Prove sequence diverges to infinity

  • Thread starter Thread starter sitia
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Infinity Sequence
sitia
Messages
25
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



I have to prove that the sequence a(n)=(n^3-n +1)/(2n+4) diverges to infinity.



Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



Observe that n^3-n +1 > (1/2)n^3 and 2n+4≤4n in n≥2

I am now stuck on how to proceed. I am confused on opposite inequalities for the numerator and denom. Can you direct as to how I'm to proceed?

Thanks!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
sitia said:

Homework Statement



I have to prove that the sequence a(n)=(n^3-n +1)/(2n+4) diverges to infinity.

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution



Observe that n^3-n +1 > (1/2)n^3 and 2n+4≤4n in n≥2

I am now stuck on how to proceed. I am confused on opposite inequalities for the numerator and denom. Can you direct as to how I'm to proceed?

Thanks!

To "see" it, just observe that for large n, the numerator approaches n3, while the denominator approaches 2n.

To prove it, just do the long division to get a quadratic quotient (and a remainder, which vanishes at the limit). Or use synthetic division. From this point on, the limit should be obvious (although you can complete the square for the quadratic to make it even more rigorous).
 
There are two things I don't understand about this problem. First, when finding the nth root of a number, there should in theory be n solutions. However, the formula produces n+1 roots. Here is how. The first root is simply ##\left(r\right)^{\left(\frac{1}{n}\right)}##. Then you multiply this first root by n additional expressions given by the formula, as you go through k=0,1,...n-1. So you end up with n+1 roots, which cannot be correct. Let me illustrate what I mean. For this...

Similar threads

Back
Top