Converging and Diverging Series

A series is the summation of an infinite number of sequential terms. This concept plays an
important role in mathematics and other quantitative areas of studies, such as statistics,
finance, physics, etc., as it helps understand and predict behaviors using known patterns. This
handout will cover seven tests that can be used to determine divergence or convergence,
including:

• Geometric and P-Series Tests

• Direct Comparison Tests
• Divergence Tests
• Integral Tests
• Ratio Tests
• Root Tests

Convergent and Divergent Series

When working with series, it is important to define whether the series converges or diverges.
When the limit of a series approaches a real number (i.e., the limit exists), it displays
convergent behavior. As a result, an approximation can be evaluated for that given series.
However, if the limit does not exist or is equal to infinity, that series displays divergent
behavior. This is shown by the graph below appearing to approach towards infinity.

Divergent Series
Convergent Series

To find whether a series is either converging or diverging, a test can be conducted to determine
the behavior of the given series. To start, the Geometric Series and P-series Tests are used
when the given series looks identical to its respective test. If the given series does not apply to
these two series, conduct the Direct Comparison Test. However, if the previous tests are

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inapplicable, try the Divergence Test. If it turns out to be inconclusive, attempt the Integral
Test. If it looks difficult to integrate and/or contains a factorial, use the Ratio Test. Alternatively,
if the series has an expression to the power of 𝑛𝑛, then use the Root Test.

Geometric Series and P-Series Test

The tests used to determine the behavior of a Geometric and P-series follow a specific equation
format. A Geometric Series is the sum of a set of terms, where each term, 𝑎𝑎𝑛𝑛 , is being
multiplied by some ratio, 𝑟𝑟 𝑛𝑛 . The Geometric Series Test compares 𝑟𝑟 with 1 to determine its
1
behavior. A P-series is the sum of a set of terms, where the denominator of each term, n, is
raised to some 𝑝𝑝 value. Similarly, the P-series Test compares 𝑝𝑝 with 1 to determine its
behavior.

Geometric Series Test P-Series Test

∞ ∞
n 1
� a1 (r) �
np
n=1 n=1

Diverges: For |r| ≥ 1 Diverges: For 0 < p ≤ 1

a1
Converges: For |r| < 1 ; Converges to 1−r Converges: For p > 1

Steps to apply:

Step 1: Determine the type of series given.

Step 2: Determine the value of 𝑟𝑟 or 𝑝𝑝 based on the type of series.
Step 3: Use the appropriate condition to determine its behavior.
a1
Step 4: If it is a converging Geometric Series, use to find what it converges to.
1−r

Example A: Determine if the series converges or diverges. If it converges, determine where the
series converges.
∞
3 n−1
�7 � �
8
n=1

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 Step 1: Determine the type of series given.

The series depicts a number to the power of some 𝑛𝑛 variable. Therefore, this is
considered a Geometric Series.

Step 2: Determine the value of 𝑟𝑟 or 𝑝𝑝 based on the type of series.

3
In this case, r = and a1 = 7.
8

Step 3: Use the appropriate condition to determine its behavior.

Based on the condition, |r| < 1, the given series must converge.
a1
Step 4: If it is a converging Geometric Series, use to find what it converges to.
1−r

a1 (7) 56
In this case, → 3 . As a result, the given series would converge to .
1−r 1−�8� 5

Example B: Determine if the series converges or diverges.

∞
5
�2
n=1
√n9

Step 1: Determine the type of series given.

The formula of a P-series is applicable if the numerator is 1.

Since the numerator is a constant, it can be factored out of the series:
∞
1
5� 2
n=1
√n9

Therefore, this series is a P-series.

Step 2: Determine the value of 𝑟𝑟 or 𝑝𝑝 based on the type of series.

9 9
2
The denominator, √n9 , can be rewritten as n2 ; therefore, p = .
2

Step 3: Use the appropriate condition to determine its behavior.

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 Based on the condition, p > 1, this series converges.
9
Using the P-series Test where, p = 2, it can be determined that the given series
converges.

Direct Comparison Test

If neither the P-series nor the Geometric Series Test is applicable to the given series, then
another test is needed. The Direct Comparison Test compares the given series to a “known
series”, a series that is either a Geometric or P-series through modifying the given series. Since
the modified series is derived from the given series, the behavior of both series should match.
As a result, the behavior of the given series can be found through finding the behavior of the
modified series.

