Epislon Delta Proof: Limit of a Sequence

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around proving the limit of a sequence, specifically showing that as n approaches infinity, Sn approaches 0, where Sn is defined as (n+1)/(n^2 + 1). The participants are exploring the epsilon-delta definition of limits in the context of sequences.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to establish the limit by manipulating the expression for Sn and determining an appropriate N for a given epsilon. They express uncertainty about handling inequalities and finding N.
  • Some participants suggest using inequalities to simplify the expression for Sn, exploring different forms and bounds to derive conditions for N.
  • There are discussions about the implications of choosing specific values for n and how they affect the inequalities involved.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, providing hints and alternative approaches to derive N. There is a collaborative effort to clarify the reasoning behind the inequalities and the conditions necessary for the limit proof. Multiple interpretations of the approach are being explored without a clear consensus yet.

Contextual Notes

There is a focus on ensuring that n is sufficiently large to satisfy the conditions of the limit proof, with specific values being discussed to ensure the inequalities hold true. The original poster's confusion about the inequalities indicates a need for further clarification on the epsilon-delta approach.

b0it0i
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Homework Statement



prove: lim n-> inifity Sn = 0

Let Sn = (n+1)/(n^2 +1)

Homework Equations



(for all epsilon > o) (there exists N) (for all n) [ n>N => |Sn-0| < epsilon]


The Attempt at a Solution



i let epsilon be arbitrary, so we must show that there exists an N such that for all n [ n>N => |Sn-0| < epsilon

Find N

|Sn -0| = |(n+1)/(n^2 +1)| = (n+1)/(n^2 +1)

I'm completely stuck on this step. I'm not sure how to deal with inequalities where i can make it (some term / n) < epsilon

so I can't choose N= term/epsilon

Any help would be much appreciated
 
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Hint:
[tex]\frac{n+1}{n^2+1} < \frac{n+1}{n^2-1}[/tex]
 
with that in mind

do i say

n>2

so that 1. n^2 - 1 > 0
2. n+1 < n+n = 2n

n^2 >4
1/4 n^2> 1
-(1/4) n^2 < -1
n^2 -1> n^2 - (1/4) n^2 = (3/4) n^2

1/(n^2-1) < 4/(3n^2)

|Sn|< (2n)/(n^2-1) < (8n)/(6n^2)=4/(3n)

4/(3n) < epsilon
when
n> 4/(3 epsilon)

N = max {2, 4/(3 epsilon)}
 
b0it0i said:
with that in mind

do i say
...
|Sn|< (2n)/(n^2-1) < (8n)/(6n^2)=4/(3n)

4/(3n) < epsilon
when
n> 4/(3 epsilon)

N = max {2, 4/(3 epsilon)}

What you have looks ok.

I was actually thinking:
[tex]S_n=\frac{n+1}{n^2+1}<\frac{n+1}{n^2-1}=\frac{n+1}{(n+1)(n-1)}=\frac{1}{n-1}[/tex]
Which leads to
[tex]N=\max(2,\frac{1}{\epsilon}+1)[/tex]

Another good one is:
[tex]S_n=\frac{n+1}{n^2+1}\leq\frac{2n}{n^2}=\frac{2}{n}[/tex]
(The inequality is clearly true since the numerator increases, and the denominator decreases, and both are positive.)
[tex]N=\max(1,\frac{2}{\epsilon})[/tex]
 

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