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

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the behavior of the sequence $\{x_n\}$ defined by the recurrence relation $7x_{n+1} = x_n^3 + 6$. Participants explore whether this sequence is increasing when starting with the initial value $x_1 = \frac{1}{2}$, and they also consider the limit of the sequence.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that to prove the sequence is increasing, it is necessary to show that $s_n \leq s_{n+1}$.
  • One participant reformulates the difference equation as $\Delta_n = x_{n-1} - x_n = \frac{x_n^3}{7} - x_n + \frac{6}{7} = f(x_n)$, suggesting that the behavior of $f(x)$ is crucial to understanding the sequence's monotonicity.
  • Another participant mentions that there is one attractive fixed point at $x=1$, and any initial value in the range $-3 < x_0 < 2$ will lead to a sequence that converges to 1, with the sequence increasing for $x_0 < 1$ and decreasing for $x_0 > 1.
  • Concerns are raised regarding the application of Theorem 4.1, particularly about whether the condition for strict increase should involve $|f'(x)|$ instead of $|f(x)|$.
  • Participants discuss the implications of plugging in the initial value $1/2$ into the function $f(x)$ and question the conditions under which the sequence can be considered strictly increasing.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the application of Theorem 4.1 and the conditions necessary for the sequence to be strictly increasing. There is no consensus on whether the sequence is indeed increasing based on the arguments presented.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the analysis depends on the behavior of the function $f(x)$ and the specific range of initial values. The discussion highlights potential limitations in the application of mathematical theorems to establish monotonicity.

Dustinsfl
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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.
 
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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

$\chi$ $\sigma$
 

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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 $\chi$ $\sigma$
 

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