The Ratio Test

The Ratio Test examines the limit of the absolute value of the ratio between consecutive terms, called L. If L is less than one, the series converges to a finite value. If L is greater than one or equals infinity, the series diverges and grows without bound. When L equals one, the test is inconclusive and other methods are needed.

With a 4% annual compound interest rate, each year's balance becomes 1.04 times the previous year's amount. This consistent multiplier forms a geometric sequence where each new term is derived by multiplying the previous term by the common ratio of 1.04, demonstrating how compound interest generates exponential growth.

The common ratio for 4% compound interest is 1.04, which is greater than one. Since the Ratio Test shows L greater than one, the corresponding geometric series diverges. This means the investment balance grows without limit over an infinite timeline, and its total value cannot be calculated.

When L equals one, the Ratio Test is inconclusive and provides no clear result about convergence or divergence. In this case, mathematicians must use alternative methods such as the integral test or comparison tests to determine whether the series converges or diverges.

The Ratio Test uses the limit L of consecutive term ratios as a decision criterion. Series with L less than one converge to finite sums, while those with L greater than one or infinite diverge. This threshold at L equals one provides a clear boundary for classifying infinite series behavior.

Divergence means the series does not converge to a finite value; instead, its sum grows without bound as more terms are added. In the compound interest example, divergence indicates that accumulated investment returns increase indefinitely over infinite time, reflecting continuous exponential growth without a limiting sum.

The Ratio Test quickly determines whether investment returns accumulate to a finite total or grow indefinitely. For compound interest scenarios, it reveals whether the geometric series formed by periodic returns converges or diverges, helping investors understand long-term growth behavior and the mathematical limits of exponential financial models.