Find Limit of Sequence $(a_{n})$: $a_{2n+1}$

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the limit of the sequence $(a_{n})$ defined recursively, specifically focusing on the subsequence $a_{2n+1}$. Participants explore various approaches to derive the limit as $n$ approaches infinity, engaging in mathematical reasoning and attempts at simplification.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the recursive definition of the sequence and expresses difficulty in rewriting $a_{2n+1}$ in terms of parameters $q$ and $r$.
  • Another participant notes the relationship $a_{2n + 1} = a_{2n} + \frac{1}{2}$ and provides a recursive formula for $b_n := a_{2n+1}$, suggesting an inductive proof for a specific expression of $b_n$.
  • A third participant attempts to derive the limit through manipulation of the recursive formula, expressing concern about the complexity of grouping terms and seeking a simpler method.
  • A later reply reiterates the importance of proving the inductive expression for $b_n$ and suggests that the limit can be derived from this expression as $n$ approaches infinity.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the method of solution, with some proposing an inductive approach while others express uncertainty about the complexity of the calculations involved.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved steps in the manipulation of the recursive definitions, and participants have not fully clarified the implications of their proposed expressions for the limit.

Vali
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I have the following sequence $(a_{n})$, $a_{1}=1$
$$a_{n+1}=\begin{cases}
a_{n}+\frac{1}{2} & \text{ if } n \ is \ even \\
\frac{a_{n}}{3} & \text{ if } n \ is \ odd
\end{cases}$$
I need to find $$\lim_{n\rightarrow \infty }a_{2n+1}$$

I tried something but I didn't get too far.I rewrite the sequence:$a_{1}=1$, $$a_{n+1}=\begin{cases}
a_{n}+r & \text{ if } n \ is \ even \\
q \cdot a_{n} & \text{ if } n \ is \ odd
\end{cases}$$
where $q,r\in (0,1)$ but I don't know how to write $a_{2n+1}$ with $q$ and $r$
 
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Hi Vali,

Note $a_{2n + 1} = a_{2n} + \dfrac1{2}$ since $2n$ is even, and $a_{2n} = \dfrac{a_{2n-1}}{3}$ since $2n-1$ is odd. Hence, if $b_n := a_{2n+1}$, then $b_n = \dfrac{b_{n-1}}{3} + \dfrac{1}{2}$. Show by induction that

$$b_n = \frac{1}{3^n} + \frac{3}{4}\left(1 - \frac{1}{3^n}\right)$$
 
Thank you for your help!
My attempt:
$b_{n+1} = \frac13 b_n + \frac12$
$$b_{n+1} = \frac12 + \frac13 ( \frac12 + \frac13 ( \cdots (\frac12 + \frac13 b_1 ))\cdots)\\$$
$$b_{n+1} =\frac12 (1 + \frac13 + (\frac13)^2+\cdots +(\frac13)^{n-1} ) + (\frac13)^{n} b_1\\$$

So the limit is $$\frac{1}{2}(\frac{\frac{1}{3^{n}}-1}{1}\cdot (-\frac{3}{2}))+\frac{1}{3^{n}}\cdot b_{1}=\frac{1}{2}(-1\cdot -\frac{3}{2})=\frac{3}{4}$$

Is there an easier method to solve this?Or at least how to group the terms because it was pretty difficult to me to factorize there and to see what I get.
Thanks again :)
 
As I've mentioned, prove by induction that $b_n = \dfrac{1}{3^n} + \dfrac{3}{4}\left(1 - \dfrac{1}{3^n}\right)$. After you've done that, then noting $\dfrac{1}{3^n} \to 0$ as $n\to \infty$, it follows from this expression of $b_n$ that $\lim\limits_{n\to \infty} b_n = \dfrac{3}{4}$.
 

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