What are the sub sequances here

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around identifying subsequences within a given sequence of fractions, specifically focusing on the patterns in the numerators and denominators. Participants are exploring the nature of these subsequences and their properties.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Problem interpretation, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the infinite nature of subsequences and the challenge of identifying specific patterns. Some note the increasing denominators and varying numerators, while others express difficulty in establishing a formula for the subsequences.

Discussion Status

There is ongoing exploration of different subsequences and their positions within the original sequence. Some participants have suggested specific subsequences, while others are questioning the clarity of the original problem and seeking more precise definitions.

Contextual Notes

Participants are grappling with the implications of infinite subsequences and the potential for multiple limits, raising questions about convergence and the nature of the sequence itself.

transgalactic
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1/2 , 1/3 , 2/3 , 1/4 , 2/4 , 3/4 , 1/5 ,2/5 ,3/5 ,4/5 ...

i can't see the patterns here?
 
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There are infinitely many subsequences of any sequence: just delete some elements.

For the pattern, first look at the denominators only, and then look at how the numerators change for each denominator.
 
ok i see numbers
1/2 2/3 3/4
a1 a3 a6
but they don't have constant gap between then

so i can't do a formula for that
 
Last edited:
I see two things going on here... the denominator increases, and with each new denominator d a sum of 1/d to (d-1)/d fractions. If you are familiar with programming this sequence would easily be described with a nested loop.

That should get you started ;)
 
i see that too but i need to break into sUb sequences

what you say doesn't help me with that
 
As previously stated there are infinite subsequences in this sequence... is the original question more specific?
 
ok i need at least two
and their location n(k) formula
 
transgalactic said:
ok i see numbers
1/2 2/3 3/4
a1 a3 a6
but they don't have constant gap between then

so i can't do a formula for that

To describe the sequence 1, 3, 6, 10, 15, ...,

n(1) = 1
n(2) = n(1) + 2
n(3) = n(2) + 3
...
n(k) = ?

If you are familiar with Pascal's triangle, you can get a "nicer" expression from it.
 
this is a recursion
i need linear n(k) formula
 
  • #10
edit:

Take the numbers with numerator 1. They clearly form the sub-sequence 1/(k+1) k=1...∞

Now, these occur at:
1/2 -> position 1
1/3 -> position 2
1/4 -> position 4
1/5 -> position 7
1/6 -> position 11
1/n -> position ??

Hint: the distance between positions increases by one every time
Double hint: ½n² + ½n + 1
 
Last edited:
  • #11
transgalactic said:
1/2 , 1/3 , 2/3 , 1/4 , 2/4 , 3/4 , 1/5 ,2/5 ,3/5 ,4/5 ...

i can't see the patterns here?
One thing I see is 1/2, 2/3, 3/4, 4/5, ... which clearly converges
Another is 1/3, 1/4, 1/5, ... which also converges.

As has been pointed out there are an infinite number of subsequences in any sequence. Perhaps a better question would be, "What are the subsequential limits?"
 
  • #12
i need to find the sub sequences in order to find their limits
so there may be endless number of limits

unless this series converges
in which case all of the sub sequences limits equal
the limit of the sequence

what to do in this case:
1/2 , 1/3 , 2/3 , 1/4 , 2/4 , 3/4 , 1/5 ,2/5 ,3/5 ,4/5 ...

??
 

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