ADDIS ABEBA SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY UNIVERSITY (AASTU) Applied Mathematics IIB

CHAPTER ONE

Sequence and Series

Definition of Sequences

Definition: A sequence is a function whose domain is the collection of all integers greater than or
equal to a given integer m (usually 0 or 1) denoted by {a n }∞
n = m , where n is index, m is

initial index and a n ,n ≥ m is the general term of the sequence.

Note : A sequence does not depend up on the symbol used for the index.

Example: {a n }∞
n = m and {a i }i = m are the same sequences.
∞

Example : Find the first four terms of {3 + n}∞n = 1

Solution: exercise

Convergent sequences

Intuitive definition of Limit of a sequence

A sequence {a n }∞n = m has the limit L or lim an = L

n

If we can make the terms a n as close to L as we like by taking n sufficiently large.

The sequence is convergent if the limit of the sequence exists, otherwise it is divergent.

1 ∞
Example: Consider the sequence { n} .
2 n= 0

1 1 1 1
The first few terms are 1, , , , , …
2 4 8 16

1
Thus, here we can see that for sufficiently large values of n, the terms a n = becomes
2n

very close to a fixed number L = 0, that is, lim (21n) = 0.

n

1 ∞
Therefore, the sequence { n} is convergent and it converges to 0 .
2 n= 0

Theorem: Limit of A Sequence

Let L be a real number, Let f be a function of a real variable x defined on [m, ∞) such
that lim f(x) = L .
x 

If {a n }∞n = m is a sequence such that f(n) = a n for every n ≥ m, then {a n }∞n = m

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ADDIS ABEBA SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY UNIVERSITY (AASTU) Applied Mathematics IIB

∞
1 n
Example: Find the limit of the sequence {(1 + ) }
n n=1

1 n
Solution: The nth term of the sequence is a n = (1 + ) , n ≥ 1.
n

1 x
Let f(x) = (1 + ) for x ∈ ℛ , x ≠ 0.
x

1 n
Then f(n) = (1 + ) = a n for all n ε ℛ, n ≥ 1.
n

That is the sequence {a n } agrees with a function f at every positive integer n.

In your elementary calculus course, you have learnt that

lim f(x) = lim (1 + 1x) x = e.

x x 

So, by theorem1.1, you can conclude that lim an = lim (1 + n1) n = e

n n

∞
1 n
Thus, the infinite series {(1 + ) } converges
n n=1

Example: Show that the sequence {en }∞

n = 0 diverges

Solution : exercise

REMARK:

The geometric sequence {r n }∞

n = m is

i) Convergent if −1 < r ≤ 1 and

ii) Divergent if r ≤ −1 or r > 1.

Moreover, lim rn = { 0 if − 1 < r < 1

n 1 if r = 1

Properties of limits of sequences

The following properties of limits of sequences are those given for limits of functions of real variable.

Let {𝑎𝑛 } and {𝑏𝑛 } be two sequences such that lim 𝑎𝑛 = 𝐿 𝑎𝑛𝑑 lim 𝑏𝑛 = 𝑘
n n

1. lim (𝑎𝑛 + 𝑏𝑛 ) = 𝐿 + 𝐾
n

2. lim (𝑎𝑛 − 𝑏𝑛 ) = 𝐿 − 𝐾
n

3. lim (𝑎𝑛 + 𝑏𝑛 ) = 𝐿𝐾
n

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ADDIS ABEBA SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY UNIVERSITY (AASTU) Applied Mathematics IIB

4. lim 𝑐 𝑎𝑛 = 𝐶𝐿 for any real number 𝑐.

n

lim 𝑎𝑛
𝑎𝑛 n 𝐿
5. lim = = where ---------- 𝑏𝑛 = 𝑘 ≠ 0.
n   𝑏𝑛 lim 𝑏𝑛
𝐾
n

𝑝
6. lim (𝑎𝑛 𝑝 ) = ( lim 𝑎𝑛 ) = 𝐿𝑝 for any 𝑝 ∈ ℜ 𝑦 𝐿𝑝 exists.
n n

7. lim (𝑝𝑎𝑛 ) = 𝑝 ( lim 𝑎𝑛 ) = 𝑝𝑘 , for any 𝑝 ∈ ℜ, if 𝑝𝑘 exists.

n n

Theorem: (Bounded Monotonic Sequence)

If a sequence {𝑎𝑛 }∞
𝑛= 𝑚 is bounded and monotonic, then it converges.

1 ∞ 1
Example: The sequence { } , is bounded, since, 0 ≤ ≤ 1 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑛 ≥ 1, Hence, by above
𝑛 𝑛= 1 𝑛
1 ∞
Theorem, the sequence { } converges.
𝑛 𝑛= 1

Definition of Infinite Series

Infinite series


Let {a n }∞n = 1 be an infinite sequence. Then sum 
n 1
a n = a1 + a 2 + a 3 + … a n+ … is called

an Infinite Series (or simply a series).

Remark: If the sum of an infinite series exists, then it is unique.

Example:


i) 
n 0
2n = 1 + 2 + 4 + 8 + …


ii) 
n 1
[3 + (−1)n ] = (2 + 4) + (2 + 4) + (2 + 4) + …


iii) 
n 2
ℓn n
n
=
2
ℓn 2
+
ℓn 3
3
+
4
ℓn 4
+ … are infinite series.

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ADDIS ABEBA SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY UNIVERSITY (AASTU) Applied Mathematics IIB

Convergence and Divergence of a series

Definition: Convergent and divergent series
 
For the infinite series  an the sum 𝑠𝑛 = 𝑎1 + 𝑎2 + 𝑎3 + … + 𝑎𝑛 =
n 1
a
n 1
k is called the nth

partial sum of the series. If the sequence {𝑆𝑛 }∞

𝑛= 1 of partial sums is convergent and lim 𝑆𝑛 = 𝑆 exists
n

as a real number, then we say that the infinite series a
n 1
n is convergent and we write 𝑎1 + 𝑎2 + 𝑎3 +


… = 𝑆 𝑜𝑟 a
n 1
n =𝑆.

The number 𝑆 is called the SUM of the series. If the sequence {𝑆𝑛 }∞
𝑛= 1 is divergent, then we say that the

series a
n 1
n diverges.

Example: Show that the series

1 1 1 1
= + + + . .. Converges and find its sum.
2n 2 4 8

Solution : The series has the following partial sums.

1
s1 =
2

1 1 3
s2 = + =
2 4 4

1 1 1 7
s3 = + + =
2 4 8 8

1 1 1 1 15
s4 = + + + = and so on.
2 4 8 16 16

Then by simple inspection, from the pattern of the above partial sums, we can write the n th
partial sum as

1 1 1 1 2n − 1
sn = + + + … + =
2 4 8 2n 2n

n
It follow that lim sn = lim (2 2−n 1) has an indeterminate form " ∞
∞
".
n n

Then by L’Hopital’s Rule;

(2n − 1)′ 2n ℓn 2
lim sn = lim (2n )′
= lim = lim 1 = 1
n n n 2n ℓn 2

That is, lim sn exists.

n

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ADDIS ABEBA SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY UNIVERSITY (AASTU) Applied Mathematics IIB


Hence, the infinite series 
n 1
1
2n
is convergent and has sum

 
S = 
n 1
1
2n
=
n 1
 sn = 1


Example: The series 
n 1
c + c + c + . . . , where c ≠ 0

has nth partial sum

n
sn = 
n 1
c = c + c + c+ . . . + c = nc

and lim sn = lim nc = ± ∞

n n


Therefore, the series 
n 1
c diverges.

Telescopic series


The series of the form 
n 1
(𝑏𝑛 − 𝑏𝑛 + 1 ) = (𝑏1 − 𝑏2 ) +

(𝑏2 − 𝑏3 ) + (𝑏3 − 𝑏4 ) + . . . is called TELESCOPIC SERIES.