Direct Comparison Test

When given an infinite series (a):

∞

� an
n=1

Let the modified series (b) be:

∞

� bn
n=1

If an ≤ bn : When bn converges, then an also converges.

If an ≥ bn : When bn diverges, then an also diverges.

Steps to apply:

Step 1: Determine if the series can be compared to a P-series or Geometric Series by modifying
the given series.
Step 2: Determine if the modified series is larger or smaller than the original series.
Step 3: Simplify if necessary. Find the value of 𝑟𝑟 or 𝑝𝑝 and determine its behavior. Refer to the
previous section regarding Geometric and P-series if needed.

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Example A: Determine if the series converges or diverges.
∞
5n
�
9n + 4
n=1

Step 1: Determine if the series can be compared to a P-series or Geometric Series by

modifying the given series.

Since there are terms to the power of the 𝑛𝑛 variable, this is a good indication
that it should be compared to a Geometric Series.

Step 2: Determine if the modified series is larger or smaller than the original series.
∞ ∞
5n 5n
� n>� n
9 9 +4
n=1 n=1

The given series has an expression as its denominator. By removing the added
term, the value of that expression would decrease. As a result, the value of the
denominator would decrease, which would increase the value of the entire
fraction.

The “+ 4” on the denominator does not drastically change the behavior of the
series, and by removing that term, a larger series is produced. As a result, the
5n
modified series is ∑∞
n .
9n

The graph below shows that both series share the same behavior, as they both
approach the same point. Showing that by finding the behavior of the modified
series, the behavior of the original can also be found.

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 Step 3: Simplify if necessary. Find the value of 𝑟𝑟 or 𝑝𝑝 and determine its behavior.
5n 5 n
The series, ∑∞
n=1 n
, can be rewritten as ∑∞
n=1 � �
9 9
5
From the modified series, r = . Based on the conditions from the Geometric
9
Series Test, if r < 1, the series must converge.
Since the larger series converges, via the Direct Comparison Test, the original
series must also converge.

Example B: Determine if the series converges or diverges.

∞
4 √n
�3
n=1
√n2 − 1

Step 1: Determine if the series can be compared to a P-series or Geometric Series by

modifying the given series.

The 𝑛𝑛 variable is not placed as an exponent, unlike the previous example.

Instead, 𝑛𝑛 of different degrees are in the numerator and denominator, where
the 𝑛𝑛 with the highest degree is in the latter. As a result, this should be
compared to a P-series.

Step 2: Determine if the modified series is larger or smaller than the original series.

Removing a subtracted term from the expression in the denominator increases

the value of that expression, thus decreasing the value of the fraction.
∞ ∞
4√n 4√n
�3 > �3
n=1
√n2 − 1 n=1
√n2

Removing the “−1” from the denominator results in a smaller series. The
fraction with the smaller denominator is always going to be bigger than the
fraction with the larger denominator.

Step 3: Simplify if necessary. Find the value of 𝑟𝑟 or 𝑝𝑝 and determine its behavior.
∞ ∞ 1
4√n (n)2
�3 → �4 2
√n2 n=1 (n)3
n=1

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 1
Recall properties of exponents where n−a = and na ∗ nb = na+b
na

∞
1
�4 � 2 1�
−
n=1 n3 ∗ n 2

∞
1
�4� 1�
n=1 n6
1
From the modified series, p = . Since the smaller series diverges, via the Direct
6
Comparison Test, the original series must also diverge.

Divergence Test
If the given series cannot be compared to a Geometric or P-series, then the Divergence Test
should be used. During this test, there will be times where L’Hopital’s Rule (LHR) will be applied
∞ 0
when the limit is or .
∞ 0

Divergence Test
Given ∑∞
n=1 a n :
lim an
n→∞

Diverges: If lim an ≠ 0
n→∞

Note: If lim an = 0, then the test is inconclusive. A different test should be used.
n→∞

Steps to apply:

Step 1: Find the limit as 𝑛𝑛 approaches infinity.

Step 2: Determine if the limit satisfies the test condition.

Example A: Determine if the series converges or diverges.

