3rd Topic

Infinite Series
[D’Alembert’s Ratio Test]

Prepared by:
Dr. Sunil
NIT Hamirpur (HP)
(Last updated on 31-12-2010)
Latest update available at: http://www.freewebs.com/sunilnit/

(40 Solved problems and 00 Home assignments)

4. D’Alembert’s Ratio Test:

Statement: If  un be a positive term series s.t. from and after some particular term,

u n 1
Lim
n  u n
 k , then  un
(i) converges if k  1 and
(ii) diverges if k  1 .
This test fails when limit does not exist or equal to 1.
u n 1
Here measures the rate or growth of the terms of the series.
un
Note: This test was developed by Jean Le-Rond D’Alembert (16 November 1717 – 29 October 1783) a
French Mathematician.

Proof: Let the series from and after the particular term be
u1  u 2  ..................  u n  ..............
Case I: When k  1 .
Then by definition of limit, a positive number k    1 can be found s.t.
u n 1
  n
un
Infinite Series: D’Alembert’s Ratio Test Prepared by: Dr. Sunil, NIT Hamirpur 2

u2 u u
   , 3   , 4   ,......... .........., and so on .
u1 u2 u3

Now Sn  u1  u 2  ..................  u n 1  u n

 u u u 
 u11  2  3  ..............  n 
 u1 u1 u1 

 u u u 
 u11  2  3 . 2  .................
 u1 u 2 u1 

 
 u1 1    2  .................n 1  u1
1  n
1 
1  n u
Lim S n  Lim u 1  1 , a finite quantity    1   u n is convergent.
n  n  1  1 
Case II: When k  1 .
u n 1
Then, by definition of limit, 1
un
u2 u u
  1 , 3  1 , 4  1,..................., and so on .
u1 u2 u3

Now Sn  u1  u 2  ..................  u n 1  u n

 u u u 
 u11  2  3  ..............  n 
 u1 u1 u1 

 u u u 
 u11  2  3 . 2  .................
 u1 u 2 u1 
 u1 1  1  1  .................1  nu1

Lim Sn  Lim nu1   ,

n  n 
 u n is divergent.

This completes the proof.

Remark: Ratio test fails when k = 1. So when k = 1, in that case comparison test is
helpful in determining the behaviour of the series.
Counter example:

1 u n 1 n2
For the convergent series, n : Lim  Lim 1
1  n 
2 2
n 1
n  un n 
Infinite Series: D’Alembert’s Ratio Test Prepared by: Dr. Sunil, NIT Hamirpur 3


1 u n 1 n
Also for the divergent series, n :
n 1
Lim
n  un
 Lim
n  1  n 
1

Thus ratio test cannot be used to distinguish between convergent and divergent series
when k = 1
Now let us examine the behavior of the following infinite series:
n!
Q.No.1.: Discuss the behaviour of infinite series  nn .

n! (n  1)!
Sol.: Here u n  and so u n 1  .
n n
(n  1)( n 1)

u n 1 (n  1)! nn
 Lim  Lim 
n  u n n  ( n  1) ( n 1) n!

nn 1 1
 Lim n
 Lim n
  1 . [since e=2.71828...]
n  ( n  1) n   1 e
1  
 n

Hence  un is convergent (by D’Alembert’s Ratio Test).

2p 3p 4p
Q.No.2.: Discuss the behaviour of infinite series 1     ...... .
2! 3! 4!
np ( n  1) p
Sol.: Here u n  and so u n 1  .
n! ( n  1)!
p
u n 1 (n  1) p n!  1 1
 Lim  Lim  p  Lim 1   .  1p .0  0  1 .
n  u n n   (n  1)! n n   n  ( n  1)

Hence un is convergent (by D’Alembert’s Ratio Test).

x x 2 x3 x 4
Q.No.3.: Discuss the behaviour of infinite series     ... ( x  0) .
1.2 3.4 5.6 7.8
xn x n 1
Sol.: Here u n  and so u n 1  .
(2n  1)(2n ) (2n  1)(2n  2)

 1
 2   ( 2)
u n 1 n
 Lim  Lim  .x  x .
n  u n n   1  2
 2   2  
 n  n
Infinite Series: D’Alembert’s Ratio Test Prepared by: Dr. Sunil, NIT Hamirpur 4

Case 1: The given series is convergent if x  1 .

Case 2: The given series is divergent if x  1 .
1 1
Case 3: When x = 1. u n  . Take v n  2 .
(2n  1)(2n ) n
un 1 1
 Lim  Lim  (a finite non-zero number) .
n  v n n   1 4
 2  2
 n

Thus, by comparison test, both the series  u n and  vn converges or diverges

together, or in other words, both the series behave alike.

