Prove the limit of the nth root of n

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around proving the limit of the nth root of n, specifically focusing on the limit of 1/sqrt(n) as n approaches infinity. Participants explore various approaches to demonstrate this limit, including series expansions and epsilon-delta definitions of convergence.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express confusion about the requirements of the problem, questioning whether they need to explain each part or if more is expected.
  • One participant suggests using the series expansion of (1+x)^n to justify steps in the proof, noting that all terms are positive.
  • Another participant provides a detailed breakdown of how to approach the proof, including inequalities and manipulations involving binomial coefficients.
  • There is a mention of proving that the limit of 1/sqrt(n) equals 0, with a suggestion to use the definition of convergence and work out an N(E) for epsilon.
  • One participant proposes rewriting the limit in different forms to facilitate the proof, indicating that this might be beneficial for future problems.
  • A participant shares a link to an external resource related to the limit of the nth root of n, suggesting it may be of interest to others in the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the goal of proving the limit, but there are multiple approaches and some uncertainty regarding the best method to use. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the most effective strategy for the proof.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about the definitions and corollaries related to limits, indicating a potential limitation in their understanding of the material.

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Carla1985 said:
I don't understand what I have to do with this question. do i just explain what is happening in each part or is there more to it?

http://imageshack.us/scaled/medium/826/screenshot20130214at150.png
Thanks

The point (i) is justified by the series expansion... $\displaystyle (1+x)^{n}= \sum_{k=0}^{n} \binom {n}{k}\ x^{k}$ (1) ... where all terms are positive and $\displaystyle \binom{n}{2}\ x^{2}$ is the only second term. The other steps are quite simple... Kind regards$\chi$ $\sigma$
 
It appears that you are being asked to demonstrate that each step is correct.

For example, for (i) you could write:

$\displaystyle (1+x)^n=\sum_{k=0}^n{n \choose k}x^k={n \choose 2}x^2+\left(1+nx+\sum_{k=3}^n{n \choose k}x^k \right)$

For $k\ge0$ it must be true that:

$\displaystyle 1+nx+\sum_{k=3}^n{n \choose k}x^k\ge0$

and so by adding $\displaystyle {n \choose 2}x^2$ to both sides, we obtain:

$\displaystyle (1+x)^n\ge{n \choose 2}x^2=\frac{n(n-1)}{2}x^2$

For (ii) you could begin with:

$\displaystyle \frac{n}{2}\ge1$ for $n\ge2$

Now add $\displaystyle \frac{n}{2}$ to both sides:

$\displaystyle n\ge1+\frac{n}{2}$

Subtract through by 1:

$\displaystyle n-1\ge\frac{n}{2}$

Now, multiply through by $\displaystyle \frac{n}{2}$

$\displaystyle \frac{n(n-1)}{2}\ge\frac{n^2}{4}$

From (i) we have:

$\displaystyle (1+x)^n\ge\frac{n(n-1)}{2}x^2$

And so on the right, replacing $\displaystyle \frac{n(n-1)}{2}$ with $\displaystyle \frac{n^2}{4}$ we obtain:

$\displaystyle (1+x)^n\ge\frac{n^4}{4}x^2$

Multiplying through by $\displaystyle \frac{4}{n^2}$ there results:

$\displaystyle \frac{4}{n^2}(1+x)^n\ge x^2$

$\displaystyle x^2\le\frac{4}{n^2}(1+x)^n$ where $n\ge2,\,x\ge0$

Now for (iii), it is just a matter of applying the result of Problem 1(ii) (which you haven't provided).
 
Ah, I see, thankyou. Q1 ii is to prove that limit 1/sqrt(n)=0

I'm assuming that we do that using the definition of convergence and work out an N(E), E being epsilon, would that be right?
 
I think I would rewrite the problem first before using an epsilon-delta argument:

$\displaystyle \lim_{n\to\infty}\frac{1}{\sqrt{n}}=0$

$\displaystyle \lim_{n\to\infty}\sqrt{\frac{1}{n}}=0$

$\displaystyle \sqrt{\lim_{n\to\infty}\frac{1}{n}}=0$

$\displaystyle \lim_{n\to\infty}\frac{1}{n}=0$
 
:o I didnt know I could do that, that may help in future sums :) I was just making sure I was doing it in the right way, we get given so many definitions and corollaries etc :)
 
Carla1985 said:
I don't understand what I have to do with this question. do i just explain what is happening in each part or is there more to it?

http://imageshack.us/scaled/medium/826/screenshot20130214at150.png
Thanks

Hi Carla1985, :)

Thought you might be interested in seeing http://planetmath.org/LimitOfNthRootOfN.html.

Kind Regards,
Sudharaka.
 

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