∞
7n3 + 2n
�
9 + 2n2
n=1

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 Step 1: Find the limit as n approaches infinity.
∞
7n3 + 2n 7n3 + 2n
� → lim
9 + 2n2 n→∞ 9 + 2n2
n=1
7(∞)3 +2(∞)
To find the limit, start by plugging in ∞ for 𝑛𝑛: lim
n→∞ 9+2(∞)2

For more information about computing limits, refer to ACE’s Limit Handout.
∞
Because the limit is , LHR is applied.
∞
f(x) f ′ (x)
LHR: lim = lim
x→∞ g(x) x→∞ g′(x)

f(n) 7n3 +2n f′ (n) 21n2 +2

In this case, = and through LHR this results in: =
g(n) 9+2n2 g′(n) 4n

21(∞)2 +2 ∞
Plugging in ∞ for 𝑛𝑛: lim , this results in thus LHR is applied again.
n→∞ 4(∞) ∞

f(n) 21n2 +2 f′ (n) 42n

In this case, = and through LHR this results in: =
g(n) 4n g′(n) 4

42(∞)
Plugging in ∞ for 𝑛𝑛: lim , this evaluates to ∞.
n→∞ 4

Step 2: Determine if the limit satisfies the test condition.

7n3 +2n
Since the lim ≠ 0, the series diverges.
n→∞ 9+2n2

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Integral Test
If the Divergence Test proves to be inconclusive, then the Integral Test should be performed. As
the name suggests, this test will require the use of integration.

Integral Test
Given a series:
∞ ∞
� an � f(x) dx > � an
n=1 n=1

All 𝑛𝑛 will be replaced with 𝑥𝑥.

∞
If ∫1 f(x) dx converges, then the series converges.
∞
If ∫1 f(x) dx diverges, then the series diverges.

∞
Converges: −∞ < ∫1 f(x) dx < ∞
∞
Diverges: ∫1 f(x) dx = ±∞

Note: The number evaluated by the integral is not where

the series converges to. [Refer to image to the right.]

Steps to apply:

Step 1: Replace all 𝑛𝑛 with 𝑥𝑥.

Step 2: Integrate between 1 and ∞.
Step 3: Determine the series behavior based on test conditions.

Example A: Determine if the series converges or diverges.

∞
n
�
(n2 + 1)3
n=1

Step 1: Replace all n with x.

∞ ∞
n x
� 2 →� dx
(n + 1) 3
1 (x + 1)
2 3
n=1

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 Step 2: Integrate between 1 and ∞.

Integrate the definite integral. This will require the use of u-substitution.

For more information on integration, refer to ACE’s Integral Handout.

u = (x 2 + 1), du = 2x dx

1 ∞ 1 1 ∞1 1 ∞ −3
� 2x dx → � 3 du → � u du
2 1 (x 2 + 1)3 2 1 u 2 1

1 ∞ −3+1 1 ∞ 1 1 ∞
� u → � − ∗ u−2 → − (u−2 ) �
2 1 2 1 2 4 1

1 ∞ 1 1 ∞
− ([x 2 + 1]−2 ) � → − � 2 ��
4 1 4 [x + 1] 2 1

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
− � − � → − � − 2 � → − �0 − � =
4 [(∞) + 1]
2 2 [(1) + 1]
2 2 4 ∞ 2 4 4 16

Step 3: Determine the series behavior based on test conditions.

1
The integral evaluates to 16 which is between −∞ and ∞, thus the integral
converges. Since the integral converges, the series must also converge.

Ratio Test
If the series looks difficult to integrate or contains a factorial, then the Ratio Test should be
applied.

Ratio Test
Given ∑∞n=1 a n
Let
an+1
r = lim � �
n→∞ a n

Converges: For r < 1

Diverges: For r > 1
Inconclusive: For r = 1

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Steps to apply:

Step 1: Substitute 𝑛𝑛 with n + 1 to find an+1 and divide by the original series, an .
Step 2: Simplify and solve the limit.
Step 3: Determine the behavior of the series based on the conditions listed in the test.

Example A: Determine if the series converges or diverges.

