(-1)^n or cos(pi x n) or sin(pi x n) or something like that
it converges if it is alternating, decreasing in magnitude, and has a limit of a sub n equals 0
Not used to determine divergence
Back
nth term test
Front
When n probably doesn't equal zero
Divergent if the limit as n goes to infinity does NOT equal zero
Does not determine convergence
Back
Telescoping series
Front
Freeman's favorite
Usually one fraction minus another, or you may have to separate it using partial fractions
Converges if things cancel out
Back
Integral test
Front
Must be: continuous, positive, and decreasing
Back
Root Test
Front
Use when: (#)^n
If its less than 1 it converges
greater than 1 diverges
=1 is inconclusive
Back
Ratio Test
Front
Use when it is ugly and there are nonzero terms
If the comparable one converges and it works, then it converges
If the comparable one diverges and it works, then they both diverge
Back
p-series test
Front
Back
Direct Comparison Test
Front
Use this when it is almost a nice p-series or geometric
It converges if it is smaller than the comparable series that converges.
It diverges if it is larger than the comparable series that diverges.
Back
Limit Comparison Test
Front
Use when direct comparison doesn't work or a ratio is given.
Back
Geometric series test
Front
Something is multiplied over and over
The series of (r)^n converges if |r|<1 and diverges if |r|>1 or |r|=1