Is My Solution for Limit of a Sequence Correct?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the limit of a sequence, specifically the sequence defined by a_n = n/(n+1). Participants are examining the conditions under which |a_n - 1| < ε, as well as the implications of finding N(ε) for this inequality.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are exploring how to establish N(ε) for the limit condition |a_n - 1| < ε. There is confusion regarding the correct interpretation of the inequality and the necessary steps to find N(ε).

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided insights on the relationship between the sequence and its limit, while others have pointed out potential misunderstandings in the original poster's approach. The conversation is ongoing, with various interpretations being discussed without a clear consensus on the correct method.

Contextual Notes

There appears to be some uncertainty regarding the definitions and requirements of the problem, particularly in distinguishing between finding the limit and determining N(ε). Participants are also questioning the assumptions made in the original solution attempt.

cloud360
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! Sequences and series "limit" question, is my solution correct?

Homework Statement



[PLAIN]http://img233.imageshack.us/img233/7195/sands2010q1.gif

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


Solution posted in image above, want to know if its correct
 
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I am not sure how to solve when it says to find N(epsilon) such that an-1|<epsilon.

I am used to finding N(epsilon) for |an|<epsilon.

Here are some example questions and answers, my lecturer provided to |an|<epsilon, type questions

[PLAIN]http://img199.imageshack.us/img199/1206/sands2010q1example.gif
 
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Notice that n/(n+1) < 1 for all n>0 , so that |an - 1| = 1 - an .

Then notice that n/(n+1) = ((n+1)-1)/(n+1) = 1 - 1/(n+1) = an .

Now proceed with |an - 1| < ε to find N(ε) .
 


SammyS said:
Notice that n/(n+1) < 1 for all n>0 , so that |an - 1| = 1 - an .

Then notice that n/(n+1) = ((n+1)-1)/(n+1) = 1 - 1/(n+1) = an .

Now proceed with |an - 1| < ε to find N(ε) .

thanks for your reply :)

so is my solution wrong? if so where did i go wrong
 


|an - 1| < ε is equivalent to -ε < an - 1 < ε

You did the inequality on the right: an - 1 < ε , which is true for all n since an < 1 for all n > 0.

The important thing is to find N(ε) such that 1- n/(n+1) < ε for n > N(ε).

The algebra may go smoother if you use a_n=\frac{n}{n+1}=\frac{(n+1)-1}{n+1}=1-\frac{1}{n+1}
 


SammyS said:
|an - 1| < ε is equivalent to -ε < an - 1 < ε

You did the inequality on the right: an - 1 < ε , which is true for all n since an < 1 for all n > 0.

The important thing is to find N(ε) such that 1- n/(n+1) < ε for n > N(ε).

The algebra may go smoother if you use a_n=\frac{n}{n+1}=\frac{(n+1)-1}{n+1}=1-\frac{1}{n+1}


|an-1|<epsilon means the limit of an=1

if i showed the limit of an=1, will that be enough to prove the first question?

thanks again for your help
 


cloud360 said:
|an-1|<epsilon means the limit of an=1

if i showed the limit of an=1, will that be enough to prove the first question?

thanks again for your help

No, that isn't enough, since the problem asks you to find N (\epsilon), such that:
n &gt; N ( \epsilon ) \Rightarrow |a_n - 1| &lt; \epsilon​

Showing that \lim a_n = 1, doesn't have anything to do with pointing out the value N (\epsilon) the problem requires. They are 2 (quite) distinct processes.

In this question, you don't need to find the limit of the sequence. Your first 4 lines are not needed.

The 5-th line is wrong because you need to solve for n such that: \left| a_n - 1 \right| &lt; \epsilon, not that a_n - 1 &lt; \epsilon

Note that, as others have pointed out, an is less than 1, forall n. So, can you break the absolute sign for |an - 1|?
 

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