Calculus Series Explained

Understand infinite series, convergence, and divergence with interactive visualizations and step-by-step examples.

📘 Start Learning Series

What Are Infinite Series?

An infinite series is the sum of all terms in a sequence. They appear in physics, engineering, and mathematics for modeling complex patterns.

a₁ + a₂ + a₃ + ... = ∑ aₙ from n=1 to ∞

An example: The sum of 1 + 1/2 + 1/4 + 1/8 + ... converges to 2

Interactive series convergence visualization

Common Series Types

Geometric Series

Σ rⁿ converges when |r| < 1. Used to model repeating decimals and exponential decay.

Harmonic Series

Σ 1/n diverges. Surprisingly, the sum grows without bound as n increases.

p-Series

Σ 1/nᴾ converges if p > 1, diverges if p ≤ 1.

Practical Series Examples

Geometric Series Example

Example: Evaluate 1 + 1/3 + 1/9 + 1/27 + ...

Try Solving This Series

Key Convergence Tests

Ratio Test

Limit as n→∞ of |aₙ₊₁/aₙ|
Converges if limit < 1, diverges if > 1.

Integral Test

Compare series to an integral of function f(x). Σ aₙ converges if integral of f(x) from 1 to ∞ converges.

Test Your Understanding

What is the sum of this geometric series? Σ (1/5)*2ⁿ for n=0 to ∞

Further Resources

Taylor Series

Represent functions as infinite polynomials around a point.

Learn More

Alternating Series

Series like 1 - 1/2 + 1/3 - 1/4 + ... that alternate signs.

Explore

Ready to Master Calculus Series?

Take quizzes, watch step-by-step solutions, and solve real-world problems.

🔗 Next: Convergence Tests
```