# The Series( $\sum_{1}^{+ \infty}\frac{1}{n! + n}$ convergence or divergence?

Determine whether the following series converge absolutely, converge conditionally or diverge

$$\sum_{1}^{+ \infty}\frac{1}{n! + n}$$ I tried using the ratio test but i can seem to find the value of limit. For comparison test there seems to be no other suitable series to be compared with. Divergence test does not work either because limit will be zero

• It is evident you have not given cursory thought to this problem. The series contains only positive terms, so there is no distinction between absolute and conditional convergence. As for a lack of "suitable series" for comparison test, it seems you have the answer staring you in face. – hardmath Apr 28 '14 at 12:30

$$0 \leq \sum_{n = 1}^{k}\frac{1}{n! + n} \leq \sum_{n = 1}^{k}\frac{1}{n!}$$ and the series $\sum_{n = 1}^{+ \infty}\frac{1}{n!}$ is convergent by the ratio test

• I guess it never hurts to state the obvious. At least you make things simple! – hardmath Apr 28 '14 at 12:32

Well, for $n \geq 1$,

$$n! + n \geq 2^n \implies \frac{1}{n!+n} \leq \frac{1}{2^n}$$

Now, compare!

• Oh could u explain why n!+n>2^(n). Thanks – ys wong Apr 28 '14 at 12:31
• use induction.. – user139708 Apr 28 '14 at 12:33

For the ratio test (since all terms are positive, we drop the absolute values): $$L = \lim_{n\to\infty} \frac{n!+n}{(n+1)!+(n+1)} = \lim_{n\to\infty} \frac{n!}{(n+1)!+n+1} + \lim_{n\to\infty} \frac{n}{(n+1)!+n+1}$$ $$= \lim_{n\to\infty} \frac{n!}{(n+1)!+n+1} + \lim_{n\to\infty} \frac{n+1}{(n+1)!+n+1} - \lim_{n\to\infty} \frac{1}{(n+1)!+n+1}$$ $$= \lim_{n\to\infty} \frac{n!}{(n+1)!+n+1} + \lim_{n\to\infty} \frac{1}{(n)!+1} - \lim_{n\to\infty} \frac{1}{(n+1)!+n+1}$$ The second term goes to zero, and the third term goes to zero faster than the second term. So we focus on the first term. Factor out $n!$ from the denominator: $$=\lim_{n\to\infty} \frac{n!}{n!\left(n+1+\frac{n+1}{n!}\right)} =\lim_{n\to\infty} \frac{1}{\left(n+1+\frac{n+1}{n!}\right)} =\lim_{n\to\infty} \frac{1}{\left(n+1+\frac{1}{(n-1)!}+\frac{1}{n!}\right)}=0$$ So the series converges. But the comparison test is certainly an easier test to use here.