Proving limits for converging sequences

In summary, to prove the square root of a sequence of non-negative real numbers (an) is equal to the square root of a, you can use the fact that (1+h)^n > 1+nh (corollary) and work with this information to get the desired result. This can be applied to the case where a=0, but may require more steps for the case where a>0.
  • #1
Ed Quanta
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0
If a general statement like an->a where (an) is a sequence of non negative real numbers, how would we prove the sqare root an->the square root of a.

When a=0, this can easily be done. But I don't see how this is possible from the given information for the case where a>0. Thanks for any help or suggestions.
 
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  • #2
Hello

Use the fact that ( 1+ h ) ^ n > 1 + nh (corollary). We know that the sequence (an) is non negative, hence 1 + h is positive. Work of this, and you should be able to get the desired result. Try using this corollary for an = (nth rooth of n)
 
  • #3


To prove the limit for the case where a>0, we can use the definition of a limit for a converging sequence. According to the definition, for any positive number ε, there exists a natural number N such that for all n≥N, the absolute difference between an and a is less than ε. In other words, |an-a|<ε.

Now, let's consider the sequence (√an) where an is a sequence of non-negative real numbers. We want to show that (√an) converges to √a. So, for any positive number ε, we need to find a natural number N such that for all n≥N, |√an-√a|<ε.

First, we can rewrite |√an-√a| as |√an-√a|/|√an+√a| * |√an+√a|. Since an>0, we know that √an+√a>0. So, we can choose N such that for all n≥N, |√an-√a|/|√an+√a|<ε/√an+√a. This means that |√an-√a|<ε/√an+√a * |√an+√a| = ε.

Hence, for any positive number ε, we have found a natural number N such that for all n≥N, |√an-√a|<ε. This satisfies the definition of a limit and proves that (√an) converges to √a.

In summary, to prove the limit for a converging sequence (√an), we need to use the definition of a limit and manipulate the expression to show that it satisfies the definition. In this case, we used the fact that (√an+√a)>0 to simplify the expression and find a suitable N.
 

1. What is a converging sequence?

A converging sequence is a sequence of numbers that approaches a specific value as the number of terms in the sequence increases. This value is known as the limit of the sequence.

2. How do you prove the limit of a converging sequence?

To prove the limit of a converging sequence, you need to show that for any small positive number, there exists a corresponding term in the sequence that is within that distance from the limit. This can be done using mathematical techniques such as the epsilon-delta definition or the squeeze theorem.

3. What is the epsilon-delta definition?

The epsilon-delta definition is a mathematical method for proving the limit of a converging sequence. It states that for any small positive number (epsilon), there exists a corresponding term in the sequence (delta) such that all terms after that term will be within epsilon distance from the limit.

4. What is the squeeze theorem?

The squeeze theorem is another mathematical method for proving the limit of a converging sequence. It states that if a sequence is between two other sequences that have the same limit, then the middle sequence also has the same limit.

5. Can a sequence have multiple limits?

No, a sequence can only have one limit. If a sequence has multiple limits, then it is known as a diverging sequence, meaning it does not approach a specific value as the number of terms increases.

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