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However, some series cannot be written in the closed form. Thus, the following tests
are used to determine the convergence and divergence of these series.
Theorem 1
i) If i , the series ∑ diverges.
Note: if you can see at a glance that , then the Divergence Test should be used
Example 1
Use the Divergence Test to determine if the following series is divergent.
a) ∑ b) ∑ c) ∑
d) ∑ e) ∑
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WEEK2 CHAPTER 1 MAT455
Theorem 2
Suppose f is a continuous, positive, decreasing function on [1 , ∞ and et an =
f(n). Then the series ∑ is convergent if and only if the improper
integral ∫ is convergent. In other words
Note: i) an = f(n), where If ∫ is easily evaluated, then the Integral Test is effective.
ii) If ∫ ∫
Example 2
Use the Integral Test to determine if the following series is convergent or divergent.
a) ∑ b) ∑ c) ∑ d) ∑
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WEEK2 CHAPTER 1 MAT455
Theorem 3
Suppose that ∑ and ∑ are series with positive terms.
1. Delete the constant in the denominator of an (as this will not affect the
convergence or divergence of the series).
2. If ∑ , compare with ∑
√
3. If ∑ , compare with ∑
√
4. If ∑ √ , compare with ∑
5. If ∑ , compare with ∑
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WEEK2 CHAPTER 1 MAT455
Example 3
Use the Comparison Test to determine if the series converges or diverges.
a) ∑ b) ∑
c) ∑ d) ∑
√
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WEEK2 CHAPTER 1 MAT455
Theorem 4
Suppose that ∑ and ∑ are series with positive terms. If
Where c is a finite number and c > 0, then either both series converge or both
diverge.
Example 4
Use the Limit Comparison Test to determine whether the series converge or diverge.
a) ∑ b) ∑ c) ∑ √
d) ∑
√
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WEEK2 CHAPTER 1 MAT455
Theorem 5
Let ∑ be a series with positive terms such that i | |=L
Example 5
Use the Ratio Test to determine if the following series is convergent or divergent.
a) ∑ b) ∑ c) ∑ d) ∑ e) ∑
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WEEK2 CHAPTER 1 MAT455
TRY THIS
Use any relevant test to determine whether the following series converges or diverges.
1. ∑ (Ans: Diverge)
2. ∑ (Ans: Converge)
3. ∑ (Ans: Diverge)
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