Questions on Convergence of Sequence {an}: Find Its Limits

  • Context: Graduate 
  • Thread starter Thread starter axe69
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Sequences
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The sequence {an} is defined recursively as a1=1 and an+1=√(1+an/2) for n=1,2,3,... This sequence converges, and its limit can be determined by taking the limit of both sides of the equation an+1=√(1+an/2). The conditions (a) a^2n-2<0 and (b) a^2a+1-a^2n>0 are related to the convergence properties of the sequence, specifically indicating that the sequence is increasing and bounded above, leading to its convergence.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of recursive sequences
  • Familiarity with limits in calculus
  • Knowledge of convergence theorems for sequences
  • Basic algebraic manipulation skills
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of increasing sequences and their convergence
  • Learn about the Squeeze Theorem in calculus
  • Explore the concept of fixed points in recursive sequences
  • Investigate the implications of bounded sequences in real analysis
USEFUL FOR

Mathematics students, educators, and anyone interested in the analysis of sequences and convergence in calculus.

axe69
Messages
3
Reaction score
0
The sequence {an} is defined by

a1=1,an+1=[tex]\sqrt{1+an/2}[/tex] ,n=1,2,3,4,...

(a) a^2n-2<0 , (b)a^2a+1-a^2n>0. deduce that{an} converges and find its limits?

please help me get the answer...
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
Are the (a) and (b) [itex]a^{2n-2}[/itex] and [itex]a^{2n-1}- a^{2n}> 0[/itex]? If so, what is "a" and what do they have to do with the given sequence?

Have you never seen any sequences like this before?? You don't seem to have even tried anything. While looking at a few terms won't prove anything, it might help you see what's happening: [itex]a_1= 1[/itex], [itex]a_2= \sqrt{1+ 1/2}= \sqrt{3/2}[/itex], [itex]a_3= \sqrt{1+ \sqrt{3/2}/2}= \sqrt{(2+ \sqrt{3/2})/2}[/itex]. Does that look like it is increasing? Do you know any theorem about convergence of increasing sequences?

As for finding the limit, what happens if you take the limit on both sides of the equation [itex]a_{n+1}= \sqrt{1+ a_n/2}[/itex]?
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K