Boundary limits of telescoping series (${\sum }_{k=1}^{\infty }(a_k-a_{k-1})=L-a_0\text{if }{a}_n\to L$)

For a real sequence $(a_n)$, the partial sum of ${\sum }_{k=1}^{\infty }(a_k-a_{k-1})$ is exactly $a_n-a_0$. Consequently it is a convergent series if and only if $a_n$ has a finite limit $L$, and its sum is $L-a_0$. Cancellation takes place inside each finite partial sum; taking a limit is a separate step.^[ref]

The partial fraction telescoping example has $S_N=N/(3N+1)$ and therefore limit $1/3$. In contrast, let $a_n=(-1{)}^n$. Its first entry is $a_0=1$, so $S_N=(-1{)}^N-1$. The even partial sums are zero and the odd partial sums are negative two. Both finite cancellations are correct, but the sequence has no single limit, giving a divergent series.

It is also essential to keep the two contributions paired. For example, ${\sum }_{k=1}^{\infty }(1/k-1/(k+1))$ is a convergent series with sum one, as its finite partial sum is $1-1/(N+1)$. Writing it instead as ${\sum }_{k=1}^{\infty }1/k-{\sum }_{k=1}^{\infty }1/(k+1)$ asks to subtract two divergent series. The permitted finite cancellation does not define that separate subtraction. Working through partial sums keeps the indices aligned and the operation meaningful.