Investigating the convergence of a sequence

In summary, we are studying the convergence of two sequences, a_n and b_n, given by integrals. For a_n, we can show that it is convergent by noting that it is bounded by 1/2 and increasing. For b_n, we can use a similar approach to show that it is also convergent, by breaking it down into steps and using the definition of the Riemann integral.
  • #1
Elysian
33
0

Homework Statement



Study the convergence of the following sequences

a[itex]_{n}[/itex] = [itex]\int^{1}_{0}[/itex] [itex]\frac{x^{n}}{1+x^{2}}[/itex]

b[itex]_{n}[/itex] = [itex]\int^{B}_{A}[/itex] sin(nx)f(x) dx



The Attempt at a Solution



For the first one, I said it was convergent. I'm not exactly sure why though, my reasoning was something like this

for all values n>0, the sequence is increasing. It seems to be bounded by 1/2? (not sure here, the integral is messing me up)an increasing sequence that is bounded is also convergent.

The second one, I'm not even sure where to start. Maybe an integration by parts which would end up to repeat itself, as that's what I think I see.
 
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  • #2
For [itex]a_n[/itex], notice that
[tex]0 \leq \frac{x^n}{1 + x^2} \leq x^n[/tex]
for all [itex]0 \leq x \leq 1[/itex].

For [itex]b_n[/itex], are there any constraints on [itex]f(x)[/itex]?
 
  • #3
for bn:
step1:take f(x) to be any constant an show that the limit is 0.
step2:take f(x) to be any piecewise constant on [A,B] and use step1 to show that the limit is again 0.
step3:take f(x) to be any Riemann integrable function on [A,B],use the definition of the Riemann integral for the existence of a sequence of piecewise constant functions gn(x) such that the integral of f(x)-gn(x) tends to 0,and prove (using the preceding step,the triangle inequality and bound for sin ) that the limit of bn is 0.
 

1. What is the definition of convergence in a sequence?

The convergence of a sequence refers to the behavior of the terms in a sequence as the sequence progresses towards infinity. A sequence is said to converge if its terms get closer and closer to a single, fixed value as the sequence progresses.

2. How can you determine if a sequence is convergent or divergent?

A sequence is convergent if its terms approach a single, finite value as the sequence progresses towards infinity. To determine if a sequence is convergent, you can use various tests such as the limit test, ratio test, or root test.

3. What is the difference between absolute and conditional convergence?

Absolute convergence refers to the convergence of a series regardless of the order in which the terms are added, while conditional convergence only holds true for specific orders of terms. In other words, a series that is absolutely convergent will converge regardless of how its terms are rearranged, while a series that is conditionally convergent may only converge when its terms are added in a specific order.

4. Can a sequence be both divergent and oscillating?

Yes, a sequence can be both divergent and oscillating. This means that the terms in the sequence do not approach a single, finite value, and also that the terms alternate between positive and negative values as the sequence progresses.

5. How can the convergence of a sequence be useful in real-world applications?

The concept of convergence in a sequence is useful in various fields, such as physics, economics, and computer science. In physics, it can be used to model the behavior of systems over time. In economics, it can be used to analyze trends and make predictions. In computer science, it can be used to optimize algorithms and solve complex problems.

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