Proving the Limit of x_n = 1/sqrt(n) as n Approaches Infinity

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In summary, the conversation discusses how to prove that the limit of x_n as n approaches infinity is 0, using the fact that there is a natural number N such that N>1/sqrt(E) for any E greater than 0. The solution involves finding N>1/E^2 and using this to prove the limit.
  • #1
_Andreas
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Homework Statement



x_n=1/sqrt(n)

Prove that lim x_n = 0 as n approaches infinity

Homework Equations



E > 0

The Attempt at a Solution



There is a natural number N such that N>1/sqrt(E). There is also a number n>N>1/sqrt(E) <==> sqrt(n)>1/sqrt(sqrt(E)) ==> E>sqrt(sqrt(E))>1/sqrt(n). If this last inequality is correct, I can prove the limit in question. But it can't be, because E<sqrt(sqrt(E)) if 0<E<1. So, what should I do instead?
 
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  • #2
You've got this all twisted around. You want 1/sqrt(n)<E for n>N. So you want N>1/E^2.
 
  • #3
Dick said:
You've got this all twisted around. You want 1/sqrt(n)<E for n>N. So you want N>1/E^2.

I see; it's N I'm after. Thank you!
 

1. What is the limit of x_n as n approaches infinity?

The limit of x_n is 0 as n approaches infinity. This means that as n gets larger and larger, the value of x_n gets closer and closer to 0.

2. How do you prove the limit of x_n = 1/sqrt(n) as n approaches infinity?

To prove this limit, we can use the epsilon-delta definition of a limit. This involves showing that for any small positive number ε, we can find a corresponding value of n (denoted as N) such that for all n > N, the absolute value of x_n - 0 is less than ε. This shows that as n gets larger, x_n gets closer and closer to 0.

3. Why does the value of x_n get closer to 0 as n approaches infinity?

The value of x_n gets closer to 0 as n approaches infinity because the denominator, which is sqrt(n), gets larger and larger. This means that the fraction 1/sqrt(n) gets smaller and smaller, approaching 0 as n approaches infinity.

4. Can you use a graph to prove the limit of x_n = 1/sqrt(n) as n approaches infinity?

Yes, a graph can be used to visually demonstrate the limit of x_n as n approaches infinity. The graph will show that as n gets larger, the value of x_n approaches 0 on the y-axis.

5. Are there any real-world applications of this limit?

Yes, this limit can be applied in various fields such as physics, engineering, and economics. For example, in physics, this limit can be used to calculate the acceleration of an object as it approaches a constant velocity. In economics, it can be used to analyze the diminishing returns of resources as production increases.

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