What Values of x Allow Convergence in a Geometric Sequence of Sine Functions?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the values of x for which a geometric sequence involving sine functions converges. The specific sequence under consideration is sin(x), sin(2x), and so forth, with a focus on convergence criteria within the interval (0, π).

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the convergence of the sequence by analyzing the ratio q = sin(2x)/sin(x) and its implications for convergence. There is discussion about the nature of the sequence and whether it fits the definition of a geometric sequence. Some participants question the assumptions made regarding the convergence criteria and the interpretation of the sequence's terms.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants clarifying definitions and exploring various interpretations of the sequence. Some guidance has been offered regarding the conditions for convergence, and there is an ongoing examination of the implications of different values of x on the limit of the sequence.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of potential translation issues affecting the understanding of the problem. Participants are also grappling with the implications of the sequence's structure and the conditions under which it converges, including the significance of the ratio q.

Matejxx1
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Homework Statement


given a geometric sequence sin(x),sin(2x), . . .
c) find for which values of x∈(0,π) this sequence converges and calculate its limit

Homework Equations


|q|<1 or -1<q<1

The Attempt at a Solution


Ok so in part a) and b) i calculated the quotient and found out that
q=sin2x/sinx
q=(2*cos(x)*sin(x))/(sin(x))
q=2*cos(x)
so know i tried to figure out for which values x will converge
|q|<1
-1<q<1
-1<2*cos(x)<1 /:2
-1/2<cos(x)<1/2
2π/3>x>π/3
which means that the sequence will converge when the angle is anywhere between 120° and 60°
However I'm unsure now how to continue to find the limit because I've never seen an example where the value x isin't exactly defined
could someone show me how this is done or give me some kind of a hit or check if I made a mistake somewhere inbetween
Thanks
 
Last edited:
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What makes you think that is s geometric sequence?

Also, you use both the terms series and sequence. Which is it?
 
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I'm really sorry I made a mistake while translating the text into english.
Also it is written in the problem that this is a geometric sequence
 
And the sequence is sin(x), 2 cos(x)sin(x), 4cos^2(x)sin(x), 8 cos^3(x)sin(x), ... ?
Yes, the "geometric sequence a, ar, ar^2, ar^3, ... converges for -1< r< 1 and converges to a/(1- r). Here you are saying that a= sin(x) and r= 2cos(x).
 
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Matejxx1 said:
I'm really sorry I made a mistake while translating the text into english.
Also it is written in the problem that this is a geometric sequence
Perhaps there is a problem in translation, but clearly ##sin(nx)## is not in general a geometric sequence. Take ##x = \pi/2## for example.
 
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Perhaps it will be better if I write the whole problem out not just the last step I'll try to do that right now
 
HallsofIvy said:
And the sequence is sin(x), 2 cos(x)sin(x), 4cos^2(x)sin(x), 8 cos^3(x)sin(x), ... ?
yes that's the sequence.
HallsofIvy said:
converges to a/(1- r). Here you are saying that a= sin(x) and r= 2cos(x).
but woudn't that just give me the sum of all elements of the sequence?
Edit :
I asked my profesor if he could give me the solutions and he didn't have much time but I did get to take a picture if this helps in any way
20160118_105655.jpg

so the solutions to 5 c)
are π/3 ≤ x < 2*π/3 --------- it is the same that I got but I don't know why there is an equal sign?
x=π/3 ----------- the limit is sqrt(3)/2
π/3 < x < 2*π/3 the limit is 0 <------------------- i get this because if -1< r< 1 the sequence converges to 0
Could someone explain the equal sign in the first inequality
 
So, the question is: For which values of x does the geometric sequence converge:

##sinx, sinx(2cosx), sinx(2cosx)^2 \dots##
 
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yes basically
 
  • #10
Matejxx1 said:
yes basically
Why do you think ##|q| < 1##?
 
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  • #11
Well, I though if the series converges the sequence would converge as well.
Therefore I went ahead and wrote that |q|<1
 
  • #12
Many sequences converge when the corresponding series does not.

What about #q =1##?
 
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  • #13
Hmmm, now that you pointed it out if q=1 the limit of the sequence would simply be sin(x)
 
  • #14
Matejxx1 said:

Homework Statement


given a geometric sequence sin(x),sin(2x), . . .
c) find for which values of x∈(0,π) this sequence converges and calculate its limit

Is the sequence
sin(x), sin(2x), sin(3x), sin(4x), sin(5x), ...
or is it
sin(x), sin(x), sin(4x), sin(8x), sin(16x), ...?
 
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  • #15
the sequence is
sin(x), sin(x)*2cos(x), sin(x)*(2*cos(x))2, sin(x)*(2*cos(x))3, sin(x)*(2*cos(x))4, . . .
 
  • #16
PeroK said:
Many sequences converge when the corresponding series does not.

What about #q =1##?
i think I get it now
the sequence
an=sin(x)*(2*cos(x))n-1 will converge when either |2*cos(x)|<1--------- when that is true the sequence will converge to 0
or when 2*cos(x)=1
2*cos(x)>1 this is not possbile because a limit would not exist here
2*cos(x)=-1 because the limit doesn't exist here either
am I correct about this?
 
  • #17
Matejxx1 said:
i think I get it now
the sequence
an=sin(x)*(2*cos(x))n-1 will converge when either |2*cos(x)|<1--------- when that is true the sequence will converge to 0
or when 2*cos(x)=1
2*cos(x)>1 this is not possbile because a limit would not exist here
2*cos(x)=-1 because the limit doesn't exist here either
am I correct about this?
Yes.
 

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