1 1
But  vn   n 2   n p (here p  2  1 ) is convergent. [by p-series test]

Hence  un is also convergent when x = 1 .

Hence the given series converges if x  1 and diverges if x  1 .

1 x2 x4
Q.No.4.: Discuss the behaviour of infinite series    ......... .
2 1 3 2 4 3

x 2n  2 x 2n
Sol.: Here u n  and so u n 1  .
(n  1) n (n  2) n  1

 1
2n n 1  
u n 1 x (n  1) n n n
 Lim  Lim  2 n  2
 Lim  x2  x2 .
n  u n n   ( n  2) n  1 x n   2  1
n 1   n 1 
 n  n 


Case 1: The given series is convergent if x 2  1 .

Case 2: The given series is divergent if x 2  1 .

1 1
Case 3: When x2 = 1. u n  . Take v n  3 / 2 .
(n  1) n n
un 1
 Lim  Lim  1 (a finite non-zero number) .
n  v n n   1
1  
 n
Thus, by comparison test, both the series  un and  vn converges or diverges

together, or in other words , both the series behave alike.

Infinite Series: D’Alembert’s Ratio Test Prepared by: Dr. Sunil, NIT Hamirpur 5

1 1
But  vn   n3 / 2   n p ( here p = 3/2 > 1) is convergent. [by p-series test]

Hence  un is also convergent when x2 = 1.

Hence the given series converges if x 2  1 and diverges if x 2  1 .

xn
Q.No.5.: Discuss the behaviour of infinite series  (2n )! , ( x  0 ).
xn x n 1
Sol.: Here u n  and so u n 1  .
(2n )! (2n  2)!

u n 1 x n 1 (2n )! x
 Lim  Lim  n  Lim  0  1.
n  u n n   ( 2 n  2)! x n   ( 2n  2)( 2n  1)

Hence  un is convergent for all x (by D’Alembert’s Ratio Test) .

n!2n
Q.No.6.: Discuss the behaviour of infinite series  nn
.

n!2 n (n  1)!2n 1
Sol.: Here u n  and so u n 1  .
nn (n  1) n 1

u n 1 (n  1)!2n 1 n n nn 2 2
 Lim  Lim n 1
 n
 Lim 2 . n 1
 Lim n
 1 .
n  u n n  ( n  1) n!2 n  ( n  1) n   1 e
1  
 n
Hence un is convergent (by D’Alembert’s Ratio Test).

Q.No.7: Discuss the behaviour of infinite series

x 2 (log 2)q  x 3 (log 3)q  x 4 (log 4)q  ...... . ( x  0 )

Sol.: Here u n  x n log n q for n  2 and so u n 1  x n 1logn  1q .

q q
  1    1 
q  log n1     log n  log1   
u n 1  log(n  1)   n   x  n 
  x   x
un  log n   log n   log n 
   
   
Infinite Series: D’Alembert’s Ratio Test Prepared by: Dr. Sunil, NIT Hamirpur 6

q
 1
2
1
3 
      
q
 log n  1   n    n   ......  1 1 1 
 log n     ...... 
 n 2 3    n 2n 2 3n 3 
= x   x

log n
  log n 
   
 
 
 
q
u  1 1 1 
 Lim n 1  Lim x 1   2  3  ......  x
n  u n n 
 n log n 2n log n 3n log n 
Case 1: The given series is convergent if x  1 .
Case 2: The given series is divergent if x  1 .

Case 3: When x = 1. u n  log n q  Lim (log n ) q    0 .

n 

Hence given series is divergent if x = 1. [ by nth term test]

Hence the given series converges if x  1 and diverges if x  1 .
Q.No.8.: If   0,  0; Show that the series

1
  1    12  1    12  13  1 ......
  1   12  1   12  13  1
(i) converges if    and
(ii) diverges if    .

Sol.: Omitting first term, u n 

  12  13  1......n  1
  12  13  1......n  1
u n 1 
  12  13  1......n  1n  1  1
  12  13  1......n  1n  1  1
  1
n    
u n 1 n    1 n n 
 Lim  Lim  Lim  
n  u n n   n    1 n    1 
n    
 n n

Case 1: The given series is convergent if < 1 i.e.    i.e   


Case 2: The given series is divergent if > 1 i.e.    i.e.   

