Find Limit of na(n): Help Requested

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In summary, the conversation discusses finding the limit of a sequence, denoted as \lim_{n \rightarrow \infty} na(n), where a(1)=1 and a(n+1)=\frac{a(n)}{1+\left|sin(a(n))\right|}. The poster thanks for any ideas and notes that if the limit exists, then a(n) goes to zero at large n, simplifying the right-hand side. They also mention that a finite-difference equation can be approximated by a differential equation at large n. Another poster confirms that the limit is indeed 1 and explains their method of using a finite-difference equation to show that a(n) goes to zero at large n. The first
  • #1
Tolya
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Please, help to find limit:
[tex]\lim_{n \rightarrow \infty} na(n)[/tex], where
[tex]a(1)=1;
a(n+1)=\frac{a(n)}{1+\left|sin(a(n))\right|}[/tex]
Thanks for any ideas!
 
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  • #2
If the limit exists, then a(n) is going to zero at large n, which can be used to simplify the right-hand side.

Also, at large n, a finite-difference equation can be well approximated by a differential equation.
 
  • #3
Thanks. With the help of your post, Avodyne, I found that limit equals 1. Is it correct?
Sorry, but I'm not sure.
 
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  • #4
Yes, this is correct!
 
  • #5
But actually, I didn't use differential equation :)
[tex]\frac{1}{a_{n+1}}=\frac{1+\left|sin(a_n)\right|}{a_n}[/tex]
It's easy to show that [tex]a_n[/tex] is going to zero at large n, but remains postive. So:
[tex]\frac{1}{a_{n+1}}=\frac{1+a_n-\frac{1}{6}a_n^3+o(a_n^3)}{a_n} =\frac{1}{a_n}+1+b_n[/tex], where [tex]b_n \rightarrow 0[/tex], when [tex]n \rightarrow \infty[/tex].
Use this we can obtain:
[tex]\frac{1}{a_{n+1}}=\frac{1}{a_1}+n+b_1+b_2+...+b_n[/tex]
[tex]\frac{1}{na_{n+1}}=\frac{1}{na_1}+1+\frac{b_1+b_2+...+b_n}{n}[/tex]
When n is going to infinity, we have: (using well-known [tex]\lim_{n \rightarrow \infty}\frac{b_1+b_2+...+b_n}{n}=0[/tex], where each of b is going to zero with large n)
[tex]\lim_{n \rightarrow \infty} \frac{1}{na_{n+1}}=0+1+0=1[/tex]

In any case, thank you very much, Avodyne. :)
 
  • #6
Very nice. Your analysis is more rigorous than mine was.
 

1. What is the definition of a limit in mathematics?

A limit is a fundamental concept in calculus that describes the behavior of a function as its input approaches a certain value. It is denoted by the symbol lim and is used to determine the value a function is approaching at a specific point.

2. How do you find the limit of a sequence?

To find the limit of a sequence, you can use the common limit laws and techniques such as direct substitution, factoring, and L'Hopital's rule. However, if the sequence is a geometric or arithmetic sequence, you can use the corresponding formula to find the limit.

3. What is the purpose of finding the limit of a sequence?

The purpose of finding the limit of a sequence is to understand the behavior of a function as its input approaches a specific value. It helps determine the convergence or divergence of a sequence, which is essential in various mathematical applications such as optimization, statistics, and physics.

4. Can you find the limit of a sequence if it is not defined at a certain point?

Yes, you can still find the limit of a sequence even if it is not defined at a specific point. As long as the function is defined in the neighborhood of that point, you can use the limit laws and techniques to determine the limit.

5. How can you use the limit of a sequence to prove the convergence of a series?

The limit of a sequence can be used to prove the convergence of a series by showing that the sequence of partial sums approaches a finite value as the number of terms increases. If this is the case, then the series is said to be convergent, and its limit is equal to the limit of the corresponding sequence.

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