Why does the limit(n->∞) sqrt(n)/(sqrt(n)+sqrt(n+1)) equal 1/(1+sqrt(1-1/n))?

  • Thread starter Thread starter h0p3d545
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Limits
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around understanding a limit related to the limit comparison test in calculus, specifically the limit as n approaches infinity of the expression sqrt(n)/(sqrt(n)+sqrt(n+1)). Participants are exploring the transformation of this limit into a different form, lim(n->∞) 1/(1+sqrt(1-1/n)).

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the limit comparison test and its application to series convergence. There is an attempt to understand how to manipulate the expression to reach a specific form. Some participants suggest factoring out sqrt(n) from the terms in the denominator to simplify the limit.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants sharing their thoughts on the manipulation of the limit expression. Some have expressed understanding of the transformation process, while others are still questioning the reasoning behind the steps taken to arrive at the final form.

Contextual Notes

Participants are preparing for a calculus test and are referencing specific forms and rules from their studies, indicating a focus on the limit comparison test and series convergence. There is a noted uncertainty about the reasoning behind certain algebraic manipulations.

h0p3d545
Messages
3
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


I am studying for a calculus test tomorrow on this website (http://archives.math.utk.edu/visual.calculus/6/index.html). I am working on the limit comparison test problems but I am unfamiliar with the form they use in their solutions. For example:
Limit comparison test (prove convergence / divergence)
Series (from n=1 to ∞) 1/(sqrt(n)+sqrt(n+1))

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


Series (from n=1 to ∞) 1/(sqrt(n)+sqrt(n+1)) compare to Series (from n=1 to ∞) 1/sqrt(n), which we know diverges by the p-series test (p=.5, p<1)
Let an = 1/(sqrt(n)+sqrt(n+1)) and bn = 1/sqrt(n)
lim(n->∞) an/bn
= lim(n->∞) 1/(sqrt(n)+sqrt(n+1)) / 1/sqrt(n)
= lim(n->∞) sqrt(n)/(sqrt(n)+sqrt(n+1))

I can see why this limit is 1/2 but I don't understand how the solution to the problem ended up in the form
lim(n->∞) 1/(1+sqrt(1-1/n)) = 1/2
I can tell by the other solutions that this form is a rule of sorts but I don't know what it is.
Thank you for the help.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
h0p3d545 said:

Homework Statement


I am studying for a calculus test tomorrow on this website (http://archives.math.utk.edu/visual.calculus/6/index.html). I am working on the limit comparison test problems but I am unfamiliar with the form they use in their solutions. For example:
Limit comparison test (prove convergence / divergence)
Series (from n=1 to ∞) 1/(sqrt(n)+sqrt(n+1))

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


Series (from n=1 to ∞) 1/(sqrt(n)+sqrt(n+1)) compare to Series (from n=1 to ∞) 1/sqrt(n), which we know diverges by the p-series test (p=.5, p<1)
Let an = 1/(sqrt(n)+sqrt(n+1)) and bn = 1/sqrt(n)
lim(n->∞) an/bn
= lim(n->∞) 1/(sqrt(n)+sqrt(n+1)) / 1/sqrt(n)
= lim(n->∞) sqrt(n)/(sqrt(n)+sqrt(n+1))

I can see why this limit is 1/2 but I don't understand how the solution to the problem ended up in the form
lim(n->∞) 1/(1+sqrt(1-1/n)) = 1/2
I can tell by the other solutions that this form is a rule of sorts but I don't know what it is.
Thank you for the help.
Factor ##\sqrt{n}## from the two terms of ##\sqrt{n}## + ##\sqrt{n + 1}##.
 
OH. so if you multiply
sqrt(n)/(sqrt(n)+sqrt(n+1)) by (1/sqrt(n))/(1/sqrt(n)) you get 1/(sqrt(n)+sqrt(n+1))/sqrt(n) which can simplify to 1/(sqrt(n/n)+sqrt(n/n+1/n)) or 1/(1+sqrt(1+1/n))
 
h0p3d545 said:
OH. so if you multiply
sqrt(n)/(sqrt(n)+sqrt(n+1)) by (1/sqrt(n))/(1/sqrt(n)) you get 1/(sqrt(n)+sqrt(n+1))/sqrt(n) which can simplify to 1/(sqrt(n/n)+sqrt(n/n+1/n)) or 1/(1+sqrt(1+1/n))
No, it's simpler than that. Just factor ##\sqrt{n}## out of the numerator and denominator. The ##\sqrt{n}## factors can be cancelled, and you're left with the form you see in the solution.
 
Oh, ok. I understand. Thank you!
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
3K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Replies
14
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K