Sequence based on sequential square root function

[cscott]

Express each term of the sequence \{\sqrt{2}, \sqrt{2\sqrt{2}}, \sqrt{2\sqrt{2\sqrt{2}}}, ...\} as a power of 2.

I found \{2^{\frac{1}{2}}, 2^{\frac{3}{4}}, 2^{\frac{7}{8}}, ...\} but I can't get the formula for it so I can find it's limit.

 

[Hurkyl]

Try a few more then!

Or, it might be better just to write down a way to compute the next term from the current term.

 

[cscott]

If I consider just the fractional exponents as a sequence on its own, there is no common difference or common ratio so I'm stuck in this aspect.

 

[Hurkyl]

Do you at least recognize the pattern?

 

[cscott]

The numerator and denominator go up by 2, 4, 8, 16, etc., or powers of two.

 

[cscott]

I see... so it'd be like [2^(n) - 1]/2^n ?

 

[Hurkyl]

It seems to work for the first three!

 

[VietDao29]

I see... so it'd be like [2^(n) - 1]/2^n ?

Be careful with the parentheses. It should read:
2 ^ ((2 ^ (n) - 1) / 2 ^ n), or
2 ^ {\frac{2 ^ {n} - 1}{2 ^ n}}
:)

 

[Hurkyl]

Well, I thought he was writing down the formula for the exponent, not the term of his sequence!

 

[cscott]

Well, I thought he was writing down the formula for the exponent, not the term of his sequence!

Yeah, I meant it only as the exponent.