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

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a mathematical problem involving a recurrence relation defined for a sequence \(a_n\) where \(a_n > 0\) for all \(n\). The initial conditions are provided as \(a_1 = 1\) and \(a_2 = 3\), and the recurrence relation is given by \(a_{n+2} = \frac{(a_{n+1})^6}{(a_n)^9}\). Participants are tasked with finding a general expression for \(a_n\).

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • Multiple participants reiterate the problem statement, emphasizing the conditions and the recurrence relation.
  • One participant expresses uncertainty about their understanding of recurrence relations, suggesting that their approach may be incorrect.
  • Another participant acknowledges the challenge nature of the problem and encourages others to attempt a solution.
  • A later reply indicates that despite initial doubts, the participant's understanding of the recurrence relation may actually be correct.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on a solution to the problem, and participants express varying levels of confidence in their understanding of the recurrence relation. Some participants acknowledge the challenge while others express uncertainty about their contributions.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention their varying levels of experience with recurrence relations, which may affect their interpretations and proposed solutions. There is also an acknowledgment of potential errors in reasoning.

Albert1
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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)
 

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