The nth partial sum of a telescopic series 
n 1
(bn − bn + 1 ) is given by

Sn = (b1 − b2 ) + (b2 − b3 ) + (b3 − b4 ) + . . . + (bn − bn + 1 )

Sn = b1 − bn + 1

Thus, lim sn = lim (b1 − bn + 1 ) = b1 − ( lim bn + 1 )

n n n


Example: Show that 
n 1
1
n (n + 1)
= 1

1
Solution: By method of partial fractions a n = can be written as
n (n + 1)

1 1 1
= − .
n (n + 1) n n+ 1

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ADDIS ABEBA SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY UNIVERSITY (AASTU) Applied Mathematics IIB

Now, the nth partial sum of the series is

n n
Sn = 
k 1
1
k (k +1)
= 
k 1
1
( −
k k+1
1
)

1
= 1 −
n+ 1

Then lim sn = lim (n (n1+ 1)) = 1 − lim 1

= 1−0= 1
n n n   n+ 1


Hence, the infinite series 
n 1
1
n (n + 1)
converges and has sum

n 1
 1
n (n + 1)
= lim Sn = 1
n


Example: Find the sum of the series 
n 1
2
4n2 − 1
.

2
Solution: Let a n = for n ≥ 1.
4n2 − 1

Using partial fractions,

2 2 A B
Let an = = = +
4n2 − 1 (2n −1) (2n +1) 2n − 1 2n+ 1

Then, 2 = A (2n + 1) + B (2n − 1)

2 = (2A + 2B) n + (A − B)

It follow that

2A + 2B = 0
{
A − B = 2

Solving the above system of linear equations, we obtain A = 1 and B = −1

Thus, we can write a n as

2 1 1
an = = −
4n2 − 1 2n − 1 2n+ 1

Which shows that the given series is telescopic series? From this telescopic form, we can see
that the nth partial sum of the series is

n n
Sn = 
k 1
(
2
4k2 − 1
) = 
k 1
(
1
2k − 1
−
1
2k+ 1
)

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ADDIS ABEBA SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY UNIVERSITY (AASTU) Applied Mathematics IIB

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
= ( − ) + ( − ) + ( − ) + . . .+ ( − )
1 2 2 3 3 4 2n − 1 2n+ 1

1
Sn = 1 −
2n + 1

1
Then lim sn = lim (1 − ) = 1
n n 2n + 1


Therefore, the telescopic series 
n 1
2
4k2 − 1
converges and the sum is


n 1
2
4k2 − 1
= lim
n
sn = 1


Note: The series 
n 1
1
n
is called HARMONIC SERIES

Example: Show that the harmonic series


1
n
n 1
= 1+
1
2
+
1
3
+
1
4
+ . . . is divergent.

Solution: For this particular series it is convenient to consider the partial sums S2 , S4 , S8 ,
S16 , S32 , . . . and show that they become large

S1 = 1

1
S2 = S21 = 1 +
2

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
S4 = S22 = 1 + + + > 1+ + + = 1 + 2 ( ) , since >
2 3 4 2 4 4 2 3 4

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
S8 = S23 = 1 + + + + + + + + > 1+ +( + )+ ( + + + ) = 1+ + +
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 2 4 4 8 8 8 8 2 2
1 3
= 1+
2 2

In a similar manner, we can write

4
S16 = S24 > 1 +
2

5
S32 = S25 > 1 +
2

6
S64 = S26 > 1 + and so on.
2

k
In general, S2k > 1 +
2

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ADDIS ABEBA SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY UNIVERSITY (AASTU) Applied Mathematics IIB


This show that lim s
n
2n = ∞ and so the series 
n 1
1
n
is divergent.

Note: Geometric Series


The series having the form 
n m
cr n = cr n + cr m+1 + cr m+2 + cr m+3 + . . . ,

Where r and c are constants and c ≠ 0 is called A GEOMETRIC SERIES.

THEOREM : GEOMETRIC SERIES THEOREM


A geometric series 
n m
𝑐𝑟 𝑛

𝑐𝑟 𝑚
i) Converges if −1 < 𝑟 < 1 and has sum 𝑆 = 𝑐𝑟 𝑛 = .
1− 𝑟
ii) Diverges if 𝑟 ≤ −1 𝑜𝑟 𝑟 ≥ 1.

