This Proof is right about sums and limits?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around the exploration of limits and sums in mathematical equations, particularly focusing on the behavior of sequences as they approach infinity. The initial claim suggests that as the number of terms increases, the limit of the equations converges to 2. However, several participants argue that the series is divergent and critique the proof provided. They emphasize the importance of proper mathematical manipulation and the inappropriateness of using infinity in certain contexts. The conversation highlights the need for clarity in mathematical reasoning and the correct application of formulas.
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
 
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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
 
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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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