Showing a sequence is monotonically increasing

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around proving that if \(0

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the properties of the sequence \(c_n=c^{\frac{1}{n}}\), questioning how to demonstrate that it is monotonically increasing. There is discussion about using induction versus examining the ratio \(\frac{c_{k+1}}{c_k}\) to establish the relationship between consecutive terms.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, with some suggesting different methods to show that the sequence is increasing. There is a recognition of the need to clarify the relationship between terms, and guidance has been offered regarding the use of exponent laws to simplify expressions.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about the necessity of induction and the implications of the sequence being bounded above by 1. The discussion reflects varying interpretations of the approach to take in proving the monotonicity of the sequence.

bonfire09
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Homework Statement



Prove that if ##0<c<1## then llim##c^{\frac{1}{n}}=1## using the monotone convergence theorem.

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


I let ##c_n=c^{\frac{1}{n}}## and it follows since ##0<c<1 \implies 0<c^{\frac{1}{n}}<1## Thus ##c_n## is bounded above by 1. Now I want to show that ##c_n## is monotonically increasing by induction but I am not sure how to do it. So for my base case I know I need to show ##c_1<c_2## And for my inductive case I suppose that ##c_k<c_{k+1}## and show ##c_{k+1}<c_{k+2}## which is what I am stuck on.
 
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bonfire09 said:

Homework Statement



Prove that if ##0<c<1## then llim##c^{\frac{1}{n}}=1## using the monotone convergence theorem.

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


I let ##c_n=c^{\frac{1}{n}}## and it follows since ##0<c<1 \implies 0<c^{\frac{1}{n}}<1## Thus ##c_n## is bounded above by 1. Now I want to show that ##c_n## is monotonically increasing by induction but I am not sure how to do it. So for my base case I know I need to show ##c_1<c_2## And for my inductive case I suppose that ##c_k<c_{k+1}## and show ##c_{k+1}<c_{k+2}## which is what I am stuck on.

I don't think you need induction at all. Just look at ##\frac{c_{k+1}}{c_k}##. Is it greater than 1 or less than 1?
 
Well ##\frac{c_{k+1}}{c_{k}}≥ 1##. But I'm not sure how to show that. I know that ##c_k=c^\frac{1}{k}\implies \frac{1}{c_k}=\frac{1}{c^\frac{1}{n}}≥1##. Then I am not sure from here.
 
Last edited:
bonfire09 said:
Well ##\frac{c_{k+1}}{c_{k}}≥ 1##. But I'm not sure how to show that. I know that ##c_k=c^\frac{1}{k}\implies \frac{1}{c_k}=\frac{1}{c^\frac{1}{n}}≥1##. Then I am not sure from here.

It's ##\frac{c^{1/(k+1)}}{c^{1/k}}##. Use the laws of exponents and combine them.
 
I see ##\frac{c_{k+1}}{c_{k}}=\frac{c^\frac{1}{k+1}}{c^\frac{1}{k}}=c^{\frac{1}{k+1}-\frac{1}{k}}=c^\frac{-1}{k(k+1)}## But since ##c<1## it follows ##\frac{1}{c^\frac{1}{k(k+1)}}>1##. Thanks I got it.
 

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