∞
2n
�
(n + 1)!
n=1

Step 1: Substitute 𝑛𝑛 with n + 1 to find an+1 and divide by the original series, an .
∞ ∞
2(n+1) 2n+1
an+1 =� →�
([n + 1] + 1)! (n + 2)!
n=1 n=1

∞
2n
an = �
(n + 1)!
n=1

2n+1
an+1 (n + 2)! 2n+1 (n + 1)!
r = lim � � = lim � n � → lim � ∗ �
n→∞ a n n→∞ 2 n→∞ (n + 2)! 2n
(n + 1)!

After substitution, the fraction can be rewritten so that the numerator is

multiplied by the reciprocal of the denominator as shown above.

Step 2: Simplify and solve the limit.

2n ∗ 2 (n + 1)!
lim � ∗ �
n→∞ (n + 2)! 2n

A factorial can be expanded by multiplying the initial term with a term that is
one less than that of the preceding term. For example:
(n + 2)! = (n + 2)(n + 1)(n)(n − 1)(n − 2)!

In the case of the Ratio Test, the factorial should be expanded until the factorials
in the numerator and denominator completely canceled out.

Expand the factorial and simplify.

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 2 (n + 1)! 2
lim � ∗ � → lim � ∗ 1�
n→∞ (n + 2)(n + 1)! 1 n→∞ n + 2

Evaluate the limit as 𝑛𝑛 approaches infinity

2 2
r = lim � �= =0
n→∞ ∞+2 ∞

Step 3: Determine the behavior of the series based on the conditions listed in the test.
Through the condition of the Ratio Test, r < 1, the original series converges.

Root Test
Similar to the Ratio Test, this test should be used if none of the previous test are applicable.
The Root Test differs from the Ratio Test in that it is most effective for series that have an
expression to the power of 𝑛𝑛.

Root Test
Given ∑∞
n=1 a n
1
n
L = lim �|an | = lim |an |n
n→∞ n→∞

Converges: For L < 1 Diverges: For L > 1 Inconclusive: For L = 1

Steps to apply:

Step 1: Apply the formula for the given series.

Step 2: Simplify and solve the limit.
Step 3: Determine the behavior of the series based on the conditions listed in the test.

Example A: Determine if the series converges or diverges.

∞
2nn
� 2 +n
3n
n=1

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 Step 1: Apply the limit for the series.

The limit can be written in two ways:

1
n 2nn 2nn n
lim �� n2+n � ↔ lim � n2+n �
n→∞ 3 n→∞ 3

Step 2: Simplify and solve the limit.

1
Raise the numerator and denominator to , and simplify
n
1 1
(2nn )n (2n)n∗n 2n
lim � 1 � → lim � 1 1 � → lim � �
n→∞ n→∞ n2 ∗ n∗ n→∞ 3n ∗ 3
n 2 n
�3 ∗ 3 � n (3) n ∗ (3) n

Evaluate the limit as n approached infinity.

2(∞) ∞
lim � � =
n→∞ 3(∞) ∗ 3 ∞

Apply LHR.
2n 2
lim � n � → lim � �
n→∞ 3 ∗ 3 n→∞ ln(3) ∗ 3n ∗ 3

Evaluate the limit.

2 2
lim � (∞)
�= =0
n→∞ ln(3) ∗ 3 ∗3 ∞

Step 3: Determine the behavior of the series based on the conditions listed in the test.
Through the condition of the Root Test, L < 1, the original series converges.

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Practice:
Determine if the series converges or diverges. If it is a convergent Geometric Series, determine
the value.

1.
∞
n5
�4
n=1
√n3
2.
∞
5 n
�8� �
7
n=1
3.
∞

� ne−n 2
n=1
4.
∞
3n
�
n!
n=1
5.
∞
2n
�
3n + 1
n=1
6.
∞
1
�3
n=1
√n2 − 5
7.
∞
5n2 − n3
�
3 + 8n3
n=1
8.
∞ n
10n5 + 4n3
�� 2 �
9n − 8n5
n=1

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Solutions:

1. Converges. Use formula of P-series.

2. Converges to 28. Use formula of a Geometric Series.

3. Converges via the Integral Test. Hint: Use u-substitution.

4. Converges via the Ratio Test. r = 0

5. Converges via the Direct Comparison Test. Hint: Compare it with a Geometric Series.

6. Diverges via the Direct Comparison Test. Hint: Compare it with a P-series.

7. Diverges via the Divergence Test.

5
8. Diverges via the Root Test. L = 4

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