# Prove the upper bound

1. Feb 15, 2005

### lokisapocalypse

Hey guys,

I have a sequence, $$\sqrt{2}$$, $$\sqrt{2 \sqrt{2}}$$, $$\sqrt{2 \sqrt{2 \sqrt{2}}}$$, ...

Basically, the sequence is defined as x1 = root 2
x(n+1) = root (2 * xn).

I need to show that this sequence converges and find the limit.

I proved by induction that this sequence increases. Since it increases, its bounded below by root 2. I need to show that it is bounded above by 2. Then I can use the Monotone Convergence Theorem to show that this sequence converges.

Any ideas?

Last edited: Feb 16, 2005
2. Feb 15, 2005

### Justin Lazear

Suppose the sequence is given in terms of n by

$$a_n = 2^{ \frac{2^n - 1}{2^n}}$$,

where the first term is given by $a_1$.

Show that it satisfies the recurrence relation.

--J

3. Feb 15, 2005

### lokisapocalypse

Thanks I got it from that. But can someone tell me how to do the root thing? Is the code LaTeX code or what is it?

Also, how can I prove the limit of that sequence = 2?

Is there some theorem that says that the limit of an increasing bounded sequence is equal to the sup of that sequence?

4. Feb 15, 2005

### lokisapocalypse

Oh nevermind about the limit part. It was proved in the book with the Monotone Convergence Theorem. I just didn't see it right away.

5. Feb 15, 2005

### Justin Lazear

\sqrt{2 a_n} gives $\sqrt{2a_n}$.

--J

6. Feb 16, 2005

### lokisapocalypse

Okay I guess I am just stupid then. Where exactly do you type \sqrt{2 a_n} ? I thought it was to surround it by CODE tags but that didn't do it and I tried typing it just by itself, with and without the \. What do I do then?

7. Feb 16, 2005

### Justin Lazear

[ tex ] \sqrt{2a_n}[ /tex ]
$$\sqrt{2a_n}$$

and

[ itex ] \sqrt{2a_n}[ /itex ]
$\sqrt{2a_n}$

Remove the spaces from the tags to get them to work.

--J

8. Feb 16, 2005

### lokisapocalypse

Okay got it. Thanks for all your help.