Maths WorkshopMaths problems with full solutions
Exercise 774Calculus › Single-variable calculus › Series › Convergence testsL1Added 2 Nov 2026

The sine of an alternating term

#alternating series#odd function#conditional convergence

Statement

Study the series ∑n≥1sin⁡ ⁣((−1)nn)\displaystyle\sum_{n\ge1}\sin\!\left(\frac{(-1)^n}n\right), and its absolute convergence.

Hint

The sine is odd. What is sin⁡ ⁣((−1)nn)\sin\!\left(\frac{(-1)^n}n\right) in terms of sin⁡1n\sin\frac1n?

Show solutionHide solution

Solution

Simplifying. Since sin⁡\sin is odd, sin⁡ ⁣((−1)nn)=(−1)nsin⁡1n\sin\!\left(\frac{(-1)^n}n\right)=(-1)^n\sin\frac1n.

Convergence. The sequence bn=sin⁡1nb_n=\sin\frac1n is positive, decreasing (since 1n\frac1n decreases in (0,π2)\left(0,\frac\pi2\right) where sin⁡\sin is increasing) and tends to 00. By the alternating series test, the series converges.

Absolute convergence. ∣sin⁡(−1)nn∣=sin⁡1n∼1n\left|\sin\frac{(-1)^n}n\right|=\sin\frac1n\sim\frac1n, so ∑∣⋅∣\sum\left|\cdot\right| diverges. The convergence is conditional.

Remark. The expansion route works too: (−1)n(1n−16n3+… )(-1)^n\left(\frac1n-\frac1{6n^3}+\dots\right) is a convergent alternating series plus an absolutely convergent one.