Sequences & Series · Convergence Tests

Alternating Series Test

(1)nbn converges if bn>0,  bn+1bn,  limbn=0\sum (-1)^n b_n \text{ converges if } b_n > 0,\; b_{n+1} \leq b_n,\; \lim b_n = 0

An alternating series converges if the absolute values of terms are decreasing and approach zero. The error after N terms is at most |b_{N+1}|.

  • 0 variables
  • 2 worked examples
  • 18 in Sequences & Series

Worked examples

Does Σ (-1)ⁿ⁺¹/n converge?
  1. bₙ = 1/n > 0 ✓
  2. 1/(n+1) ≤ 1/n (decreasing) ✓
  3. lim 1/n = 0 ✓

Answer: Converges (this is the alternating harmonic series, sum = ln 2).

1 more worked examplePremium

Does Σ (-1)ⁿ n/(n+1) converge?

Step-by-step solution locked.

Unlock the full working. CalcRef Premium opens the step-by-step solution above, and 141 worked solutions across the whole library - the intermediate lines, not just the answer. The formula statement, its conditions, its variables and the first worked example stay free on every page.

See all 18 Sequences & Series formulas on one printable sheet - the same statements and conditions as these pages, typeset and laid out for paper.

Practice

Quiz yourself on Sequences & Series

Alternating Series Test is one of 18 Sequences & Series formulas in CalcRef, out of 136 in the library. Today's free round is 10 mixed multiple-choice questions drawn from the same dataset as this page, refreshed every day and replayable as often as you like - no account needed.