How to prove that the limit of a sequence is a Wallis product?

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SUMMARY

The limit of the sequence defined by t_1=1 and t_(n+1)= [1- 1/4(n^2)]*t_n converges to 2/π, as established through the manipulation of the Wallis product. The sequence can be expressed as t_n= (2n-1)*(2n+1)/ (2n)(2n), leading to the conclusion that lim n→∞ t_n = 2/π. The derivation involves recognizing the relationship between the sequence and the Wallis product formula, specifically lim n→∞ (2n/ (2n-1)) * (2n / (2n+1)) = π/2.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of sequences and limits in calculus.
  • Familiarity with the Wallis product for π.
  • Knowledge of mathematical induction and proof techniques.
  • Basic skills in manipulating fractions and algebraic expressions.
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  • Study the derivation of the Wallis product for π.
  • Learn about the method of reduction in calculus.
  • Explore mathematical induction as a proof technique.
  • Investigate the convergence of sequences and series in calculus.
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Students of calculus, mathematicians interested in series convergence, and anyone seeking to understand the relationship between sequences and the Wallis product for π.

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Homework Statement



Let t_1=1, t_(n+1)= [1- 1/4(n^2)]*t_n for n>=1.

The book says the limit is a Wallis product 2/pi, but I don't know where to start. I've been searching, but I'm lost. Could you point me in the right direction?
 
Last edited:
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correction the limit is two over pi

my keyboard is messing up so i can not correct

I think I got it. I don't know if it's a proof, but I've found how it's the limit.
 
Last edited:
Ok. I've found the form of a Wallis product...

lim n--> infinity (2n/ 2n-1) * (2n / 2n+1) = pi/2

so my sequence is pretty much the reciprocal of the equation that's why it's 2/pi... but I still don't know why it's 2/pi.

I saw some website saying this comes from some difficult integral, something about using method of reduction. I don't think I've ever done that in a calculus course before.

All help is appreciated! Thanks, folks.



I calculated up to t_7 to get

t_7= (143/144)*(99/100)*(63/64)*(35/36)*(15/…

so looking at the form of a Wallis product I changed it into

t_7= (11*13/ 12*12) * (9*11/10*10) * (7*9/8*8)* (5*7/6*6) * (3*5/4*4) *(1*3/2*2)

so that means t_n= (2n-1)*(2n+1)/ (2n)(2n), so the lim n-- infinity (t_n)= 2/pi.

Is this enough to consider this problem solved?
 

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