MHB Solve $a_n>0$ Math Problem for $a_n$ with Given Sequence

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The discussion focuses on solving the recurrence relation defined by $a_{n+2}=\dfrac {(a_{n+1})^6}{(a_n)^9}$ with initial conditions $a_1=1$ and $a_2=3$, ensuring that $a_n>0$ for all $n$. Participants express enthusiasm for tackling the challenge, with one acknowledging their beginner status in recurrence relations. There is a positive reinforcement of the correctness of the initial approach taken by a participant. The conversation emphasizes the importance of finding a valid expression for $a_n$ based on the given sequence. Overall, the thread encourages collaboration in solving the mathematical problem.
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$a_n>0, \,\, for \,\, all \,\, n$

$a_1=1,a_2=3$

$a_{n+2}=\dfrac {(a_{n+1})^6}{(a_n)^9}$

$find:\,\, a_n$
 
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Albert said:
$a_n>0, \,\, for \,\, all \,\, n$

$a_1=1,a_2=3$

$a_{n+2}=\dfrac {(a_{n+1})^6}{(a_n)^9}$

$find:\,\, a_n$

Setting $\displaystyle \lambda_{n} = \ln a_{n}$ You arrive at the difference equation...

$\displaystyle \lambda_{n+2} - 6\ \lambda_{n+1} + 9\ \lambda_{n} = 0, \ \lambda_{1}=0,\ \lambda_{2}= \ln 3\ (1)$

The general solution of (1) is...

$\displaystyle \lambda_{n} = c_{1}\ 3^{n} + c_{2}\ n\ 3^{n}\ (2)$

... where the constant $c_{1}$ and $c_{2}$ can be found from the initial conditions. Once You have the $\lambda_{n}$ then is simply $\displaystyle a_{n} = e^{\lambda_{n}}$...

Kind regards

$\chi$ $\sigma$
 
chisigma said:
Setting $\displaystyle \lambda_{n} = \ln a_{n}$ You arrive at the difference equation...

$\displaystyle \lambda_{n+2} - 6\ \lambda_{n+1} + 9\ \lambda_{n} = 0, \ \lambda_{1}=0,\ \lambda_{2}= \ln 3\ (1)$

The general solution of (1) is...

$\displaystyle \lambda_{n} = c_{1}\ 3^{n} + c_{2}\ n\ 3^{n}\ (2)$

... where the constant $c_{1}$ and $c_{2}$ can be found from the initial conditions. Once You have the $\lambda_{n}$ then is simply $\displaystyle a_{n} = e^{\lambda_{n}}$...

Kind regards

$\chi$ $\sigma$

It's a challenge question...go ahead and finish it on up, my friend! (Tongueout)
 
Albert said:
$a_n>0, \,\, for \,\, all \,\, n$

$a_1=1,a_2=3$

$a_{n+2}=\dfrac {(a_{n+1})^6}{(a_n)^9}$

$find:\,\, a_n$

I recently started with recurrence relations so expect the following to be wrong.
Take logarithm with base 3 on both the sides i.e
$$\log_3 a_{n+2}=6\log_3 a_{n+1}-9\log_3 a_n$$
Define $b_n=\log_3 a_n$ so the above relation is:
$$b_{n+2}=6b_{n+1}-9b_n$$
The characteristic polynomial of the above is $r^2-6r+9=0 \Rightarrow (r-3)^2=0$. Since the characteristic polynomial has a repeated root 3, the solution is of the form:
$$b_n=c_13^n+nc_2 3^n$$
From the initial conditions, we have: $b_1=0$ and $b_2=1$ so we have the following system of linear equation:
$$c_1+c_2=0$$
and
$$c_1+2c_2=\frac{1}{3^2}$$
Solving the above and plugging in $b_n$,
$$b_n=3^{n-2}(n-1)$$
Since $b_n=\log_3 a_n$, hence $a_n=3^{b_n}$
$$\Rightarrow b_n=3^{3^{n-2}(n-1)}$$
$\blacksquare$
 
MarkFL said:
It's a challenge question...go ahead and finish it on up, my friend! (Tongueout)

I apologize for my slovenliness:(...

We are arrived to write... $\lambda_{n} = c_{1}\ 3^{n} + c_{2}\ n\ 3^{n}\ (1)$ ... and because is $\lambda_{1}=0$ and $\lambda_{2} = \ln 3$ we obtain... $\lambda_{n}= \ln 3\ (n-1)\ 3^{n-2}\ (2)$ ... so that is... $\displaystyle a_{n}= e^{\lambda_{n}} = 3\ e^{(n-1)\ 3^{n-2}}\ (3)$

Kind regards

$\chi$ $\sigma$
 
Pranav said:
I recently started with recurrence relations so expect the following to be wrong.
Take logarithm with base 3 on both the sides i.e
$$\log_3 a_{n+2}=6\log_3 a_{n+1}-9\log_3 a_n$$
Define $b_n=\log_3 a_n$ so the above relation is:
$$b_{n+2}=6b_{n+1}-9b_n$$
The characteristic polynomial of the above is $r^2-6r+9=0 \Rightarrow (r-3)^2=0$. Since the characteristic polynomial has a repeated root 3, the solution is of the form:
$$b_n=c_13^n+nc_2 3^n$$
From the initial conditions, we have: $b_1=0$ and $b_2=1$ so we have the following system of linear equation:
$$c_1+c_2=0$$
and
$$c_1+2c_2=\frac{1}{3^2}$$
Solving the above and plugging in $b_n$,
$$b_n=3^{n-2}(n-1)$$
Since $b_n=\log_3 a_n$, hence $a_n=3^{b_n}$
$$\Rightarrow b_n=3^{3^{n-2}(n-1)}$$
$\blacksquare$
you expect the following to be wrong.but unfortunately it is correct
very nice (Yes)
 
Insights auto threads is broken atm, so I'm manually creating these for new Insight articles. In Dirac’s Principles of Quantum Mechanics published in 1930 he introduced a “convenient notation” he referred to as a “delta function” which he treated as a continuum analog to the discrete Kronecker delta. The Kronecker delta is simply the indexed components of the identity operator in matrix algebra Source: https://www.physicsforums.com/insights/what-exactly-is-diracs-delta-function/ by...

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