Proving the Divergence of A+B Series

  • Thread starter Thread starter mrnoll
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Divergence Series
Click For Summary
To prove that the sum of a convergent series A and a divergent series B diverges, one must consider the behavior of their partial sums. If series A converges and series B diverges, the limit of the partial sums of A plus the limit of the partial sums of B will not yield a finite result. The discussion emphasizes that while normal rules apply for finite series, the properties of infinite series dictate that if Sum(A) converges and Sum(B) diverges, then Sum(A + B) must also diverge. The conclusion reinforces that the divergence of B dominates the behavior of the combined series. Thus, the sum of a convergent and a divergent series diverges.
mrnoll
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
hi.

how can I prove that if A is a converges and B diverges

that the Sum of these series (A +B) diverges..



( A = a1 + a2 + a3 + ...
B = b1 + b2 + b3 + ...) if the series start from n=1
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Limit of a sum is the sum of the limits.
The convergence of the series is determined by the row of partial sums.
Therefore, if both rows converge, the sum of both will too.
 
In order to apply Dimitri Terryn's suggestion, you will also have to note that if C=(A+ B), then Sum(B)= Sum(C- A). Assume both Sum(C) and Sum(A) converge. What does that tell you about Sum(B)?
 
Hi,

I don't think it´s that easy actually.
Because what I forgot to say was that these series go from
n=1 to n=infinity.

And in infinity normal rules don't always apply like SumA + SumB = Sum(A+B)

I need a proof... :)
 
it is that easy because what the infinite series converges to is defined to be the limit of the sequence of partial sums.
 
I don't think it´s that easy actually.
Because what I forgot to say was that these series go from
n=1 to n=infinity.

And in infinity normal rules don't always apply like SumA + SumB = Sum(A+B)

In this case they do. If Sum(A) and Sum(B) exist then
Sum(A+ B) exists and is equal to Sum(A)+ Sum(B).

I had assumed you were talking about infinite series since otherwise it wouldn't make sense to talk about "convergent" and "divergent".
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
5K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
5K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
1K