This Proof is right about sums and limits?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the validity of a proof related to sums and limits, specifically examining a sequence of polynomial equations and their roots as they approach infinity. Participants explore whether the limit of these roots converges to a specific value and the implications of using infinite terms in their reasoning.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a series of polynomial equations and claims that as the number of terms approaches infinity, the limit of the roots approaches 2.
  • Another participant asserts that the series is divergent, challenging the initial claim.
  • Some participants express dissatisfaction with the proof provided, suggesting that the approach is flawed.
  • There is a discussion about the application of the geometric series formula and how it relates to the limit of the roots, with one participant showing a derivation leading to a similar conclusion about the limit approaching 2.
  • Several participants emphasize that using values like infinity in the manner presented is inappropriate.
  • Questions arise regarding the steps taken in the derivation, particularly how one expression transforms into another, indicating a need for clarification on the mathematical manipulations involved.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus; there are multiple competing views regarding the validity of the proof and the treatment of infinite terms in the equations.

Contextual Notes

Some participants highlight limitations in the reasoning, particularly concerning the use of infinity and the assumptions made in the derivations. There are unresolved mathematical steps that contribute to the ongoing debate.

MAGNIBORO
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hello, sorry for bad English, i have a question.
if we consider the following equations and we take natural values note that tend 2
x-1=0 -----------------> x = 1
x^2-x-1=0 -----------------> x = 1.618033988 (golden ratio)
x^3-x^2-x-1=0 -----------------> x = 1.839286755
x^4-x^3-x^2-x-1=0 -----------------> x = 1.927561975
x^5-x^4-x^3-x^2-x-1=0 -----------------> x = 1.965948236
x^6-x^5-x^4-x^3-x^2-x-1=0 -----------------> x = 1.983582843

then we can assume that when the equation has infinite terms the answer is 2.
and reaches the following "proof" and let me know if it's right:
1 image:https://gyazo.com/49a46e56fb19b4ec7aa21594e4e78cd1
2 image:https://gyazo.com/c6b99485e6d0271c1c0bbdbaaca29d54

Besides knowing if this is OK too I wonder if this is what is called "inductive method"

thanks.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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No, you have a divergent series.
 
I don't like your proof! If you have
x^n = 1 + x+ x^2 +...+x^(n-1)
using the formula for the sum of a GP you get
x^n = (1-x^n)/(1-x), and so
x - 2 + 1/x^n =0
now you can see that as n tends to infinity x gets as close as you like to 2.
 
micromass said:
No, you have a divergent series.
I kept working and I think it gets to the real proof
https://gyazo.com/aeee169696eebe6c4357520f9dbaa837
 
Last edited by a moderator:
You cannot use values like ##\infty## or ##\infty-2## like this. Ever.
 
davidmoore63@y said:
I don't like your proof! If you have
x^n = 1 + x+ x^2 +...+x^(n-1)
using the formula for the sum of a GP you get
x^n = (1-x^n)/(1-x), and so
x - 2 + 1/x^n =0
now you can see that as n tends to infinity x gets as close as you like to 2.
I have a question.
How did you get in here
x^n = (1-x^n)/(1-x)
to here
x - 2 + 1/x^n =0
my poor mind can not compute
 
micromass said:
You cannot use values like ##\infty## or ##\infty-2## like this. Ever.
okay and this?
https://gyazo.com/39a967c89bee8109366e6f62991acf26
 
Last edited by a moderator:
MAGNIBORO said:
I have a question.
How did you get in here
x^n = (1-x^n)/(1-x)
to here
x - 2 + 1/x^n =0
my poor mind can not compute

Divide both sides by ##x^n## to get
## 1= \frac{x^{-n} - 1}{1-x}##
Multiply both sides by 1-x
##1 - x = x^{-n} -1##
Move everything to left
##0 = x^{-n} - 2 +x ##
 
pwsnafu said:
Divide both sides by ##x^n## to get
## 1= \frac{x^{-n} - 1}{1-x}##
Multiply both sides by 1-x
##1 - x = x^{-n} -1##
Move everything to left
##0 = x^{-n} - 2 +x ##
thank you very much
 

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