Infinite Series: D’Alembert’s Ratio Test Prepared by: Dr. Sunil, NIT Hamirpur 7


Case 3: When = 1 i.e. when    . In that case, nth term is given by


un 
  12  13  1......n  1  1
  12  13  1......n  1
 Lim u n  1  0 .
n 

Hence given series is divergent if    . [ by nth term test]

Hence the given series converges if    and diverges if    .

xn
Q.No.9.: Discuss the behaviour of infinite series  n! ,where x > 0.
n 1

xn x n 1
Sol.: Here u n  and  u n 1  .
n! (n  1)!

u n 1 x n 1 n! x
Now Lim  Lim  n  Lim  0  1.
n  u n n   ( n  1)! x n  n  1

Hence the given series  u n is convergent. [by D’Alembert’s ratio test]


n 1 n
Q.No.10.: Discuss the behaviour of infinite series  3
.x ,where x  0 .
n 1 n

n 1 n2
Sol.: Here u n  .x n and  u n 1  .x n 1 .
n 3
(n  1)3

u n 1 n  2 n 1 n 3 1
Now Lim  Lim .x  .  x.
n  u n n  ( n  1)3 n  1 xn

Case 1: The given series is convergent if x  1 . [by D’Alembert’s ratio test]

Case 2: The given series is divergent if x  1 .
n 1 1
Case 3: When x = 1. = u n  3
. Take v n  .
n n2
 1
n 3 1  
u
 Lim n  Lim  3   1 (a finite non-zero number) .
n
n  v n n  n

Thus , by comparison test, both the series  u n and  vn converges or diverges

together , or in other words , both the series behave alike .

Infinite Series: D’Alembert’s Ratio Test Prepared by: Dr. Sunil, NIT Hamirpur 8

1 1
But  vn   n 2   n p ( here p  2  1 ) is convergent. [by p-series test]

Hence  un is also convergent when x  1 .

Hence the given series  u n converges if x  1 and diverges if x  1 .


n
Q.No.11.: Discuss the behaviour of infinite series  3n .
n 1

n n 1
Sol.: Here u n  and  u n 1  .
3n 3n 1
u n 1 n  1 3n 1 1  1
Now Lim  Lim n 1   Lim 1     1 .
n  u n n  3 n n  3  n  3

Hence the given series  u n is convergent. [by D’Alembert’s ratio test]


n2
Q.No.12.: Discuss the behaviour of infinite series  n
.
n 1 3

n2 (n  1) 2
Sol.: Here u n  and  u n 1  .
3n 3n 1
2
u n 1 (n  1) 2 3n 1 1  1
Now Lim  Lim n 1  2  Lim 1     1 .
n  u n n  3 n n  3  n 3

Hence the given series  u n is convergent. [by D’Alembert’s ratio test].

1 1 1
Q.No.13.: Discuss the behaviour of infinite series 1     ...... .
2 3 4
1
Sol.: Here u n  . The given series is divergent (here p  1 ). [by p-series test]
n
Or
[2nd method]
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Let S  1      ...... .= 1             ...... .
2 3 4 5 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

1 1   1 1  1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 4 1
         ,              ... ... and so on.
3 4  4 4 2 5 6 7 8 8 8 8 8 8 2
1 1 1 
 S  1      ......   .
2 2 2 
Infinite Series: D’Alembert’s Ratio Test Prepared by: Dr. Sunil, NIT Hamirpur 9

The series, on the RHS (ignoring the Ist term) is a geometric series with common ratio
unity, hence divergent, by geometric series test.
Hence, the given series is divergent.
1 1 1 1
Q.No.14.: Discuss the behaviour of infinite series    ......   .....
1! 2! 3! n!
1 1
Sol.: Here u n  and  u n 1  .
n! n  1!
u n 1 n! 1
Now Lim  Lim  Lim  0  1.
n  u n n   n  1! n  n  1

Hence the given series  u n is convergent. [by D’Alembert’s ratio test]

Q.No.15.: Discuss the behaviour of infinite series

1 1 1
 22  1  2
 2  1 2  2n  1  2
 
  2   ......   n   ...... .
 3 1 3  1   3 1
   

2n  1 2n 1  1
Sol.: Here u n  and  u n 1  .
3n  1 3n 1  1

u n 1 2 n 1  1 3n  1
Now Lim  Lim n 1  n
n  u n n  3 1 2 1

1 1
2 1
2n 2 n 3n 3n  2
 Lim  1.
n 
3n 1 2n 1 3
3 n 1
3 2n
Hence, the given series  u n is convergent. [by D’Alembert’s ratio test].

x x 2 x3 x 4
Q.No.16.: Discuss the behaviour of infinite series     ... ( x  0) .
1.2 2.3 3.4 4.5
xn x n 1
Sol.: Here u n  and so u n 1  .
n (n  1) (n  1)(n  2)

u n 1 x n 1 n (n  1) n 1
 Lim  Lim  n
 Lim x.  Lim x.  x.
n  u n n   ( n  1)(n  2) x n   ( n  2) n   2
1  
 n
Case 1: The given series is convergent if x  1 .
Infinite Series: D’Alembert’s Ratio Test Prepared by: Dr. Sunil, NIT Hamirpur10

Case 2: The given series is divergent if x  1 .

