Math2.org Math Tables: Convergence Tests |
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The nth partial sum of the series an is given by Sn = a1 + a2 + a3 + ... + an. If the sequence of these partial sums {Sn} converges to L, then the sum of the series converges to L. If {Sn} diverges, then the sum of the series diverges.
If an = A, and bn = B, then the following also converge as indicated:
can = cA
(an + bn) = A + B
(an - bn) = A - B
Absolute Convergence
If the series |an| converges, then the series an also converges.Alternating Series Test
If for all n, an is positive, non-increasing (i.e. 0 < an+1 <= an), and approaching zero, then the alternating series
(-1)n an and (-1)n-1 an
both converge.
If the alternating series converges, then the remainder RN = S - SN (where S is the exact sum of the infinite series and SN is the sum of the first N terms of the series) is bounded by |RN| <= aN+1
If N is a positive integer, then the seriesboth converge or both diverge.
an and
an
n=N+1
If 0 <= an <= bn for all n greater than some positive integer N, then the following rules apply:
If bn converges, then an converges.
If an diverges, then bn diverges.
The geometric series is given by
a rn = a + a r + a r2 + a r3 + ...
If |r| < 1 then the following geometric series converges to a / (1 - r).If |r| >= 1 then the above geometric series diverges.
If for all n >= 1, f(n) = an, and f is positive, continuous, and decreasing thenLimit Comparison Testeither both converge or both diverge.
an and an
If the above series converges, then the remainder RN = S - SN (where S is the exact sum of the infinite series and SN is the sum of the first N terms of the series) is bounded by 0< = RN <= (N..) f(x) dx.
If lim (n-->) (an / bn) = L,
where an, bn > 0 and L is finite and positive,
then the series an and bn either both converge or both diverge.
If the sequence {an} does not converge to zero, then the series an diverges.
The p-series is given byRatio Test
1/np = 1/1p + 1/2p + 1/3p + ...
where p > 0 by definition.
If p > 1, then the series converges.
If 0 < p <= 1 then the series diverges.
If for all n, n 0, then the following rules apply:Root Test
Let L = lim (n -- > ) | an+1 / an |.
If L < 1, then the series an converges.
If L > 1, then the series an diverges.
If L = 1, then the test in inconclusive.
Let L = lim (n -- > ) | an |1/n.Taylor Series Convergence
If L < 1, then the series an converges.
If L > 1, then the series an diverges.
If L = 1, then the test in inconclusive.
If f has derivatives of all orders in an interval I centered at c, then the Taylor series converges as indicated:
(1/n!) f(n)(c) (x - c)n = f(x)
if and only if lim (n-->) Rn = 0 for all x in I.
The remainder RN = S - SN of the Taylor series (where S is the exact sum of the infinite series and SN is the sum of the first N terms of the series) is equal to (1/(n+1)!) f(n+1)(z) (x - c)n+1, where z is some constant between x and c.