Proving "f(n) & s Have Same Sign as n Approaches Infinity

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around proving that if the limit of a sequence f(n) approaches a value s, then the limit of the cube root of that sequence also approaches the cube root of s. Participants are exploring the implications of the limit definition and the relationship between the signs of f(n) and s as n approaches infinity.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of the limit definition and the implications for the signs of f(n) and s. There is an attempt to factor expressions involving cube roots and a question about the necessary conditions for f(n) and s to have the same sign.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with some participants providing guidance on how to approach the proof and others seeking clarification on specific steps. There is an acknowledgment that further work is needed to complete the proof and to establish the relationship between the signs of f(n) and s.

Contextual Notes

Participants are operating under the constraints of a homework assignment, which may limit the information they can use or the methods they can apply. The discussion includes questioning assumptions about the behavior of the sequence as n approaches infinity.

cornstarch
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Homework Statement
if lim f(n) = s , prove that lim (f(n))^{1/3} = s^{1/3}. How do you know that as n approaches infinity, f(n) and s have the same sign. n is just an index in this case and f is not a function but a sequence.

The attempt at a solution
so we know that |f(n) - s| < epsilon, using a^3 - b^3 I can factor:
|f(n)^{1/3} - s^{1/3}|*|f(n)^{2/3} + (f(n)*s)^{1/3} + s^{1/3}| < epsilon. Divide both sides and we get |f(n)^{1/3} - s^{1/3}| < epsilon/(|f(n)^{2/3} + (f(n)*s)^{1/3} + s^{1/3}|) which proves the first part. I don't know how to argue that as n approaches infinity, f(n) and s have the same sign.
 
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You still have work to do to finish the proof of the first part.

You should have no problems showing f(n) and s have the same sign if you understand the definition of the limit. Suppose s>0. You can find an interval around s that only contains positive numbers, right? So...
 
what am i missing from the first part of the proof?
 
To prove a limit using the definition, you assume ε>0, and then show that for the appropriate choice of N, n>N implies that |f(n)-L|<ε. So first, you need to find N.
 

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