Question

In your own words, state the difference between absolute and conditional convergence of an alternating series.

Short answer

Absolute convergence occurs when a series converges and the series formed by taking the absolute values of its terms also converges. Conditional convergence occurs when a series converges, but the series formed by the absolute values of its terms does not converge. The key difference is the treatment of the series’ terms with regards to absolute value.

Step-by-step solution

Explain Absolute Convergence

Start by explaining what absolute convergence is. In the realm of mathematics, a series is said to converge absolutely if the absolute values of the sum of its terms (the series formed by taking absolute values of each term in the series) is finite. As an equation, it can be written as \[\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}|a_n| < \infty\]

Explain Conditional Convergence

Next, define conditional convergence. A series is said to be conditionally convergent if it converges, but it does not converge absolutely. This means the series itself has a finite sum, but the series of the absolute values of its terms does not.

Highlight the difference

The primary difference between absolute and conditional convergence lies in their behavior towards the series they are applied to. Absolute convergence takes the absolute values of the series's terms and then evaluates if it converges. On the other hand, conditional convergence evaluates the series as is, without taking the absolute values of its terms. Moreover, a series that is absolutely convergent is also convergent, but a conditionally convergent series is not absolutely convergent.