# Convergent or divergent series examples

Suppose $\sum a_n$ is convergent. Is $\sum {{a_n} \over {1+|a_n|}}$ convergent or divergent?

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First consider the simple case that all $a_n\ge0$ and compare $a_n$ with $\frac{a_n}{1+|a_n|}$. –  Hagen von Eitzen Sep 10 '12 at 6:23
What about the case that part of $a_n$ are positive and part of it are negative –  Mathematics Sep 10 '12 at 6:54

If $\sum a_n$ converges absolutely, the the answer is affimative. We claim that this is no longer the case for conditional convergence. Note that

$$\frac{x}{1+|x|} = x - x|x| + O(x^3)$$

near the origin. Now consider the series

$$\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} a_n = \frac{2}{\sqrt{1}} - \frac{1}{\sqrt{1}} - \frac{1}{\sqrt{1}} + \frac{2}{\sqrt{2}} - \frac{1}{\sqrt{2}} - \frac{1}{\sqrt{2}} + \frac{2}{\sqrt{3}} - \frac{1}{\sqrt{3}} - \frac{1}{\sqrt{3}} + \cdots.$$

This series converges conditionally. Now then we have

$$\frac{a_{3n-2}}{1+|a_{3n-2}|} + \frac{a_{3n-1}}{1+|a_{3n-1}|} + \frac{a_{3n}}{1+|a_{3n}|} = -\frac{2}{n} + O\left( \frac{1}{n^{3/2}}\right).$$

Therefore the sum $\sum \frac{a_n}{1+|a_n|}$ diverges.

Slightly modifying this argument also generates a conditionally convergent series $\sum a_n$ whose corresponding sum $\sum \frac{a_n}{1+|a_n|}$ also converges, thus the answer is inconclusive.

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Surprisingly, it need not be convergent. In fact, if $f$ is a function such that $\sum_n a_n$ converges iff $\sum_n f(a_n)$ converges, then $f$ must be linear in some neighbourhood of $0$. See https://groups.google.com/forum/?hl=en&fromgroups=#!topic/sci.math.research/SzZDXRFyvhk

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Unless I am mistaken, the main information this forum page contains is that This was proved by G. Waldenberg, American Mathematical Monthly 95 (1988) 542-544. Y. Benjamini's solution to Problem E3404, American Mathematical Monthly 99 (1992) 466-467 contains an extension. Let me suggest that you include this in your answer. –  Did Sep 10 '12 at 8:03