Ratio test

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Theorem: (The ratio test) Let $\{a_1,a_2,\ldots\} \subset \mathbb{C}$ and consider the infinite series $\displaystyle\sum_{k=0}^{\infty} a_k.$ Define $$L=\displaystyle\lim_{k \rightarrow \infty} \left| \dfrac{a_{k+1}}{a_k} \right|.$$

  1. If $L<1$, then the series converges absolutely,
  2. if $L>1$, then the series diverges,
  3. if $L=1$, then the test is inconclusive.

Proof: