Do These Mathematical Sequences Converge?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the convergence of three mathematical sequences: 5n/(2n-1), e^n/n, and e^n/(1+e^n). Participants are exploring the limits of these sequences as n approaches infinity.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants attempt to calculate limits for each sequence to determine convergence. Questions arise regarding the definitions of convergence and the types of limits being considered. There is also confusion about whether the sequences are being interpreted as sequences or infinite series.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided insights into the convergence of the first sequence, while others are questioning the assumptions and definitions being used. There is a mix of interpretations regarding whether the focus is on sequences or series, and suggestions for further analysis of the second and third sequences have been made.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the need for clarification on the limit rules that are permissible for this discussion, as well as the distinction between sequences and series in the context of convergence.

Banana Pie
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Which of these converge?

1. 5n/ (2n-1)

2. e^n/ n

3. e^n/ (1+e^n)

Attempt:

1) lim n-> ∞ 5n/(2n-1) = 5n/2n = 5/2 ≠ 0 so diverge?

2) Change n to x
e^x/ (1 + e^x)
Antiderivative: ln |1 + e^x|
lim t->∞ of ln |1 + e^x|
ln |1 + e^∞| - ln |1 + e^0|
Got stuck here

3) Help :(
 
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By converge, do you mean limit exists as n->∞ ? If not, what do you mean? You don't give any information on what limit rules you are familiar with and allowed to use. Please add more such information.
 
Banana Pie said:
Which of these converge?

1. 5n/ (2n-1)

2. e^n/ n

3. e^n/ (1+e^n)

Attempt:

1) lim n-> ∞ 5n/(2n-1) = 5n/2n = 5/2 ≠ 0 so diverge?

2) Change n to x
e^x/ (1 + e^x)
Antiderivative: ln |1 + e^x|
lim t->∞ of ln |1 + e^x|
ln |1 + e^∞| - ln |1 + e^0|
Got stuck here

3) Help :(
Are these sequences of numbers or are they infinite series? The first problem, interpreted as a sequence, converges to 5/2, as you said.
 
I will assume that you are looking for whether or not the sequences converge as n goes to infinity.
As Mark pointed out, you correctly found that the limit of #1 exists as n goes to infinity, so the sequence converges. If you are looking for the sum of the terms, i.e. the series, then your rule about the limit not being equal to zero would be appropriate.
For #2, it looks like you were working on #3.
Also, when you do the integral test, it implies you are looking for the infinite sum, i.e.:
##\lim_{n\to \infty} \sum_{k = 1}^n \frac{e^k}{k}. ##
If that is what you are looking for, then none of these (series) converge.

However, it looks like these are better suited as problems about sequence convergence, so let's go with that.

For #1, the limit exists, so the sequence converges.
For #2, you can try a growth rate test.
##x_n = \frac{e^n}{n}, x_{n+1} = \frac{e^{n+1}}{n+1}.##
##G=\frac{x_{n+1}}{x_n} = \frac{n e^{n+1}}{(n+1)e^n}##
If the limit as n goes to infinity of G is greater than 1, then the sequence is not converging.

For #3, you can apply the same logic you did for #1, and just keep the terms of the highest order.
 

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