1 1
Case 3: When x  1 . u n  . Take v n  2 .
n (n  1) n

un n2 1
 Lim  Lim  Lim  1 (a finite non-zero number) .
n  v n n  n ( n  1) n   1
1  
 n
Thus, by comparison test, both the series  u n and  vn converges or diverges

together, or in other words, both the series behave alike.

1 1
But  vn   n 2   n p ( here p  2  1 ) is convergent. [by p-series test]

Hence  un is also convergent when x  1 .

Hence the given series converges if x  1 and diverges if x  1 .

2 6 2 n  2 n 1
Q.No.17.: Discuss the behaviour of infinite series 1  x  x 2  ....  n x  ...
5 9 2 1
( x  0 ).

2n  2 2n 1  2
Sol.: Here u n  n
x n 1 and so u n 1  n 1
xn .
2 1 2 1
 2   1 
n 1 n 2 n  2  n  2 n 1  n 
u n 1 2  2 n 2 1 1
 Lim  Lim n 1 x  n .  Lim  2  .  2  .x  x .
n  u n n  2 1 2  2 x n 1 n  n  1   2 
2  2  n  2 n 1  n 
 2   2 
Case 1: The given series is convergent if x  1 .
Case 2: The given series is divergent if x  1 .

2n  2
Case 3: When x = 1, then u n  .
2n  1
 2 
n 2 n 1  n 
2 2
 Lim u n  Lim n  Lim  2   1  0
n  n  2  1 n  n  1 
2 1  n 
 2 
Hence the given series is divergent when x = 1 .[by nth term test]
Hence the given series converges if x  1 diverges if x  1 .
Infinite Series: D’Alembert’s Ratio Test Prepared by: Dr. Sunil, NIT Hamirpur11

n  1  n  1x

Q.No.18.: Discuss the behaviour of infinite series   4 4 n
, ( x  0 ).
n 2

Sol.: Here u n  n 4  1  n 4  1 x n . Rationalising, we get

 


un   n4  1   n  1
4

n  1  n  1 .x
4 4
n
=
2
.x n .

n  1  n  1
4 4
n  1  n  1
4 4

2
and so u n 1  .x n 1
n  1 4
1  n  1 4
1

u n 1 n4  1  n4 1
 Lim  Lim .x  x
n  u n n 
n  1 4
1  n  1 4
1

Case 1: The given series is convergent if x  1 .

Case 2: The given series is divergent if x  1 .
2
Case 3: When x = 1. Then u n 
n  1  n  1
4 4

1 un 2 2
Take v n  2
.  Lim  Lim   1 (a non-zero, finite number)
n n  v n n  1 1 2
1  1
n4 n4
.
Thus, by comparison test, both the series  u n and  vn converges or diverges

together, or in other words , both the series behave alike.

1
But  vn   n 2 (here p  2  1 ) is convergent. [by p-series test]

Hence  un is also convergent.

Hence the given series converges if x  1 diverges if x  1 .

Q.No.19.: Discuss the behaviour of infinite series  n  11 / 3  n1 / 3 x n , ( x  0 ) .

 
 1 1 / 3 
Sol.: Here u n  n  11 / 3  n1 / 3 x n  n1 / 3 1    1 x n
 n  
Infinite Series: D’Alembert’s Ratio Test Prepared by: Dr. Sunil, NIT Hamirpur12

 11   
 1 1   1  
1 / 3  33  1
n 1 .   ...   1 x n
 3 n 2! n 2  
  
  

1 1  1 1 
 u n  n1 / 3   2  ...... x n  n 2 / 3    ...... x n
 3n 9n   3 9n 

1 1 
and so u n 1  (n  1) 2 / 3    ...... x n 1
 3 9(n  1) 

 1  1 1 
n 2 / 3 1      ...
u n 1  n   3 9(n  1)  .x  x
 Lim  Lim
n  u n n  1 1 
n2 / 3    ......
 3 9n 
Case 1: The given series is convergent if x  1 .
Case 2: The given series is divergent if x  1 .
Case 3: When x = 1. Then
 11   
 1  1/ 3     1  
1 / 3  1 1 3 3  1
u n  n  11 / 3  n1 / 3  n1 / 3 1    1 n 1 .   ......   1
 n    3 n 2! n 2  
  
  

1 1  1
 u n  n1 / 3   2  ...... . Take v n  2 / 3 .
 3n 9n  n
un 1 1  1
 Lim  Lim    ......  (a non-zero, finite number) .
n  v n n    3 9n  3

Thus, by comparison test, both the series  u n and  vn converges or diverges

together, or in other words , both the series behave alike.

