Proving "f(n) & s Have Same Sign as n Approaches Infinity

In summary, the conversation discusses how to prove that the limit of a sequence f(n) is equal to the limit of its cube root, as well as how to argue that f(n) and the limit s have the same sign as n approaches infinity. The first part of the proof is shown using the definition of the limit, while the second part requires understanding of the definition and finding an appropriate choice of N.
  • #1
cornstarch
2
0
Homework Statement
if lim f(n) = s , prove that lim (f(n))^{1/3} = s^{1/3}. How do you know that as n approaches infinity, f(n) and s have the same sign. n is just an index in this case and f is not a function but a sequence.

The attempt at a solution
so we know that |f(n) - s| < epsilon, using a^3 - b^3 I can factor:
|f(n)^{1/3} - s^{1/3}|*|f(n)^{2/3} + (f(n)*s)^{1/3} + s^{1/3}| < epsilon. Divide both sides and we get |f(n)^{1/3} - s^{1/3}| < epsilon/(|f(n)^{2/3} + (f(n)*s)^{1/3} + s^{1/3}|) which proves the first part. I don't know how to argue that as n approaches infinity, f(n) and s have the same sign.
 
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  • #2
You still have work to do to finish the proof of the first part.

You should have no problems showing f(n) and s have the same sign if you understand the definition of the limit. Suppose s>0. You can find an interval around s that only contains positive numbers, right? So...
 
  • #3
what am i missing from the first part of the proof?
 
  • #4
To prove a limit using the definition, you assume ε>0, and then show that for the appropriate choice of N, n>N implies that |f(n)-L|<ε. So first, you need to find N.
 

1. What is the purpose of proving that f(n) & s have the same sign as n approaches infinity?

The purpose of this proof is to understand the behavior or trend of two functions, f(n) and s, as n approaches infinity. It helps us determine if the two functions have similar patterns or if they diverge as n increases.

2. How do you prove that f(n) & s have the same sign as n approaches infinity?

To prove this, we need to show that both f(n) and s have the same limit as n approaches infinity. This means that as n gets larger and larger, the values of f(n) and s also get larger or smaller together. This can be done using mathematical techniques such as the squeeze theorem or the ratio test.

3. Can f(n) & s have the same sign at some points but not as n approaches infinity?

Yes, it is possible for f(n) and s to have the same sign at certain points but not as n approaches infinity. This is because the behavior of a function can change at different points, even if it follows a certain trend. Therefore, it is important to specifically consider the behavior of the functions as n becomes infinitely large.

4. What if f(n) or s is undefined at n approaches infinity?

If either f(n) or s is undefined at n approaches infinity, the proof cannot be completed. This is because the limit of a function at a particular value only exists if the function is defined at that value. In such cases, the behavior of the function cannot be determined as n approaches infinity.

5. Can this proof be applied to any two functions?

Yes, this proof can be applied to any two functions, as long as their limits as n approaches infinity exist. However, it is important to note that this proof only shows that the two functions have the same sign, but it does not necessarily mean that they have the same magnitude or rate of change.

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