What is the value of f^{n}(x) when n approaches infinity?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the iterative function defined by f(x) = 0.6x + 2100 and seeks to express f^{n}(x) as n approaches infinity. Participants explore the implications of this iteration in the context of a finance problem, examining whether a solution exists and how to derive it.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the function f(x) and requests an expression for f^{n}(x) after n iterations, indicating uncertainty about the existence of a solution.
  • Another participant calculates f2(x) and f3(x), suggesting a pattern for fn(x) based on these iterations.
  • A subsequent post proposes a formula for f^{n}(x) involving a geometric series, but questions whether the constant should be 2100 or 3500.
  • Participants agree that the function is linear and satisfies the elementary function requirement, but there is confusion regarding the correct constant in the formula.
  • There is speculation about the limit of f^{n}(x) as n approaches infinity, with one participant suggesting a value of 5250 and another correcting it to 8750 based on the geometric series sum.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the correct constant in the formula for f^{n}(x) and the limit as n approaches infinity, indicating that the discussion remains unresolved regarding these points.

Contextual Notes

There is ambiguity regarding the constants used in the proposed formulas, and the derivation of the limit as n approaches infinity relies on assumptions about the geometric series. The discussion does not resolve these uncertainties.

Bipolarity
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Consider the function defined by
[tex]f(x) = 0.6x + 2100[/tex]

Suppose this function is iterated [itex]n[/itex] times.

Express [itex]f^{n}(x)[/itex] as an elementary function of [itex]x[/itex].

The problem is actually a simplified version of a finance problem I am trying to solve. I am not sure there is a solution so if a solution does not exist, please help me prove it.

BiP
 
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This is straightforward if you iterate a few times.
f2(x) = 0.6(0.6x + 2100) + 2100 = (0.6^2)x + 0.6*2100 + 2100
f3(x) = 0.6((0.6^2)x + 0.6*2100 + 2100) + 2100 = (0.6^3)x + (0.6^2)2100 + 0.6*2100 + 2100
This should be enough to see the general pattern for fn(x).
 
Would this be correct?

[tex]f^{n}(x) = .6^{n}x + 3500(.6^{n-1} + .6^{n-2} + .6^{n-3} + ... + .6^{0})[/tex] for [itex]n>1[/itex]

BiP
 
Yes, assuming you meant 2100 instead of 3500. It is a linear function of x, which satisfies the elementary function requirement. The constants are just rather large polynomials of 0.6.
 
slider142 said:
Yes, assuming you meant 2100 instead of 3500. It is a linear function of x, which satisfies the elementary function requirement. The constants are just rather large polynomials of 0.6.

Interesting.
What if we make [itex]n → ∞[/itex] ?

Can we simplify in that case?

My guess is that the answer will be [itex]3500*(\frac{.6}{1-.6}) = 5250[/itex].

BiP
 
Bipolarity said:
Interesting.
What if we make [itex]n → ∞[/itex] ?

Can we simplify in that case?

My guess is that the answer will be [itex]3500*(\frac{.6}{1-.6}) = 5250[/itex].

BiP

It should be 3500*(1/(1-0.6)) = 35000/4 = 8750 for the sum of the geometric series. Is 3500 the correct value? You have 2100 in its place in the first post.
 

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