (s,) = (na) is divergent.
If a = 0,then(sn)= (0) and it converges to 0.
If d ='0. the series diverges if a + 0
and converges if a = 0.
Now suppose d > 0.Let k > 0 be given.
n
s, > k if 5 [2a+(n-l.)d] > k
Hence s, > k if 2a + (n-1) d > k.
This happens whenever (n-1) d > k -2a,
that is, :.hencvrrr n :> k+d-2a

Lel m E h SLIC~I that tn > li+(!-2a.

Then sn > k whenever n 2 m .

Hence ( s, ) diverges to +m. 'F'heretore, by definitit,m, the seric.:

00

[a+(n-l)d] diverges to +m.

n=l

You should be able to lake care of the case d < 0.

ii) L.el '(s, !: he the seqlience associated with u ,sku2 + ........

am1 (t,, ) the sequence associated with us+ 4. ...... ...,..

Clearly tn-, = s, -. u,.(n 2 2)

Hence . iim t,-, = lip1 S, - U, E s .- u,,

n-m n-+**

'rherefore, u2 + u3 + ...,-..., converges to s-. u,.

rim sn = lim ( 1 --- I ) = 1.

n . tar n-.~ n+l

" 1
Hence, the series converges to I.
11% 1
n(n.r-1)
Sequences B6 Series

1
Hence t h i series 1 -
4
+ 16 - -
64
+ ..........converges to 45-.
[Recall from LJnit 5 that l i ~ n x h 0 if -1 < x < I].
n3-

P+ 1 n+ l
ii) Here un =- 1h-t un = lim - = 1 + 0,
n+2 and n-i-
n+- n+2

P)

Hence, Z] u,, does not converge.

n=I

iii). If'(s,)and (t, ) are sequences of partial surns of Cu, and

Xv, respectively, then sequence of partial sums of C (u, + v,) is (s,,+t,,) which
is &vergent, since (s,,)is convergent and (t,) is divergent.
1,

Hence (u, + v, ) is divergent.

n= 1

iv) Consider the series 1-1+1-1+1 -1+ ............

1 if n is odd
Here 11, =
-1 if n is even.
You can see that the nthpar'tial sum s, is given by

s,, = 1
f l ifnisodd

0 if n i s even.
Hence (s,,) is not convergent. Thus the.series 1-!+I-l+ ..........is not convergent
Howcver the series (1-1) + (1-1) + (1-1) + .......... is the series O+O+O+.............
which, clearly, coverges to 0. , . .
IE(s, ) and (t, ) are the sequences associated with the series u, -c u, +........... and
u , + o + u , + o + ..'...........,
s,if n = 2m
you can see that t, =
s, if n = 2x11-1
That is, the sequence (tl, t2 , 5 ..............) is
(sl, s,, s,, s2, s3, s3 ..........). It is easy to see that
. (s,, st, s2, 3,s3, s3,...........) also converges to s.
* 1 . 1
ii) Here, s, =log (l+l)+ log (li-5)+ ..............+ log (I+-n ) .

3 4
= log (2) $ log ( ;r ) + log ( ) + 5 ........ log
(59 .

= log [2, 5
' .5
3 4 ............n+ 1
- 1= log (nt 1).
n
Jim s,, = log (lim (n+l)) = m,
n-rm n4m

cd
1
Hence the series log ( It;; ) diverges to w.
IF1
 E5) In E 3 (iv) you saw that grouping terms of a series attered its behaviour. Po9itive Term Scrirn

FIowever, such a thing will not happen in case of a series of positive terms. I :I
make this point clear, is the purpose of the exercise.
cd

Suppose u,, is a convergent series of positive terms. Hence Is, !is an increasing
n=l
sequence of positive terrns bounded above, where

If the terms of z u, are grouped, and

I%= I
if (t, ) is the sequence associated with the new
series, then, it is easy to see that (t, ) is a subsequence of (s,) a ~ hence
~ d converges to
the same limit as that of (s, ) .
To sllow that a divergent series of positive terns remains divergent rlnder grouping is
easier to prove. Try it.
1
E 6) i) Here ti, =- Take v,, = 2
3n+l.'
U I1 I
Then lim 2= lirn - =-
,r vn "-+f 3n+l 3 '
00

Also z v,, =
n=l
"

n= 1
1
;diverges.
1
Hence, -
3n+ diverges.
n=l

ii) Here u,. = -

1111
. Take v,, = -1p
'
n2-4
lim U"= l i r112n = 1.
n->- V, n-i.. n2-4
1 '
A I S O ~
,=I n-
5is the p-series will p = 3/2 > 1, and hence converges.
dn
Thusz converges.
,,=I n4
m

E 7) Since 2
n=l
u, converges, biz u, = 0.
Hen'ce, there is M E N such that u, < 1 for n 2 M.
2
S O , for nl M, un < u, .
ca

Hence, by Comparison Test I, u2converge.s.

n = ~
1 1
E 8 ) i) Here u, = $ u,,, =-
(ncl)!

1
Hence,
n=l
-
n!
converges.

. ii) Let us first use the ratio test. Here

* '-'"+I
Hence bm = . lirn

Thus, when x < 1,

-
n=l
x"
- converges, and
n
 Ssq~aencei;and Series
when x > 1.
2. '

I61
' n
diverges.

It remains to consider the case x = 1 because then ratio test fails. When x = I , the
" I
series kcornes - , the.haqnonic series, which diverges.
$,=I 11
ms
xn
Thus, finally, - converges if 0 < x < 1
1-1

and diverges if x 2 1.
iii) Here un= n xW-',un+,= (n+I) xn.

So, nxn-I converges when x < 1 and diverges when x > I by

n=l
D'Alembert Ratio Test and test Fdils for x = 1.
However, when x = I, the series becomes
1t2+3-I-4+............ which obviously di\rarge:, .

Hence nlirn %. = lirn

4.h u
5"'
------ (20+1 )!
n-r- (2nt3)! ' 5"
--
= 5 lirn --- I . = o < 1.
n3- (21143) (2n+2)
Hence the seiies converges.

E 9) i) u, =L ---- 1 ., So (u, )E1 =-

(log n)n log n
I
lirn un n = lirn --- -- 0 < 1 .
n+- n+ log n

1
Hel~ce (log
--
-- n)n converges.
n=l

lirn
n+ 'n
. I
= lim - = 0.
n-m 11

J
1

Hence, - converges.
,i=l n"
1
lo) Let f(x)=x lag x [log log x)p

f(x) is a decreasing, positive, integrable function of x and

1
f (n)= for n 2 3
n log n [log (log n)lp
Cr)
I 1
Hence
n=3
n log n [log (log n)lP and
 converge or diverge tugother. Positive Term Series

X
( 1% (log (Inp x) 1- log (log (log 3 ) )

i
i f p == 1
--. dx --
x log x [.log (log x)]P

-- 1-P
Hence the integral converges when p > 1 atld diverges when pS1. Hence, also, the
given series converges when p > 1 and diverges whe11 p 5 1.

By Ratio Test, the series converge!; if x .< ! and diverges if x > 1.

If x = 1, Ratio Test fails.
U,, 211.1-2
-----
When x = I,-- so that
u,,~ 2n+1

lim n
n.+m
(k -1) =
1
and so the rerics diverges by Rsaba'r Test.

Hence the series is convergent for x € I and divergent for x 2 1.

. a ( a + l ) ...,. (a+,n-I) B(P+l) ..,. (P-bn-1)
E 12) Here = - xn
1.2 ,........ n y (yt-1) .... (yt-d-1)
6

-
Un = - -- --1 -
(n-kl)(yt-n)
(a + n) (P + n) x
n2+(y+I)n+y 1 1
n2 + (or + P) n-kaP
---
-_
U"+l

lirn .U,!h
n-+-
=~ -SO by Katio Test, series converges for x < 1 arid diverges for
x and

For ,, =, , %""+I
+ =a-PL!'ily-aB)
n 2 + ( at-P)n + alp

:= 1-I- -
- ) +5k r so~nehoundai s e q a e n c e s,,.
n n
By Gauss' Test, the given series converges if
PI-a-P r 1 i,e. y z a -t- I3 and diverges when yc I --cc--p~l.
i,e. y S a+p .

Hence (i) if x < 1, series converges for all positive value of a, p, y

ii) if x > 1, series diverges for all positive values of a, P, y

iii) if x - 1 , series converges fill. y , tx . 1) and dl\ V I L J C ~ f i ) ~ .j . 1 + (5