Example Check the convergence or divergence of the following geometric series. If it converges,
find the sum.

 
a) 
n  0
3
2n
c) 
n  2
−2 n
( )
5

 
b) 
n  1
−3 n
( )
2
d)  3n + 2
22n − 1
n  0

 
Solution a) 
n  0
3
2n
= 
n  0
3( )
1 n
2

1
Here c = 3 and the ratio is r = where −1 < r < 1
2

Thus, the series is convergent which has sum

 1

 3 crm 3 (2) 0 3
S = = = 1 = 1⁄ = 6
2n 1− r 1− 2
n  0 2


b) 
n  1
−3 n
( )
2
here r =
−3
2
< −1

Hence, the series is divergent.

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ADDIS ABEBA SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY UNIVERSITY (AASTU) Applied Mathematics IIB


c) 
n  2
−2 n
( ) =
5
4
25
−
8
125
+
16
625
. . .

−2 −2
For this series c = 1, m = 2 and r = where −1 < < 1.
5 5

Hence, the series is convergent and has sum

−2 2 4⁄
crm 1() 4 4
S = = 5
−2 = 5
= ( ) (s⁄n) =
1− r 1− ( ) 1 + 2⁄5 25 35
5

  
d) 
n  0
3n + 2
22n − 1
= 
n  0
3n ∙ 32
22n ∙ 2−1
= 
n  0
3 n
18 ( )
4

3
Here c = 18 , m = 0 and r = 3⁄4 where −1 < < 1.
4

Hence, the series is convergent and has sum

 0

 3 n
3n + 2 crm (18) (3⁄4)
S = = 18 ( ) = = 3
22n − 1 4 1− r 1 − ⁄4
n  0

(18)
= = 4(18) = 72
1 − 3⁄4

Remark: The formula for the sum of a convergent geometric series can be used to write a repeating
a
decimal as a rational number of the form .
b

a
Example: Use a geometric series to write the decimal number 0. ̅27
̅̅̅ as a ratio .
b

Solution: 0. ̅27
̅̅̅ can be write as

0. ̅25
̅̅̅ = 0.27 27 27 …

= 0.27 + 0.0027 + 0.000027 + …

27 27 27
= + + + . . .
102 104 106

1 n
= ∑∞
n=1 27 ( )
100

1
Which is the geometric series with c = 27 or m = 0 and r =
100

Since −1 < r < 1 , the series converge to the sum

27 1 n cm (0.27) 0.27 27 3
0. ̅27
̅̅̅ = ( ) = = = = =
100 100 1− r 1 − 0.01 0.99 99 11

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ADDIS ABEBA SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY UNIVERSITY (AASTU) Applied Mathematics IIB

3
Thus, 0. 27
̅̅̅̅ = .
11

THEOREM DIVERGENCE TEST


a) If the series 
n  1
𝑎𝑛 is convergent, then lim 𝑎𝑛 = 0.
n


b) If lim 𝑎𝑛 does not exist or lim 𝑎𝑛 ≠ 0 then the series
n n

n  1
𝑎𝑛 is divergent.

You can easily see that part (a) and part (b) of the theorem are contra positive to each other, hence
they are logically equivalent.

Note: The converse of the above theorem generally is not true.

For example,


lim (n1) = 0 , but the series
n

n  1
1
( ) is divergent.
n

Thus, lim an = 0 , does not tell us anything about the convergence or divergence of the
n

series 
n  1
an .


Example: Show that the series 
n  1
n2
5n2 + 4
diverges.

n2
Solution: Let an = for n ≥ 1. Then
5n2 + 4

1⁄
n2 n2 n2
lim an = lim 2 = lim 2 ∙ 1⁄
n n   5n + 4 n   5n + 4 n2

1 1
= ( 2 ) = ≠0
5+ 5
n2


By the Divergence Test, the series 
n  1
n2
5n2 + 4
is divergent.


Example: Show that the series 
n 0
(−1)n is divergent.

