[Series] Ratio Test
By: Tao Steven Zheng (鄭濤)
【Problem】
Part 1: Consider the following infinite series. Determine whether each infinite series converges or diverges.
(1)
(2)
Part 2: Consider the following infinite series. Determine the radius of convergence and the interval of convergence.


【Solution】
Part 1
apply the ratio test to each series.
(1)
Since this limit is less than 1, the series converges.
(2)
Since this limit is greater than 1, the series diverges.
Part 2
In order for the series to converge, the limit must be less than 1.
For the series ,
At this stage, we find that the radius of convergence is . To solve for the interval of convergence, solve for
.
This is as far as the ratio test allows us to conclude. To determine if each endpoint converges or not, we must apply other tests.
When , the series becomes
By the alternating series test, this series converges.
When , the series becomes
This is the Harmonic series, and it was shown?here that it diverges. Therefore, the radius of convergence for
is actually .