This Proof is right about sums and limits?

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This discussion centers on the convergence of sequences defined by polynomial equations, specifically examining the limits of the roots of equations such as x^n - x^(n-1) - ... - 1 = 0 as n approaches infinity. Participants assert that the limit approaches 2, while others argue that the series diverges. The conversation also touches on the use of geometric series formulas and the validity of inductive reasoning in this context. Key points include the transformation of the polynomial equation into a geometric series and the implications of using infinity in mathematical proofs.

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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.
 
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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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