Can the sequence be determined by finding the difference?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the convergence of the sequence defined as $a_{n}=\frac{1}{\sqrt{n^2+1}}+\frac{1}{\sqrt{n^2+2}}+...+\frac{1}{\sqrt{n^2+n}}$. Participants explore methods to determine convergence, including examining differences between terms and applying the squeeze theorem.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests checking the difference $a_{n+1}-a_{n}$ to determine if the sequence is increasing or decreasing, but expresses uncertainty about the sign of the difference.
  • Another participant proposes bounds for the sequence, stating that $\frac{n}{{\sqrt {{n^2} + n} }} \le {a_n} \le 1$ and questions whether $a_n$ is increasing.
  • Some participants discuss the implications of the bounds found, considering whether the squeeze theorem can be applied to conclude that the limit is 1 without establishing monotonicity.
  • A later reply confirms that applying the squeeze theorem is valid and that monotonicity is not required for convergence.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no clear consensus on whether the sequence is increasing or on the necessity of establishing monotonicity for applying the squeeze theorem. Some participants agree that the squeeze theorem can be used to conclude convergence to 1.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty regarding the convergence of the sequence and the implications of monotonicity on the application of the squeeze theorem.

evinda
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Hey!
I want to check if the sequence $a_{n}=\frac{1}{\sqrt{n^2+1}}+\frac{1}{\sqrt{n^2+2}}+...+\frac{1}{\sqrt{n^2+n}}$ converges.
I thought that I could find the difference $a_{n+1}-a_{n}$ to check if $a_{n}$ is increasing or decreasing.I found:
$a_{n+1}-a_{n}=\sum_{i=1}^{n}(\frac{1}{\sqrt{(n+1)^{2}+i)}}-\frac{1}{\sqrt{n^2+i}})+\frac{1}{\sqrt{(n+1)^{2}+n+1}}$..But from that we cannot conclude if the difference is negative or positive,right?? So,what else could I do??
 
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evinda said:
Hey!
I want to check if the sequence $a_{n}=\frac{1}{\sqrt{n^2+1}}+\frac{1}{\sqrt{n^2+2}}+...+\frac{1}{\sqrt{n^2+n}}$ converges.

Is it the case that \frac{n}{{\sqrt {{n^2} + n} }} \le {a_n} \le 1?

Is {a_n} an increasing sequence?
 
Plato said:
Is it the case that \frac{n}{{\sqrt {{n^2} + n} }} \le {a_n} \le 1?

Is {a_n} an increasing sequence?

I found this:$ \frac{n}{\sqrt{n^2+n}}\leq a_{n}\leq \frac{n}{\sqrt{n^2+1}}$..
So,could I just say that from the squeeze theorem the limit is $1$,without finding the monotonicity?? :confused:
 
evinda said:
I found this:$ \frac{n}{\sqrt{n^2+n}}\leq a_{n}\leq \frac{n}{\sqrt{n^2+1}}$..
So,could I just say that from the squeeze theorem the limit is $1$,without finding the monotonicity?? :confused:

Or can't I do it like that,because it is not given that the sequence converges?? :confused:
 
evinda said:
I found this:$ \frac{n}{\sqrt{n^2+n}}\leq a_{n}\leq \frac{n}{\sqrt{n^2+1}}$..
So,could I just say that from the squeeze theorem the limit is $1$,without finding the monotonicity?? :confused:

Yep. That works. Monotonicity not required.
 
I like Serena said:
Yep. That works. Monotonicity not required.

Great!Thank you very much! :o
 

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