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ADDIS ABEBA SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY UNIVERSITY (AASTU) Applied Mathematics IIB

Solution: Let a n = (−1)n for n ≥ 0 . Then {a n }∞

n= 1 = {1, −1, 1, −1, . . . } which oscillates
b⁄ − 1 and 1.
n

Hence lim an = lim (−1)n does not exist.

n n


By the Divergence Test, the series 
n 0
(−1)n diverges.


Example: Show that the series
n 0
 n sin
1
n
diverges.

1
1 sin
Solution: Let a n = n sin = 1
n
n
n

sin 1⁄n 1
lim an = lim 1⁄ . Letting m = , we have
n n n n

sin m
lim an = lim , since m → 0 whenever n → ∞ = 1
n m0 m


By Divergence Test, the series 
n 1
n sin
1
n
diverges.

PROPERTIES OF CONVERGENT SERIES

   
If 
n m
𝑎𝑛 and
n m
 𝑏𝑛 are convergent series, then so are 
n m
𝑎𝑛 + 
n m
𝑏𝑛 ,

  


n m
𝑎𝑛 − 
n m
𝑏𝑛 and 
n m
(𝑐 𝑎𝑛 ), where 𝑐 is constant, and

  
1.
n m
 (𝑎𝑛 + 𝑏𝑛 ) = 
n m
𝑎𝑛 + 
n m
𝑏𝑛

  
2. 
n m
(𝑎𝑛 − 𝑏𝑛 ) = 
n m
𝑎𝑛 − 
n m
𝑏𝑛

 
3. 
n m
(𝑐 𝑎𝑛 ) = 𝑐 
n m
𝑎𝑛

 
4. a
n m
n
  am  n
n 0

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ADDIS ABEBA SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY UNIVERSITY (AASTU) Applied Mathematics IIB


Example: Find the sum of the series 
n 1
(
3
n (n+1)
+
2n
1
)

 
Solution: The series 
n 1
1
2n
= 
n 1
( )
1 n
2
is convergent geometric series, since r =
1
2
and |r| <

 
1, and has sum 
n 1
2n
1
= 
n 1
( ) =
1 n
2
crm
1 −r
1
, where c = 1 , r = , and m = 1
2

1 ′
1( ) 1⁄
2 2
= 1 = 1⁄ = 1
1− 2
2


The series 
n 1
1
n (n+1)
is telescopic series, and as seen in Example above, we know

 
that 
n 1
1
n (n+1)
= 
n 1
1+
n+1
1
= 1

Then, we have

  


n 1
(
3
n (n+1)
+
1
2 n) = 
n 1
n (n+1)
3
+ 
n 1
1
2n

 
= 3 
n 1
1
n (n+1)
+ 
n 1
1
2n
= 3(1) + 1 = 4


Example: Find the sum of the series 
n 2
(
3n + 1 − 5n
3n ∙ 2n
)

3n + 1 − 5n 3n + 1 5n 3 (3n ) 5 n
Solution: ( ) = − = − ( )
3n ∙ 2n 3n ∙ 2n 3n ∙ 2n 3n ∙ 2n 6

1 n 5 n
= 3( ) − ( )
2 6

1 5
Since −1 < < 1 and − 1 < < 1, both series
2 6

 


n 2
1 n
( )
2
and 
n 2
( )
5 n
6
are convergent geometric series and the sum is

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ADDIS ABEBA SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY UNIVERSITY (AASTU) Applied Mathematics IIB


n 2
1 n
( ) =
2
crm
1 −r
, where c = 1 , m = 2 and r =
1
2

1 2
1 (2) 1⁄ 1
= 1 = 1⁄
4
= and
1− 2 2
2


n 2
5 n
( ) =
6
crm
1 −r
, where c = 1 , m = 2 and r =
5
6

5 2 25⁄
1 (6) 25 6 25
36
= 5 = 1⁄ = × =
1− 6 36 1 6
6


Therefore, the series 
n 2
(
3n + 1 − 5n
3n ∙ 2n
) converges and has sum

n
  


n 2
(
3n + 1 − 5n
3n ∙ 2n
) = 3 
n 2
1
( ) −
2 
n 2
( )
5 n
6

1 25 3 25 8
= 3( ) − = − =− .
2 6 2 6 3

Note:

A finite number of terms does not affect the convergence and divergence of a series.


