Proving a sequence has the given limit.

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around proving that the sequence defined by the limit \(\lim_{n\rightarrow \infty} \frac{n}{n^2+3n+1} = 0\) converges to zero. The subject area is calculus, specifically focusing on sequences and limits.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the steps taken to establish the limit, including bounding the sequence and using epsilon-delta definitions. Questions arise about the validity of certain inequalities and the implications of manipulating epsilon.

Discussion Status

Some participants provide feedback on the original poster's reasoning, questioning specific steps and clarifying the implications of inequalities. There is an ongoing exploration of the logic behind the approach without reaching a consensus.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating through the requirements of the proof, with some expressing confusion about specific inequalities and their derivations. The discussion reflects the complexity of formal proofs in calculus.

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Homework Statement


Prove that the following sequence has the following limit:

[tex]\lim_{n\rightarrow \infty} {{{\frac{n}{n^2+3n+1}}} = 0[/tex]

Homework Equations


N/A

The Attempt at a Solution



First I did the following:

[tex]{\frac{n}{n^2+3n+1} < {\frac{n}{n^2+3n} = {\frac{n}{n(n+3)} = {\frac{1}{n+3}[/tex]

Then:
[tex]{\frac{1}{n+3} < \epsilon[/tex]

[tex]{{n+3} > \frac{1}{\epsilon}[/tex]

[tex]{{n} > \frac{1}{\epsilon}-3[/tex]Putting it all together:

Let [tex]\epsilon > 0[/tex] be given

Let [tex]{{n} > \frac{1}{\epsilon}-3[/tex]

Then: [tex]{\left|\frac{n}{n^2+3n+1}\right| - 0 = \frac{n}{n^2+3n+1} < \frac{n}{n^2+3n} = \frac{1}{n+3} < {\epsilon }[/tex]

Therefore [tex]\left|\frac{n}{n^2+3n+1}-0\right| < \epsilon[/tex]
QED

Am I going about this the right way?
 
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Any help would be appreciated. Thanks. :)
 
The_Iceflash said:

Homework Statement


Prove that the following sequence has the following limit:

[tex]\lim_{n\rightarrow \infty} {{{\frac{n}{n^2+3n+1}}} = 0[/tex]


Homework Equations


N/A


The Attempt at a Solution



First I did the following:

[tex]{\frac{n}{n^2+3n+1} < {\frac{n}{n^2+3n} = {\frac{n}{n(n+3)} = {\frac{1}{n+3}[/tex]

Then:
[tex]{\frac{1}{n+3} < \epsilon[/tex]

[tex]{{n+3} > \frac{1}{\epsilon}[/tex]

[tex]{{n} > \frac{1}{\epsilon}-3[/tex]
Since [itex]\epsilon-3< 1/\epsilon[/itex] it would be sufficient to take [itex]n> 1/\epsilon[/itex].

Other than that, it looks good to me.

Putting it all together:

Let [tex]\epsilon > 0[/tex] be given

Let [tex]{{n} > \frac{1}{\epsilon}-3[/tex]

Then: [tex]{\left|\frac{n}{n^2+3n+1}\right| - 0 = \frac{n}{n^2+3n+1} < \frac{n}{n^2+3n} = \frac{1}{n+3} < {\epsilon }[/tex]

Therefore [tex]\left|\frac{n}{n^2+3n+1}-0\right| < \epsilon[/tex]
QED

Am I going about this the right way?
 
HallsofIvy said:
Since [itex]\epsilon-3< 1/\epsilon[/itex] it would be sufficient to take [itex]n> 1/\epsilon[/itex].

I don't follow that. How did you get [itex]\epsilon-3< 1/\epsilon[/itex] and why can you take [itex]n> 1/\epsilon[/itex] from it?
 
I think HallsOfIvy meant [tex]1/\epsilon - 3 < 1/\epsilon[/tex]
 

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