Complex Convergence with Usual Norm

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves determining the convergence of the sequence {xn} in the complex numbers under the usual norm, specifically examining the expression x_{n}=n(e^{\frac{2i\pi}{n}}-1). The discussion centers around the behavior of the real and imaginary parts of the sequence as n approaches infinity.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the implications of the sequence approaching an indeterminate form of infinity multiplied by zero. There is discussion about the necessity of analyzing both the real and imaginary components separately, and questions arise regarding the application of l'Hôpital's rule to resolve these forms.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, questioning the assumptions made about convergence and exploring different mathematical approaches. Some guidance has been offered regarding the use of derivatives to analyze the limits of the components, but no consensus has been reached on the final conclusion of convergence.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of a lack of familiarity with l'Hôpital's rule among some participants, indicating a potential gap in the foundational knowledge required to fully engage with the problem. The original poster expresses uncertainty about their understanding of complex convergence.

ChemEng1
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Homework Statement


Determine whether the following sequence {xn} converges in ℂunder the usual norm.
x_{n}=n(e^{\frac{2i\pi}{n}}-1)

Homework Equations


e^{i\pi}=cos(x)+isin(x)
ε, \delta Definition of convergence

The Attempt at a Solution


I would like some verification that this response answers the problem statement. I have not worked with complex numbers since high school algebra. So this attempt may be very wrong.

The professor stated that for complex number to converge, both the real and imaginary parts have to converge.

x_{n}=n(cos(\frac{2\pi}{n})+isin(\frac{2\pi}{n})-1), by substitution with Euler's formula.

x_{n}=ncos(\frac{2\pi}{n})-n+isin(\frac{2\pi}{n})n. This appears to converge to 0+0i as n→∞.

Real Part:Re(x_{n})=ncos(\frac{2\pi}{n})-n=>n(cos(\frac{2\pi}{n})-1)=>n*0=0

Imaginary Part:Im(x_{n})=sin(\frac{2\pi}{n})n=>0*n=0

Since both the real and imaginary parts of x_{n} converge, then x_{n} converges.

Is this close? Did I miss anything?

Thanks in advance,
Scott
 
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The problem is that n is going to infinity at the same time as (cos(2*pi/n) - 1) and sin(2*pi/n) are going to zero. So you get something that looks like infinity * 0, an indeterminate form. This means that the sequence could either converge or diverge. You have to do a bit more work to find out which is the case.

Let's start with the imaginary part. You have sin(2*pi/n) * n. Multiplication by n is the same as division by 1/n. What can you say about

\frac{\sin(2\pi/n)}{1/n}

as n \rightarrow \infty?
 
jbunniii said:
So you get something that looks like infinity * 0, an indeterminate form.
In a l'Hôpital's rule sense? We honestly did not cover that in my previous analysis course (so I don't remember any of the rigor behind the rule), but I remember from calculus that you take derivative of numerator and denominator until you no longer have an indeterminate form.

jbunniii said:
What can you say about

\frac{\sin(2\pi/n)}{1/n}

as n \rightarrow \infty?

\frac{d[sin(\frac{2\pi}{n})]}{d[\frac{1}{n}]}\Rightarrow\frac{cos(\frac{2\pi}{n})(-\frac{2\pi}{n^{2}})}{-\frac{1}{n^{2}}}\Rightarrow2\pi cos(\frac{2\pi}{n})\Rightarrow 2\pi

Then you repeat the same approach for the real portion which has a similar indeterminate form. And goes to 0.

So {xn} converges to 2i\pi then?
 
Last edited:
ChemEng1 said:
In a l'Hôpital's rule sense? We honestly did not cover that in my previous analysis course (so I don't remember any of the rigor behind the rule), but I remember from calculus that you take derivative of numerator and denominator until you no longer have an indeterminate form.



\frac{d[sin(\frac{2\pi}{n})]}{d[\frac{1}{n}]}\Rightarrow\frac{cos(\frac{2\pi}{n})(-\frac{2\pi}{n^{2}})}{-\frac{1}{n^{2}}}\Rightarrow2\pi cos(\frac{2\pi}{n})\Rightarrow 2\pi

Then you repeat the same approach for the real portion which has a similar indeterminate form. And goes to 0.

So {xn} converges to 2i\pi then?

Yes, it does. You guess this would be true using the taylor series of exp(2*pi*i/n).
 
Thank you both for pointing me in the right direction!
 

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