Is the Sequence $\{x_n\}$ Defined by $7x_{n+1} = x_n^3 + 6$ Increasing?

  • Context: MHB 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Dustinsfl
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Increasing Sequence
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The sequence $\{x_n\}$ defined by the recurrence relation $7x_{n+1} = x_n^3 + 6$ with initial value $x_1 = \frac{1}{2}$ is proven to be increasing for $-3 < x_0 < 2$. The sequence converges monotonically to the attractive fixed point at $x = 1$. For initial values outside this range, specifically $x_0 < -3$ or $x_0 > 2$, the sequence diverges. The analysis involves the difference equation $\Delta_n = x_{n-1} - x_n = \frac{x_n^3}{7} - x_n + \frac{6}{7}$, which is critical for understanding the behavior of the sequence.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of recurrence relations
  • Familiarity with fixed points in dynamical systems
  • Knowledge of difference equations
  • Basic calculus concepts, including derivatives
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of fixed points in iterative sequences
  • Learn about the stability of fixed points in dynamical systems
  • Explore the application of difference equations in mathematical modeling
  • Investigate the implications of Theorem 4.1 in the context of monotonic sequences
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, students of analysis, and anyone interested in the behavior of recursive sequences and their convergence properties.

Dustinsfl
Messages
2,217
Reaction score
5
A real sequence $\{x_n\}$ satisfies $7x_{n + 1} = x_n^3 + 6$ for $n\geq 1$. If $x_1 = \frac{1}{2}$, prove that the sequence increases and find its limit.

To be increasing, we must have $s_n\leq s_{n + 1}$. What next? My Analysis game is weak.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
dwsmith said:
A real sequence $\{x_n\}$ satisfies $7x_{n + 1} = x_n^3 + 6$ for $n\geq 1$. If $x_1 = \frac{1}{2}$, prove that the sequence increases and find its limit.

To be increasing, we must have $s_n\leq s_{n + 1}$. What next? My Analysis game is weak.

The difference equation can be written as...

$\displaystyle \Delta_{n}= x_{n-1}-x_{n}= \frac{x_{n}^{3}}{7} -x_{n}+ \frac{6}{7}= f(x_{n})$ (1)

The f(x) is represented here...

https://www.physicsforums.com/attachments/398._xfImport

There is only one attractive fixed point in x=1 and any initial value $-3 < x_{0} < 2$ will generate a sequence monotonically convergent to 1, increasing for $x_{0}<1$, decreasing for $x_{0}>1$. The initial values $x_{0}<-3$ and $x_{0}>2$ will generate diverging sequences. The solving procedure is descrpted in...

http://www.mathhelpboards.com/f15/difference-equation-tutorial-draft-part-i-426/

Kind regards

$\chi$ $\sigma$
 

Attachments

  • MSP311721a3b0dfeghe364b500003e4hh85gh69e465g.gif
    MSP311721a3b0dfeghe364b500003e4hh85gh69e465g.gif
    2.6 KB · Views: 85
chisigma said:
The difference equation can be written as...

$\displaystyle \Delta_{n}= x_{n-1}-x_{n}= \frac{x_{n}^{3}}{7} -x_{n}+ \frac{6}{7}= f(x_{n})$ (1)

The f(x) is represented here...

https://www.physicsforums.com/attachments/398

There is only one attractive fixed point in x=1 and any initial value $-3 < x_{0} < 2$ will generate a sequence monotonically convergent to 1, increasing for $x_{0}<1$, decreasing for $x_{0}>1$. The initial values $x_{0}<-3$ and $x_{0}>2$ will generate diverging sequences. The solving procedure is descrpted in...

http://www.mathhelpboards.com/f15/difference-equation-tutorial-draft-part-i-426/

Kind regards

$\chi$ $\sigma$

By Theorem 4.1, we can take an x let's say equal to 1/2.
Now, 1/2 is in the prescribed range.
$$
|f(x)| = |x^3 - 7x+6| < |x_0-x| = |1-x|
$$
Plugging in 1/2, we have
$$
\frac{21}{8}>\frac{1}{2}
$$
which is not less than. So for it to be strictly increasing, we need it to be less than. How is it strictly increasing then based on that Theorem?

I believe Theorem 4.1 should say |f'(x)| not |f(x)|
 
Last edited:
dwsmith said:
By Theorem 4.1, we can take an x let's say equal to 1/2.
Now, 1/2 is in the prescribed range.
$$
|f(x)| = |x^3 - 7x+6| < |x_0-x| = |1-x|
$$
Plugging in 1/2, we have
$$
\frac{21}{8}>\frac{1}{2}
$$
which is not less than. So for it to be strictly increasing, we need it to be less than. How is it strictly increasing then based on that Theorem?

I believe Theorem 4.1 should say |f'(x)| not |f(x)|

The 'true' f(*) is $\displaystyle \frac{x^{3}-7\ x +6}{7}$ and not $\displaystyle x^{3}-7\ x +6$...

Kind regards $\chi$ $\sigma$
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
2K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 44 ·
2
Replies
44
Views
7K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K