NETMaths
Part BCSIR NET June 2023conditional-vs-absolute

Conditional vs absolute

Consider the series , where . Which of the following statements is true?

  1. A.The series is divergent.
  2. B.The series is convergent.
  3. C.The series is conditionally convergent.
  4. D.The series is absolutely convergent.

Solution

decreases to 0, so the alternating series converges (Leibniz). The absolute series behaves like , which diverges. Hence conditionally convergent — option 3 is the most precise true statement (official key: 3).

The trap it tests

Hypothesis dropped

A theorem applied without checking one of its preconditions.

Drill statements like this

Related counterexample: Σaₙ convergent ⇒ Σaₙ² convergent

More on this topic

From The Real LineSeries: comparison, ratio, root, Raabe, condensation, alternating, rearrangements

ShareWhatsAppTelegram