1
But  vn   n 2 / 3 (here p = 2/3 <1) is divergent. [by p-series test]

Hence  un is also divergent.

Hence the given series converges if x  1 diverges if x  1 .


xn
Q.No.20.: Discuss the behaviour of infinite series  n(n  1) , ( x  0 ).
n 1
Infinite Series: D’Alembert’s Ratio Test Prepared by: Dr. Sunil, NIT Hamirpur13

xn x n 1
Sol.: Here u n  and  u n 1  .
n (n  1) ( n  1)(n  2)

u n 1 x n 1 n (n  1) n 1
Now Lim  Lim  n
 Lim .x  Lim x  x.
n  u n n  ( n  1)(n  2) x n  n  2 n   2
1  
 n
Case 1: The given series is convergent if x  1 .
Case 2: The given series is divergent if x  1 .
1
Case 3: When x = 1. Then u n 
n (n  1)

1 un 1
Let v n  .  Lim  Lim  1 (a finite, non-zero number) .
n 2 n  v n n   1
1  
 n
Thus, by comparison test, both the series  u n and  vn converges or diverges

together, or in other words, both the series behave alike.

1 1
But  vn   n 2   n p ( here p = 2 > 1) is convergent. [by p-series test]

Hence  un is also convergent when x = 1.

Hence the given series converges if x  1 and diverges if x  1 .

1 x2 x4
Q.No.21.: Discuss the behaviour of infinite series    ......... .
2 1 3 2 4 3

x 2n  2 x 2n
Sol.: Here u n  and so u n 1  .
(n  1) n (n  2) n  1

 1
2n n 1  
u n 1 x (n  1) n n n
 Lim  Lim   Lim  x2  x2 .
n  u n n   ( n  2) n  1 x 2n  2 n  
n 1 
2  1 
 n 1 
 n  n 


Case 1: The given series is convergent if x 2  1 .

Case 2: The given series is divergent if x 2  1 .

1 1
Case 3: When x2 = 1. u n  . Take v n  3 / 2 .
(n  1) n n
Infinite Series: D’Alembert’s Ratio Test Prepared by: Dr. Sunil, NIT Hamirpur14

un 1
 Lim  Lim  1 (a finite non-zero number) .
n  v n n   1
1  
 n
Thus, by comparison test, both the series  u n and  vn converges or diverges together,

or in other words, both the series behave alike.

1 1 3
But  vn   n3 / 2   n p (here p 
2
 1 ) is convergent. [by p-series test]

Hence  un is also convergent when x 2  1 .

Hence the given series converges if x 2  1 and diverges if x 2  1 .

2 3 4 5
Q.No.22.: Discuss the behaviour of infinite series 2
x 2
x2 2
x3  2
x 4  ...... ,
1 2 3 4
( x  0 ).
n 1 n2
Sol.: Here u n  2
.x n and  u n 1  2
.x n 1 .
n (n  1)

u n 1 n  2 n 1 n 2 1
Now Lim  Lim .x  .  x.
n  u n n  ( n  1) 2 n  1 xn

Case 1: The given series is convergent if x  1 . [by D’Alembert’s ratio test]

Case 2: The given series is divergent if x  1 .
n 1 1
Case 3: When x = 1. u n  2
. Take v n  .
n n

 1
n 2 1  
u
 Lim n  Lim  2   1 (a finite non-zero number) .
n
n  v n n  n

Thus, by comparison test, both the series  u n and  vn converges or diverges together,
or in other words, both the series behave alike.
1 1
But  vn   n   n p (here p = 1) is divergent. [by p-series test]

Hence  un is also divergent when x = 1.

Hence the given series  u n converges if x  1 and diverges if x  1 .

Infinite Series: D’Alembert’s Ratio Test Prepared by: Dr. Sunil, NIT Hamirpur15

x 2 x3 x 4
Q.No.23.: Discuss the behaviour of infinite series x     ..... , ( x  0 ).
2 3 4
xn x n 1
Sol.: Here u n  and  u n 1  .
n (n  1)

u n 1 x n 1 n n
Now Lim  Lim  n  Lim .x  x .
n  u n n   ( n  1) x n  n  1

Case 1: The given series is convergent if x  1 . [by D’Alembert’s ratio test]

Case 2: The given series is divergent if x  1 .
Case 3: When x = 1
1 1
Then u n 
n
. But  un   n (here p  1 ) is divergent. [by p-series test]

Thus  un is also divergent when x = 1.

