Does the Converse of the Ratio Test Always Hold for Convergent Series?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the validity of the converse of the Ratio Test in the context of convergent series. Participants assert that the converse does not always hold, providing counterexamples such as the series 0+0+0+... which converges but has an undefined ratio. Additionally, the series defined by \( a_n = \frac{1}{n(n-1)} \) is mentioned as a case where the limit of the ratio equals 1, further illustrating the limitations of the Ratio Test's converse. The conclusion emphasizes that convergence does not guarantee a limit of the ratio less than 1.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Ratio Test for series convergence
  • Familiarity with limits and their properties
  • Knowledge of convergent series and their characteristics
  • Basic calculus concepts, including series and sequences
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the properties of the Ratio Test in more depth
  • Explore counterexamples to the Ratio Test's converse
  • Study the implications of series convergence in calculus
  • Learn about other convergence tests, such as the Root Test and Comparison Test
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, students studying calculus, educators teaching series convergence, and anyone interested in advanced mathematical analysis.

alexmahone
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Is the converse of the ratio test true?
 
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I don't think so. I think you can construct an easy counterexample. Care to imagine one?
 
Krizalid said:
I don't think so. I think you can construct an easy counterexample. Care to imagine one?

0+0+0+... converges but the ratio is not defined.

I wonder if there are any non-trivial counterexamples.
 
Alexmahone said:
0+0+0+... converges but the ratio is not defined.

I wonder if there are any non-trivial counterexamples.
The "ratio test" says that if $lim \frac{a_{n+1}}{a_n}< 1$ then $\sum a_n$ converges.

The converse is "if $\sum a_n$ converged then $lim \frac{a_{n+1}}{a_n}< 1$".

Find a convergent series such that that limit is 1.
 
Alexmahone said:
0+0+0+... converges but the ratio is not defined.

I wonder if there are any non-trivial counterexamples.
Maybe...

$$ a_n=\frac{1}{n(n-1)} $$
 
HallsofIvy said:
Find a convergent series such that that limit is 1.

$\displaystyle\sum\frac{1}{n^2}$

So, is it safe to say that if a series converges, then $\displaystyle\lim\left|\frac{a_{n+1}}{a_n}\right|\le 1$?
 

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