Step 1: Recognize that the problem involves determining the convergence of the infinite series \( \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{x^n}{n} \). Convergence depends on the behavior of the terms \( \frac{x^n}{n} \) as \( n \to \infty \).
Step 2: Recall the root test or ratio test for series convergence. These tests are often used to analyze series involving powers of \( x \). For this series, the ratio test is particularly useful.
Step 3: Apply the ratio test. The ratio test states that a series \( \sum a_n \) converges absolutely if \( \lim_{n \to \infty} \left| \frac{a_{n+1}}{a_n} \right| < 1 \). Substitute \( a_n = \frac{x^n}{n} \) into the test.
Step 4: Simplify the ratio \( \left| \frac{a_{n+1}}{a_n} \right| = \left| \frac{x^{n+1}/(n+1)}{x^n/n} \right| = \left| x \right| \cdot \frac{n}{n+1} \). As \( n \to \infty \), \( \frac{n}{n+1} \to 1 \), so the ratio becomes \( \left| x \right| \).
Step 5: Conclude that the series converges absolutely if \( \left| x \right| \leq 1 \). However, further analysis shows that the series converges conditionally for \( -1 < x \leq 1 \). This is because the series diverges for \( x = -1 \) due to the alternating harmonic series behavior.