Hence the given series  u n converges if x  1 and diverges if x  1 .

1 3 5 7
Q.No.24.: Discuss the behaviour of infinite series     .....
1! 2! 3! 4!
2n  1 2n  1
Sol.: Here u n  and  u n 1  .
n! (n  1)!

 1
n 2  
u n 1 2n  1 n!  n
Now Lim  Lim   Lim  0  1.
n  u n n  ( n  1)! 2n  1 n   1
n1  (2n  1)
 n

Hence the given series  u n is convergent.

Q.No.25.: Discuss the behaviour of infinite series by the expansion of e x .

x 2 x3
Sol.: Now e x  1  x    ......
2! 3!
xn x n 1
Here u n  and  u n 1  . (by ignoring the first term)
n! (n  1)!

u n 1 x n 1 n! x
Now Lim  Lim  n  Lim  0  1.
n  u n n   (n  1)! x n  n  1

Hence the given series  u n is convergent. [by D’Alembert’s ratio test].

Infinite Series: D’Alembert’s Ratio Test Prepared by: Dr. Sunil, NIT Hamirpur16

n3  1
Q.No.26.: Discuss the behaviour of infinite series  nn  1 .
n3  1 (n  1)3  1
Sol.: Here u n  and  u n 1  . Now
nn  1 (n  1) n 1  1

 1 3 1 
n 3 1    3   1 
n n n 1  
u 3
(n  1)  1 n  1 n 
  n 
 nn   0  1
Lim n 1  Lim n  1
 3  Lim  
n  u n n  ( n  1)  1 n  1 n  n   1
n
1 3 1 
n n  11    n  n 1  
  n n   n3 

Hence the given series  u n is convergent. [by D’Alembert’s ratio test].

n
Q.No.27.: Discuss the behaviour of infinite series  2
x n , ( x  0 ).
n 1

n n 1
Sol.: Here u n  .x n and  u n 1  .x n 1 .
2
n 1 n  1 2
1

u n 1 n 1 n2  1 1
Now Lim  Lim x n 1  . n  x.
n  u n n 
n  12  1 n x

Case 1: The given series is convergent if x  1 . [by D’Alembert’s ratio test]

Case 2: The given series is divergent if x  1 .

n 1
Case 3: When x = 1. Then u n  . Take v n  .
n2 1 n

un n n
 Lim  Lim .  1 (a finite non-zero number) .
n  v n n  n 2  1 1

Thus, by comparison test, both the series  u n and  vn converges or diverges

together, or in other words , both the series behave alike.

1 1 1
But  v n   n1 / 2   n p (here p 
2
 1 ) is divergent. [by p-series test]

Thus  u n is also divergent when x = 1.

Hence the given series  u n converges if x  1 and diverges if x  1 .

Infinite Series: D’Alembert’s Ratio Test Prepared by: Dr. Sunil, NIT Hamirpur17


n!
Q.No.28.: Examine the behaviour of the infinite series  3n .
n 1

n! (n  1)!
Sol.: Here u n  and  u n 1  .
n
3 3n 1
u n 1 (n  1)! 3n 1
Now Lim  Lim n 1   Lim n  1   .
n  u n n  3 n! n  3

Hence the given series  u n is divergent. [by D’Alembert’s ratio test]

3 4 5
Q.No.29.: Find whether the series 2  x  x 2  x 3  ...... , ( x  0 ).
2 3 4
is convergent or divergent for positive values of x .
n  1 n 1 n2 n
Sol.: Here u n  .x and u n 1  .x
n n 1
 2
n 2 1  
u n 1 n2 n n 1  n  .x  x .
Now Lim  Lim x  . n 1  Lim 2
n  u n n  n  1 n 1 x n 
2 1
n 1  
 n
Case 1: The given series is convergent if x  1 . [by D’Alembert’s ratio test]

Case 2: The given series is divergent if x  1 .

n 1 1
Case 3: When x = 1, then u n  , Take v n  0  1 .
n n
 1
n 1  
u
 Lim n  Lim 
n
 1 (a non-zero, finite number).
n  v n n  n

Thus, by comparison test, both the series  u n and  vn converges or diverges

together, or in other words, both the series behave alike.

1 1
But  vn   n 0   n p ( here p  0  1 ) is divergent. [by p-series test]

Hence  un is also divergent, when x = 1.

Hence the given series  u n converges if x  1 and diverges if x  1 .