Example: Find the sum of the series 
n 4
n (n+1)
2

Solution: From the example before, we know that

 


n 1
2
n (n+1)
= 2 
n 1
n (n+1)
2
= 2(1) = 2

 
We have, 
n 1
n (n+1)
2
=
2
1(2)
+
2(3)
2
+
3(4)
2
+ 
n 4
2
n (n+1)


Then 
n 4
2
n (n+1)
is convergent and has sum

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ADDIS ABEBA SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY UNIVERSITY (AASTU) Applied Mathematics IIB


n 4
2
n (n+1)
= [
2
n (n+1)
1 1 1
− (1 + + ) ] = 2 − (1 + + ) = 2 −
3 6 3
1
6
3
2
=
1
2

Non negative Term Series

INTEGRAL TEST

Let {𝑎𝑛 }∞
𝑛= 1 be a non-negative sequence and let 𝑓 be a continuous, decreasing
function defined on [1, ∞) such that

𝑓(𝑛) = 𝑎𝑛 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑛 ≥ 1.


Then the series 
n  1
𝑎𝑛 is convergent if and only if the improper integral

∞
∫1 𝑓(𝑥) 𝑑𝑥 is convergent.

In other words the Integral Test states the following


i)
∞
If ∫1 f(𝑥) 𝑑𝑥 converges, then 
n  1
𝑎𝑛 converges.


ii)
∞
If ∫1 𝑓(𝑥) 𝑑𝑥 diverges, then 
n  1
𝑎𝑛 diverges.


Example: Show that 
n  1
1
𝑛𝑝
converges if and only if p >1.

1
Solution: If p ≤ 0, the terms do not tend to 0 as n increases.
𝑛𝑝


So, the series 
n  1
1
𝑛𝑝
diverges.

For p = 1, the series is the harmonic series which we know diverges.

Assume that p > 0 and p ≠ 1.

1
Define f by f(x) = for x ≥ 1
𝑥𝑝

1
Since f(n) = for n ≥ 1 𝑎𝑛𝑑 f is continuous and decreasing on[1, ∞),
𝑛𝑝

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ADDIS ABEBA SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY UNIVERSITY (AASTU) Applied Mathematics IIB

𝑏 1 1 𝑏 1 1
∫1 dx = (−𝑝+1)𝑥 𝑝−1| = ( − 1)
𝑥𝑝 1 (−𝑝+1) 𝑏 𝑝−1

𝑏 1
Since lim ∫1 dx exists if p > 1 and not exist if 0 < p < 1, it follows that
b  𝑥𝑝

∞
∫1 𝑓(𝑥)dx converges if p > 1 and diverges if 0< p <1.


Therefore, 
n  1
1
𝑛𝑝
converges if p > 1.

COMPARISON TEST

Let {𝑎𝑛 }∞
𝑛= 1 be a non-negative sequence.

  
a. If 
n  1
𝑏𝑛 converges and 0≤an≤bn for all n≥1, then 
n  1
𝑎𝑛 ≤ 
n  1
𝑏𝑛 and


n  1
𝑎𝑛 converges.

  

Example20 Using  𝑏𝑛 diverges

b. If comparison and that
test, show 0≤bthe
n  1
n for all
n≤aseries
1
n≥1,2then
𝑛 + 1
 𝑎𝑛 diverges.
converges.
n  1
n  1

c. 1 1
Solution: Let 𝑎𝑛 = and 𝑏𝑛 = .
𝑛2 + 1 𝑛2

 
Then
a the series 𝑎𝑛
n ≤ bn for all n ≥1 ,Since 
is convergent
n  1
1 if and
converges
𝑛2
only iftest,
(integral the pimproper
> 1), integral
1
converges. 
n  1
𝑛2 + 1

∞
∫1 𝑓(𝑥) 𝑑𝑥 is convergent. 
Example: Using comparison test, show that the series 
n  0
2𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝑛
3𝑛
converges.

2𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝑛 2
Solution: Let 𝑎𝑛 = and 𝑏𝑛 = .
3𝑛 3𝑛

an ≤ bn for all n ≥1, since cos2n ≤ 1.


n  0
2
3𝑛
converges because it is geometric series and r = 1/3.


By comparison test, 
n  0
2𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝑛
3𝑛
converges.

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ADDIS ABEBA SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY UNIVERSITY (AASTU) Applied Mathematics IIB

LIMIT COMPARISON TEST

 

 
𝑎𝑛
Let 𝑎𝑛 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑏𝑛 be non-negative sequences. Suppose lim = L,
n  1 n  1
𝑛→∞ 𝑏𝑛

where L is a positive number.

 
a. If 
n  1
𝑏𝑛 converges, then 
n  1
𝑎𝑛 converges.

 
b. If 
n  1
𝑏𝑛 diverges, then 
n  1
𝑎𝑛 diverges.


Example: Using limit comparison test, show that the series 
n  4
√𝑛
4𝑛2 −3
converges.

√𝑛 √𝑛
Solution: Let 𝑎𝑛 = and 𝑏𝑛 = .
4𝑛2 −3 4𝑛2

√𝑛
𝑎𝑛 4𝑛2 −3 4𝑛2
𝑙𝑖𝑚 = 𝑙𝑖𝑚 = 𝑙𝑖𝑚 = 1.
𝑛→∞ 𝑏𝑛 𝑛→∞ √𝑛 𝑛→∞ 4𝑛2 −3
4𝑛2

√𝑛 1
But 𝑏𝑛 = = 3 and it is p- series (p = 3/2 >1), it converges.
4𝑛2
4𝑛2

 
Since, 
n  1
√𝑛
4𝑛2
converges, then 
n  1
√𝑛
4𝑛2 −3
converges.

RATIO TEST



𝑎𝑛+1
Let 𝑎𝑛 be non-negative series. Suppose an≠ 0 for all n and lim = r,
n  1
𝑛→∞ 𝑎𝑛

(possibly ∞)


a. If 0 ≤ r < 1, then a
n 1
n
converges.


b. If r > 1, then  a n diverges.
n 1

If r = 1, then from this test we cannot draw any conclusion.

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ADDIS ABEBA SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY UNIVERSITY (AASTU) Applied Mathematics IIB


Example: Using ratio test, show that the series 
n  0
𝑛!
2n
diverges.

n!
Solution: Let a n = and an≠ 0 for all n.
2n

(n+1)!
an+1 2(n+1) (n+1)n!2n (n+1)
lim = lim n! = lim = lim = ∞
n→∞ an n→∞ n→∞ 2.2n n! n→∞ 2
2n


Since r = ∞ >1, the series 
n  0
n!
2n
diverges.

ROOT TEST

Let 
n  1
𝑎𝑛 be non-negative series. Suppose lim 𝑛√𝑎𝑛 = r, (possibly∞)
𝑛→∞


a. If 0 ≤ r < 1, then 
n  1
𝑎𝑛 converges.


b. If r > 1, then 
n  1
𝑎𝑛 diverges.

If r = 1, then from this test we cannot draw any conclusion.

 n n
Example: Using root test, show that the series ( ) converges.
3n+2
n  1

n
Solution: Let a n = ( )n .
3n+2

n n n 1
lim n√a n = lim √ ( )n = lim = = r.
n→∞ n→∞ 3n+2 n→∞ 3n+2 3


1 n n
Since r = < 1, ( ) converges.
3 3n+2
n  1

Alternating series and alternating series test

If the terms in the series are alternately positive and negative, we call the series an
alternating series.

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ADDIS ABEBA SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY UNIVERSITY (AASTU) Applied Mathematics IIB

  1
n 1
Examples: 1. 2 n = 2 – 4 + 8 – 16 + …
n  1

  1
n 1 1 1 1 1
2. = – + – + …
1! 2! 3! 4!
n  1 n!

