Does This Sequence Have a Limit?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the limit of the sequence defined by (-1)^{n} \sqrt{n} \left( \sqrt{n+1} - \sqrt{n} \right). Participants explore the behavior of the sequence as n approaches infinity, examining whether a limit exists and how to determine it.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a limit expression and questions whether it can indicate the existence of a limit.
  • Some participants note that the even terms of the sequence tend to 1, while the odd terms tend to -1.
  • Another participant suggests that the even terms might tend to -1/2 or 1/2, raising a challenge to the earlier claims about the limits of the even and odd terms.
  • A participant emphasizes the importance of considering the parity of n when dealing with sequences involving (-1)^{n}.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on the limit of the sequence, as participants present differing views on the behavior of the even and odd terms.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the sequence's behavior as n approaches infinity may not be fully explored, and the implications of the limit expressions are not resolved.

twoflower
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Hi,

suppose this sequence:

[tex] (-1)^{n} \sqrt{n} \left( \sqrt{n+1} - \sqrt{n} \right)[/tex]

I tried to find the limit and got into this point:

[tex] \lim \frac{n(-1)^{n}}{ \sqrt{n(n+1)} + n}[/tex]

According to results, the limit doesn't exist. But how can I find it out? Can it be visible from the point I got to?

Thank you.
 
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take the even terms, they tend to 1. take the odd terms they tend to -1
 
matt grime said:
take the even terms, they tend to 1. take the odd terms they tend to -1

Thank you matt, it's clear now. I see my approach is unnecessarilly complicated..
 
Whenever you see a (-1)^n always think about n odd and n even to see what happens.
 
matt grime said:
take the even terms, they tend to 1. take the odd terms they tend to -1

Don't they happen to tend to -1/2 or to 1/2, respectively?
 

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