Q.No.30. Examine the behaviour of the infinite series

Infinite Series: D’Alembert’s Ratio Test Prepared by: Dr. Sunil, NIT Hamirpur18

1 x x2 x3 x n 1
    ......  n 2  ... ( x  0 ).
3 36 243 1296 3 .n
x n 1 xn
Sol.: Here u n  and u n 1  .
3n.n 2 3n 1.(n  1) 2

u n 1 xn 3n.n 2 n 2 .x x
Now Lim  Lim n 1  n 1  Lim  .
n  u n n  3 .(n  1) 2 x n   1
2 3
3n 2 1  
 n
x
Case 1: The given series is convergent if  1 i.e. if x  3 [by D’Alembert’s ratio test]
3
x
Case 2: The given series is divergent if  1 i.e. x  3 .
3

3n 1 1 1
Case 3: When x = 3, then u n   . Take v n 
3n.n 2 3n 2
n2
un 1 n2 1
 Lim  Lim 2   (a non-zero, finite number) .
n  v n n   3n 1 3

Thus, by comparison test, both the series  u n and  vn converges or diverges

together, or in other words, both the series behave alike.

1
But  vn   n 2 (here p  2  1 ) is convergent. [by p-series test]

Hence  un is also convergent, when x = 3.

Hence the given series converges if x  3 diverges if x  3 .

Q.No.31.: Discuss the behaviour of infinite series x  2x 2  3x 3  4x 4  ........

( x  0 ).

Sol.: Here u n  nx n and so u n 1  n  1x n 1 .

 1
n 1  
 Lim
u n 1
 Lim
n  1x n 1
.x  Lim
n  1 .x  Lim  n  .x  x .
n  u n n  nx n n  n n  n
Case 1: The given series is convergent if x  1 .
Case 2: The given series is divergent if x  1 .
Case 3: When x = 1. u n  n .
Infinite Series: D’Alembert’s Ratio Test Prepared by: Dr. Sunil, NIT Hamirpur19

 u n  1  2  3  4  ....... .
n n  1
Here Sn  1  2  3  4  .......  n  .
2
Taking limit on both sides, we get
n n  1
Lim Sn  Lim  .
n  n  2
Hence  un is also divergent when x = 1 .

Hence the given series converges if x  1 and diverges if x  1 .

Q.No.32.: Examine the behaviour of the infinite series

x x 2 x3 xn
1    ......  2  ......... . ( x  0 ).
2 5 10 n 1
xn x n 1
Sol.: Here u n  and so u n 1  .
n2  1 n  12  1
 1 
n 1 2 1  2 
u n 1 x n 1
 Lim  Lim . n  Lim  n2  .x  x
n  u n n  x  1  1 x
2 n   1 1
1    2
 n n
Case 1: The given series is convergent if x  1 .
Case 2: The given series is divergent if x  1 .
Case 3: When x = 1. This test fails.
1 1
un  2
. Let v n  .
n 1 n2
un 1
 Lim  Lim  1 (a finite, non-zero number) .
n  v n n   1 
1  2 
 n 
Thus, by comparison test, both the series  un and  vn converges or diverges

together, or in other words, both the series behave alike.

1 1
But  vn   n 2   n p ( here p = 2 > 1) is convergent. [by p-series test]

Hence  un is also convergent when x = 1.

Hence the given series converges if x  1 and diverges if x  1 .

Infinite Series: D’Alembert’s Ratio Test Prepared by: Dr. Sunil, NIT Hamirpur20

1 2 3
Q.No.33.: Examine the behaviour of the infinite series  2
  ...... .
1 2 1 2 1  23
( x  0 ).
n n 1
Sol.: Here u n  and so u n 1  .
1 2 n
1  2 n 1
1
n 1 2
un n 1 2 1 2 n
 Lim  Lim .  Lim .  2  1.
n   u n 1 n  1  2 n n 1 n   1 1
1   n  1
 n 2
Hence un is convergent (by D’Alembert’s ratio test).

  n2 1 
Q.No.34.: Examine the behaviour of the infinite series     .
 2n n 2 
n 1  
  n2 1   2 
Sol.: Let S        n   1  S1  S2 .
 2n n 2  n 2
n 1   n 1 2 n 1 n

 
n2 1
Where S1   2 n
and S2   n2
.
n 1 n 1

The series S2 is convergent by p-series test.

For S1 , u n 
n2
and u n 1 
n  12
.
2n 2 n 1

u n 1 2n n  12
Lim  Lim 2 . n 1
n  u n n  n 2
2
u n 1  1 1 1
Lim = Lim 1   .   1 .
n  u n n   n 2 2

Hence the series S1 is also converges.

