How to derive [itex]\lim_{n\rightarrow ∞} \frac{1-r^{N+1}}{1-r}[/itex]

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the derivation of the limit expression \lim_{n\rightarrow ∞} \frac{1-r^{N+1}}{1-r}, exploring its relationship to the sum of a geometric series represented by S_{n}=\frac{a(1-r^{n})}{1-r}. Participants are seeking clarity on how the expression is derived, particularly regarding the transition from r^{n} to r^{n+1} and the role of the parameter a.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the relationship between the limit expression and the geometric series formula, asking how r^{n} becomes r^{n+1} and why a seems to disappear.
  • Another participant points out that there is a discrepancy between the variable N in the limit and n in the series, suggesting they should be the same.
  • Several scenarios are proposed regarding the value of r: if r > 1, the limit diverges; if r = 1, both the numerator and denominator become zero; and if r < 1, the limit converges to \frac{1}{1-r}.
  • One participant expresses a desire for a rigorous proof of the limit, while another mentions they are still trying to absorb a proof they found.
  • There is a suggestion to change the indexing of n to j to clarify the relationship between the terms.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the derivation of the limit or its implications. Multiple competing views regarding the behavior of the limit based on the value of r are presented, indicating ongoing debate.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved questions regarding the assumptions made about the variable N and its relationship to n, as well as the implications of different values of r on the limit's behavior.

Lebombo
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How is [itex]\lim_{n\rightarrow ∞} \frac{1-r^{N+1}}{1-r}[/itex] derived?

Is it directly related to [itex]S_{n}=\frac{a(1-r^{n})}{1-r}[/itex]?

If so, how does the [itex]r^{n}[/itex] become [itex]r^{n+1}[/itex]

and how does the a disappear?

I've seen how to derive [itex]S_{n}=\frac{a(1-r^{n})}{1-r}[/itex], but have never come across [itex]\lim_{n\rightarrow ∞} \frac{1-r^{N+1}}{1-r}[/itex] until I just came across a brief mention of it in a video.

Any suggestions on where I could find a derivation/proof for it?
 
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You have an N in the fraction but you're taking the limit for n. I'm assuming these are supposed to be the same thing.

There are several possibilities:

1) r > 1. Then rn gets really big as n goes to infinity, so this limit diverges
2) r = 1. Then the numerator and denominator are both zero and you shouldn't have written this down to begin with
3) r < 1. Then rn gets really small as n goes to infinity, so the limit converges and it converges to [tex]\frac{1}{1-r}[/tex]

Are you looking for a rigorous proof of this, or is a description of the behavior like this sufficient?
 
I was looking for a proof of where [itex]\frac{1-r^{N+1}}{1-r}[/itex] comes from and what it means. I think I found a proof for it, but still trying to absorb it.
 
Lebombo said:
How is [itex]\lim_{n\rightarrow ∞} \frac{1-r^{N+1}}{1-r}[/itex] derived?

Is it directly related to [itex]S_{n}=\frac{a(1-r^{n})}{1-r}[/itex]?

If so, how does the [itex]r^{n}[/itex] become [itex]r^{n+1}[/itex]
change the numbering: Let j= n-1 and n= j+ 1 so [itex]r^n= r^{j+1}[/itex]. Of course, as n goes to 0, so does j. And it doesn't matter what "name" you give the parameter so just call it "n" now instead of "j".

and how does the a disappear?
Take a= 1, of course.

I've seen how to derive [itex]S_{n}=\frac{a(1-r^{n})}{1-r}[/itex], but have never come across [itex]\lim_{n\rightarrow ∞} \frac{1-r^{N+1}}{1-r}[/itex] until I just came across a brief mention of it in a video.

Any suggestions on where I could find a derivation/proof for it?
 

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