absolute vs. conditional convergence
Absolute convergence means that no matter how the function is rearranged, it will always converge. Another way of wording this is if the sum of | a | converges, the original series will converge.
Conditional convergence means that the series converges and diverges. The function converges, but it can be rearranged to form a divergent series.
Sometimes, if the series has two variables, x and n, the question will ask to find the points of absolute and conditional convergence. Once the x values are found of convergence (if there are any), the end points may conditionally converge. Only the end points can conditionally converge. Plugging in the end point for x and using the convergence tests can determine if the series now diverges. If it does, that end point conditionally converges.
Click on "Convergence Tests" to learn about the different tests that can be used to find if series absolutely converge or conditionally converge (or both!)
Conditional convergence means that the series converges and diverges. The function converges, but it can be rearranged to form a divergent series.
Sometimes, if the series has two variables, x and n, the question will ask to find the points of absolute and conditional convergence. Once the x values are found of convergence (if there are any), the end points may conditionally converge. Only the end points can conditionally converge. Plugging in the end point for x and using the convergence tests can determine if the series now diverges. If it does, that end point conditionally converges.
Click on "Convergence Tests" to learn about the different tests that can be used to find if series absolutely converge or conditionally converge (or both!)