Finding the Product of Sequences a_n and b_n in Terms of x, y, and b_n

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The discussion centers on finding the product of the sequences a_n and b_n, defined as a_n = (x)^{1/2^n} + (y)^{1/2^n} and b_n = (x)^{1/2^n} - (y)^{1/2^n}. Participants explored substituting values for n and attempted to express x and y in terms of a_n and b_n, leading to the equations x = ((a_n + b_n)/2)^{2^n} and y = ((a_n - b_n)/2)^{2^n}. A key insight was recognizing that b_n can be expressed as a difference of squares, suggesting a relationship between b_n, b_{n+1}, and a_{n+1}. The discussion concludes with an acknowledgment of the identity's usefulness in deriving the desired product.
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Homework Statement


{a_n} and {b_n} are two sequences given by a_n = (x)^{1/2^n}+(y)^{1/2^n} and
b_n = (x)^{1/2^n}-(y)^{1/2^n}. Then find a_1 a_2 a_3 ... a_n in terms of x,y and b_n


Homework Equations



The Attempt at a Solution



I tried substituting n=1,2,3 and so on for a few terms of a_n but really couldn't see anything important. I tried finding x and y instead in terms of a_n and b_n and got this

x =\left( \dfrac{a_n + b_n}{2} \right) ^{2^n} \\<br /> y = \left( \dfrac{a_n - b_n}{2} \right) ^{2^n}
 
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utkarshakash said:

Homework Statement


{a_n} and {b_n} are two sequences given by a_n = (x)^{1/2^n}+(y)^{1/2^n} and
b_n = (x)^{1/2^n}-(y)^{1/2^n}. Then find a_1 a_2 a_3 ... a_n in terms of x,y and b_n


Homework Equations



The Attempt at a Solution



I tried substituting n=1,2,3 and so on for a few terms of a_n but really couldn't see anything important. I tried finding x and y instead in terms of a_n and b_n and got this

x =\left( \dfrac{a_n + b_n}{2} \right) ^{2^n} \\<br /> y = \left( \dfrac{a_n - b_n}{2} \right) ^{2^n}

Observe that
$$b_n=(x)^{1/2^n}-(y)^{1/2^n}=((x)^{1/2^{n+1}})^2-((y)^{1/2^{n+1}})^2$$
That should give you a hint. :)
 
Pranav-Arora said:
Observe that
$$b_n=(x)^{1/2^n}-(y)^{1/2^n}=((x)^{1/2^{n+1}})^2-((y)^{1/2^{n+1}})^2$$
That should give you a hint. :)

I can only think of using the identity x^2 - y^2 = (x+y)(x-y). But this does not help here :(
 
utkarshakash said:
I can only think of using the identity x^2 - y^2 = (x+y)(x-y). But this does not help here :(

It does help. Do you see that you should get ##b_n=b_{n+1}a_{n+1}## from your identity?
 
Pranav-Arora said:
It does help. Do you see that you should get ##b_n=b_{n+1}a_{n+1}## from your identity?

Nice approach Thanks!
 
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