This counterexample shows that it is not enough if there is only one null sequence. The monotony is necessary for this criterion. Considering the non-monotonic zero sequence
The alternating series with these coefficients has the negative harmonic series as odd members , which diverges. Hence the entire series is also divergent.
Estimation of the limit value
The Leibniz criterion provides an estimate for the limit value, because with such alternating series the limit value is always between two successive partial sums. Be
the -th partial sum of the series
with a monotonically decreasing zero sequence .
Then applies to all :
.
There is also an error estimate, i.e. an estimate of the remaining term of the sum after summands:
proof
We consider the subsequence of the sequence of partial sums. Since the sequence is monotonically decreasing, the following applies
.
That is, the sequence is also monotonically decreasing. It is also limited downwards because
,
after the bracketed expressions are greater than or equal to zero because of the monotony of the sequence . The sequence is therefore not only monotonically decreasing, but also restricted downwards and thus convergent according to the monotony criterion . The sequence is also convergent (similar argument as above, but increasing monotonically) and has the same limit, da
because of
applies.
generalization
The Leibniz criterion is a special case of the more general Dirichlet criterion .
^ Proof according to the Handbook of Mathematics. Leipzig 1986, ISBN 3-8166-0015-8 , pp. 408-409. In contrast to this article, the series in the book begins with , so there is a small difference.