Find Limit of na(n): Help Requested

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the limit of the expression \(\lim_{n \rightarrow \infty} na(n)\), where the sequence \(a(n)\) is defined recursively. The problem involves understanding the behavior of the sequence as \(n\) approaches infinity.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the implications of the limit existing and the behavior of \(a(n)\) as \(n\) increases. There is discussion on approximating the finite-difference equation with a differential equation and analyzing the recursive definition of \(a(n)\). Some participants question the correctness of their findings and seek validation.

Discussion Status

There is a mix of exploratory analysis and attempts to validate findings. Some participants express uncertainty about their conclusions, while others provide supportive feedback on the reasoning presented. The discussion reflects a collaborative effort to clarify the problem without reaching a definitive resolution.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that \(a(n)\) approaches zero as \(n\) increases, which is a key assumption in their analysis. There is also mention of the behavior of terms in the sequence and their limits as \(n\) approaches infinity.

Tolya
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Please, help to find limit:
[tex]\lim_{n \rightarrow \infty} na(n)[/tex], where
[tex]a(1)=1;<br /> a(n+1)=\frac{a(n)}{1+\left|sin(a(n))\right|}[/tex]
Thanks for any ideas!
 
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If the limit exists, then a(n) is going to zero at large n, which can be used to simplify the right-hand side.

Also, at large n, a finite-difference equation can be well approximated by a differential equation.
 
Thanks. With the help of your post, Avodyne, I found that limit equals 1. Is it correct?
Sorry, but I'm not sure.
 
Last edited:
Yes, this is correct!
 
But actually, I didn't use differential equation :)
[tex]\frac{1}{a_{n+1}}=\frac{1+\left|sin(a_n)\right|}{a_n}[/tex]
It's easy to show that [tex]a_n[/tex] is going to zero at large n, but remains positive. So:
[tex]\frac{1}{a_{n+1}}=\frac{1+a_n-\frac{1}{6}a_n^3+o(a_n^3)}{a_n} =\frac{1}{a_n}+1+b_n[/tex], where [tex]b_n \rightarrow 0[/tex], when [tex]n \rightarrow \infty[/tex].
Use this we can obtain:
[tex]\frac{1}{a_{n+1}}=\frac{1}{a_1}+n+b_1+b_2+...+b_n[/tex]
[tex]\frac{1}{na_{n+1}}=\frac{1}{na_1}+1+\frac{b_1+b_2+...+b_n}{n}[/tex]
When n is going to infinity, we have: (using well-known [tex]\lim_{n \rightarrow \infty}\frac{b_1+b_2+...+b_n}{n}=0[/tex], where each of b is going to zero with large n)
[tex]\lim_{n \rightarrow \infty} \frac{1}{na_{n+1}}=0+1+0=1[/tex]

In any case, thank you very much, Avodyne. :)
 
Very nice. Your analysis is more rigorous than mine was.
 

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