So the series S  S1  S2 is also convergent series.

n3  a
Q.No.35.: Examine the behaviour of the infinite series  2n  a
.
n 1

Sol.: u n 
n3  a
and u n 1 
n  13  a
.
2n  a 2n 1  a
Infinite Series: D’Alembert’s Ratio Test Prepared by: Dr. Sunil, NIT Hamirpur21

  1 3 a  
 1     1  a  
u n 1 n  13  a . 2n  a   n  n 3   2n   1
Lim  Lim n 1  Lim  .    1.
n  u n n  2  a n 3  a n    a   a  2
2  n  1  3 
  2   n 
 

Hence un is convergent (by D’Alembert’s ratio test).


n3  n  1
Q.No.36.: Examine the behaviour of the infinite series  n!
.
n 1

Sol.: Here u n 
n3  n  1
and u n 1 
n  13  n
n! n  1!
3
 1 1
1    2
Lim
u n 1
 Lim
n  1  n . n!  Lim  n  n
3
 0  1.
n  u n n  n  1 ! n 3  n  1 n  n  11  1  1 
 
 n 2 n3 
Hence un is convergent (by D’Alembert’s ratio test).

2 2.5.8 2.5.8.11
Q.No.37.: Examine the behaviour of the infinite series    ......... .
1 1.5.9 1.5.9.13
2.5.8.11.........3n  1 2.5.8.11...........3n  13n  2
Sol.: Here u n  and u n 1 
1.5.9.13............4n  3 1.5.9.13.............4n  34n  1
2
3
u n 1 3n  2 n  3  1.
Lim  Lim  Lim
n  u n n   4n  1 n  1 4
4
n
Hence un is convergent (by D’Alembert’s ratio test).

Q.No.38.: Examine the behaviour of the infinite series

2 2 2
 1   1.2   1.2.3 
       ......... .
 3   3.5   3.5.7 

1.2.3.........n.n  1
2 2
 1.2.3.........n   
Sol.: Here u n    and u n 1   
 3.5.7............2n  1   3.5.7............2n  12n  1 
Infinite Series: D’Alembert’s Ratio Test Prepared by: Dr. Sunil, NIT Hamirpur22

2
 1
2
 1 
u n 1  n  1  n 1
Lim  Lim    Lim     1.
n  u n n    2 n  1 n 
2  1  4
 n
Hence un is convergent (by D’Alembert’s ratio test).

4 4.12 4.12.20
Q.No.39.: Examine the behaviour of the infinite series    ........ .
18 18.27 18.27.36
4.12.20.........8n  4 4.12.20.........8n  48n  4
Sol.: Here u n  and u n 1  .
18.27.36............9n  9 18.27.36............9n  99n  18
4
8
u n 1 8n  4 n  8  1.
Lim  Lim  Lim
n  u n n  9n  18 n  18 9
9
n
Hence un is convergent (by D’Alembert’s ratio test).

1
Q.No.40.: Examine the behaviour of the infinite series  x n  x n .
n 1

or
Examine the behaviour of the infinite series

x1 x2 x3 x4
    ............... .
x2 1 x4 1 x6 1 x8  1

1 1 xn x n 1
Sol.: Here u n    and so u n 1  .
x n  x n x  n 1 x 2n  1 x 2n 2  1
xn
 1   1 
n 1 x 2n 1  2n   1  2n 
u n 1 x x 1 2n
 x  x  Lim  x 
 Lim  Lim 2n  2   Lim .
n  un n  x 1 x n n   1  n   1 
x 2n  2 1  2n  2  x 1  2n  2 
 x   x 
 1 
u n 1 1  2n  1
 Lim 
x 
Case 1: When x  1 , then Lim   1.
n  un n   1  x
x 1  2n  2 
 x 
Hence un is convergent (by D’Alembert’s ratio test).

Case 2: When x  1 , then

Infinite Series: D’Alembert’s Ratio Test Prepared by: Dr. Sunil, NIT Hamirpur23

u n 1 x n 1 x 2n  1
 Lim  Lim 2n  2   x  1.
n  u n n  x 1 xn

Hence un is convergent (by D’Alembert’s ratio test).

Case 3: When x  1 , then

1n
un  . In this case series becomes
12 n  1
1 1 1 1 1 1 1
       .......... .....
2 2 2 2 2 2 2
1
This series is geometric series whose first term is and common ratio is unity.
2
Hence, by geometric series test the series is divergent when x  1 .
*******************************************

Let’s summarize
 D’Alembert’s Ratio Test

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5. Cauchy’s Root Test (or Radical Test)

6. Cauchy’s Integral Test

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