Technical question regarding showing sqrt(n+1) - sqrt(n) converges to 0

  • Thread starter Thread starter gmn
  • Start date Start date
Join the discussion
Registration is free. Ask a follow-up in this thread, or start your own.
2 replies · 25K views
gmn
Messages
4
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



show the sequence sn= (n+1)1/2 - n1/2 converges to zero

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I don't have that much of a problem showing the limit goes to zero, rationalize the numerator (or whatever it's called) to get (n+1)1/2 - n1/2 = 1/((n+1)1/2 + n1/2). My question is that I show this goes to zero because sn<1/n(1/2) which goes to zero, but my professor provides a solution where he writes sn<1/2(n1/2). I don't understand why the 2 is there. Is saying that sn<1/(n1/2) insufficient or not true?

Thanks
 
Physics news on Phys.org
both are true, and sufficient to show it converges to zero, the 2nd is just a little tighter

how about this, as
[tex](n+1)^{1/2} > n^{1/2}[/tex]
then
[tex]\frac{1}{s_n} = n^{1/2} + (n+1)^{1/2} > n^{1/2} + n^{1/2} = 2n^{1/2}[/tex]
then inverting
[tex]s_n = \frac{1}{n^{1/2} + (n+1)^{1/2}} < \frac{1}{n^{1/2} + n^{1/2}} = \frac{1}{2n^{1/2}}[/tex]
 
[tex]\sqrt{n+1}+\sqrt{n}> 2 \sqrt{n}[/tex].
taking the inverse on both sides yields
[tex]\frac{1}{\sqrt{n+1}+\sqrt{n}} < \frac{1}{2 \sqrt{n}}[/tex]
your professor is just using a smaller upper bound for [tex]s_n[/tex]. professors like to use bounds that are as small as possible:smile: