Sequences & Limits: Finding the Limit as n->inf

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the limit of a sequence defined piecewise in terms of a variable t as n approaches infinity. The sequence is defined differently for two intervals of t, raising questions about the behavior of the sequence in these ranges.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the limit of the sequence as n approaches infinity, with one suggesting to consider a fixed point x0 in the interval [0,1] and analyze the limit at that point. There is also a clarification on the terminology used, questioning the distinction between x0 and t0.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants attempting to clarify their understanding of the sequence and its limits. Some guidance has been offered regarding the choice of points for analysis, but no consensus has been reached on the specific limit behavior.

Contextual Notes

There is a focus on the dependence of the sequence on the variable t and the implications of choosing different points within the defined intervals. Participants are navigating the definitions and implications of the sequence's behavior as n increases.

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Homework Statement



[tex]x_{n}(t) \left\{\begin{array}{cc}nt,&\mbox{ if }<br /> 0\leq t \leq \frac{1}{n}\\ \frac{1}{nt} & \mbox{ if } \frac{1}{n}\leq t \leq 1 \end{array}\right.[/tex]


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The Attempt at a Solution



Can someone help me get started finding the limit as n -> inf? I've never taken the limit of a sequence that has such a dependence on t.

For t in [0, (1/n)], the values of the sequence will range between 0 and 1, and for t in [(1/n),1], the values will range between 0 and 1 as well. It doesn't really matter how large you take n...
 
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Pick a fixed x0 in [0,1] and think about limit x_n(x0) as n->infinity. If x0 is not zero there is always an N>0 such that 1/N<x0. That means for all n>N the definition of x_n(x0) is 1/(n*x0). What's the limit at x0?
 
What do you mean by pick and x0? You mean, pick a t0?
 
Somefantastik said:
What do you mean by pick and x0? You mean, pick a t0?

t0, x0 whatever. Sure, call the point t0 if you want.
 
How about Alfred? Anyway, I think I got what you are saying. No matter what your choice for t, this function will merge to 0 as n -> inf.

thank you for your time.
 

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