Convergent Sequence: t^n/(n Factorial) Limit as n->∞?

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    Convergent Sequence
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the limit of the sequence defined by \( a_n = \frac{t^n}{n!} \) as \( n \) approaches infinity, and whether this limit converges to zero. Participants also explore the convergence of the infinite series formed by this sequence and its relation to the exponential function.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asserts that the infinite series converges to zero, while another questions this claim, suggesting it converges to \( e^t \).
  • A later reply clarifies that while \( a_n \) approaching zero is necessary for the series to converge, it does not guarantee convergence of the series itself.
  • Another participant mentions a theorem indicating that the terms of the series vanish as \( n \) increases, implying a connection to convergence.
  • Questions are raised about the implications of starting the sum from different indices, such as 1 or a constant \( k \), and whether the series would still converge to \( e^t \) in those cases.
  • One participant suggests that omitting terms from the series would still lead to convergence towards \( e^t \), but this remains a point of discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the convergence of the series and the behavior of the sequence. There is no consensus on whether the limit of \( a_n \) goes to zero or the implications of starting the sum from different indices.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved assumptions regarding the conditions under which the series converges and the implications of changing the starting index of the sum.

aroosak
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i have a sequence an= t^n / (n factorial).
I know that the infinite series of it converges to zero, but i need to know if the limit of an goes to zero or not , as n goes to infinity.

Thanks
 
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aroosak said:
i have a sequence an= t^n / (n factorial).
I know that the infinite series of it converges to zero,

are you sure about that? I think the series would converge to something like [tex]e^t[/tex], that is if you mean the series [tex]\sum_{0 \leq n} \frac{t^n}{n!}[/tex]

but i need to know if the limit of an goes to zero or not , as n goes to infinity.

Thanks

if a series converges as you say, then its terms necessarily tend to 0
 
You probably mixed the things up: you know that a_n->0 as n->\infty (which is a necessary but not sufficient condition for the series to converge), and you wonder whether the series converges.
 
yes... fo course if converges to the exponential function.

and i just found a theorem, saying that it makes each term to vanish as well.

thank you though.. i think sometimes i get confuesdif i spend too much time on one topic.
 
there is one more thing...
what if i start the sum from 1 or even some random constant k, will the sum of an= t^n / (n factorial) still go to the exponential function as n goes to infinity? i mean if we just consider the tail of the sequence, will the series still go to e^t?

thank you
 
aroosak said:
there is one more thing...
what if i start the sum from 1 or even some random constant k, will the sum of an= t^n / (n factorial) still go to the exponential function as n goes to infinity? i mean if we just consider the tail of the sequence, will the series still go to e^t?

thank you
The series will will sum to et - all the terms you left out.
 
thanks very much
 

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