ALTERNATING SERIES TEST

Let {𝑎𝑛 }∞
𝑛=1 be a decreasing sequence of positive numbers such that

 

  1   1
n n 1
lim 𝑎𝑛 =0. Then the alternating series 𝑎𝑛 and 𝑎𝑛 converge.
𝑛→∞ n  1
n  1


Example: Show that the series 
n  1
1
(−1)n converges.
n

1
Solution: Let a n = .
n

1
Since lim = 0, and the series is alternating series,
n n

By alternating series test,


n  1
1
(−1)n converges.
n

Absolute and Conditional Convergence


The convergence tests we studied so far cannot be applied directly to a series 
n  1
a n which

is neither non-negative nor alternating.

 
Theorem: If the series 
n  1
|a n | converges, then 
n  1
a n converges.


Example: Show that the series 
n  1
(−1)n
10n
n!
converges.


Example: Show that the series 
n  1
sinn
n3
converges.

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ADDIS ABEBA SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY UNIVERSITY (AASTU) Applied Mathematics IIB

Remark: The converse of the above theorem does not hold true.


Example: Consider the series 
n  1
(−1)n .
1
n

Definition:

Let 
n  1
a n convergent series.

 
a. If 
n  1
|a n | converges, then the series 
n  1
a n is called absolutely convergent or we say


that 
n  1
a n converge absolutely.

 
b. If 
n  1
|a n | diverges, then the series 
n  1
a n is called conditionally convergent or we say


that 
n  1
a n converge conditionally.

Example: Determine whether the following series diverges, converges absolutely or

converges conditionally.

  
a. 
n  1
(−1)n
1
3n
b. 
n  1
(−1)n
√n
c. 
n  1
(−1)n+1
n
3n+1

Generalized Convergence test

a. Generalized Comparison Test

  
Let 
n  1
a n be a series and |a n | ≤ |bn | for all n≥1.If 
n  1
|bn | converges, then 
n  1
a n converges

(absolutely).

b. Generalized Limit Comparison Test:

𝑎
Let ∑∞
𝑛=1 𝑎𝑛 and ∑𝑛=1 𝑏𝑛 be two series. Suppose lim | | = 𝐿 , where L is fixed positive
∞ 𝑛
𝑛→∞ 𝑏𝑛
number. If ∑∞
𝑛=1 𝑏𝑛 converges, then ∑𝑛=1 𝑎𝑛 converges (absolutely).
∞

c. Generalized Ratio Test:

𝑎𝑛+1
Let ∑∞
𝑛=1 𝑎𝑛 be a series and assume that 𝑎𝑛 ≠ 0 for all 𝑛 ≥ 1. Let lim | | = 𝑟 (possibly r=∞)
𝑛→∞ 𝑎𝑛

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ADDIS ABEBA SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY UNIVERSITY (AASTU) Applied Mathematics IIB

 If 𝑟 < 1, then ∑∞𝑛=1 𝑎𝑛 converges(absolutely).

 If 𝑟 > 1 𝑜𝑟 𝑟 = ∞,then ∑∞ 𝑛=1 𝑎𝑛 diverges.
 If 𝑟 = 1, then from the ratio test alone we cannot draw any conclusion about the
convergence of ∑∞ 𝑛=1 𝑎𝑛 .
d. Generalized Root Test:

Let∑∞
𝑛=1 𝑎𝑛 be a series. Let lim √𝑎𝑛 =r (possibly ∞).
𝑛
𝑛→∞

 If 𝑟 < 1, then ∑∞𝑛=1 𝑎𝑛 converges(absolutely).

 If 𝑟 > 1 𝑜𝑟 𝑟 = ∞,then ∑∞ 𝑛=1 𝑎𝑛 diverges.
 If 𝑟 = 1, then from the ratio test alone we cannot draw any conclusion about the
convergence of ∑∞ 𝑛=1 𝑎𝑛 .

Example: Determine whether the following series converges or diverges.

sin 𝑛
a. ∑∞
𝑛=1 .
𝑛2 +1
−1 𝑛
( 2 ) (2𝑛)!
b. ∑∞
𝑛=1 .
𝑛!

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