Chapter 11: Problem 31
Determine whether the sequence converges or diverges, and if it converges, find the limit. $$ \left\\{2^{-n} \sin n\right\\} $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The sequence converges and its limit is 0.
Step by step solution
01
Understanding Convergence
A sequence \( \{a_n\} \) converges to a limit \( L \) if for any given \( \epsilon > 0 \), there exists a positive integer \( N \) such that for all \( n > N \), \(|a_n - L| < \epsilon \). Our task is to determine if the sequence \( a_n = 2^{-n} \sin n \) converges, and if so, to find the limit.
02
Analyze the Sequence Components
The sequence consists of two parts: \( 2^{-n} \) and \( \sin n \). As \( n \to \infty \), \( 2^{-n} \) approaches 0 because it is a geometric sequence with a ratio \( 0 < r < 1 \). The \( \sin n \) term oscillates between -1 and 1 for all values of \( n \).
03
Determine Overall Behavior of the Sequence
Since \( \sin n \) is bounded (\(-1 \leq \sin n \leq 1\)), the term \( 2^{-n} \sin n \) will be bounded by \(-2^{-n}\) and \(2^{-n}\). As \( n \to \infty \), both \(-2^{-n}\) and \(2^{-n}\) approach 0, indicating that \(a_n = 2^{-n} \sin n\) also approaches 0 due to the convergence of the zero-multiple of a bounded sequence.
04
Conclude on Convergence and Limit
By the Squeeze Theorem, \(-2^{-n} \leq 2^{-n} \sin n \leq 2^{-n}\) implies that \( a_n \to 0 \) as \( n \to \infty \). Therefore, the sequence converges, and the limit of \( \{2^{-n} \sin n\} \) is 0.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Squeeze Theorem
The Squeeze Theorem is a helpful mathematical tool to determine the convergence of sequences. It asserts that if a sequence is "squeezed" between two other sequences that both converge to the same limit, then the sequence in question also converges to that limit. In simpler terms:
- If you have three sequences, say \( a_n, b_n, \) and \( c_n \), and for all large enough \( n \), you know that \( a_n \leq b_n \leq c_n \).
- If both the sequences \( a_n \) and \( c_n \) converge to the same number \( L \), then \( b_n \) will also converge to \( L \).
Geometric Sequence
A geometric sequence is a type of sequence where each term is obtained by multiplying the previous term by a constant number, known as the common ratio. If you start with an initial term \( a_1 \) and multiply repeatedly by the ratio \( r \), the sequence can be described as:
- \( a_1, a_1r, a_1r^2, a_1r^3, \ldots \)
- If \(|r| < 1\), the sequence converges to 0 as \( n \to \infty \).
- If \(|r| = 1\), the terms stay constant or oscillate.
- If \(|r| > 1\), the sequence diverges.
Bounded Sequence
A bounded sequence is one where the terms of the sequence are contained within fixed upper and lower limits for all \( n \geq 1 \). Specifically:
Consequently, the product \( 2^{-n} \sin n \) is bounded by \(-2^{-n}\) and \(2^{-n}\). As noted in the solution, both bounds approach zero as \( n \to \infty \). The combination of being bounded and converging forms a fundamental characteristic, allowing us to utilize the Squeeze Theorem effectively to conclude that the sequence converges to zero.
- A sequence \( \{a_n\} \) is bounded from above if there exists some number \( M \) such that \( a_n \leq M \) for all \( n \).
- It is bounded from below if there exists some number \( m \) such that \( a_n \geq m \) for all \( n \).
Consequently, the product \( 2^{-n} \sin n \) is bounded by \(-2^{-n}\) and \(2^{-n}\). As noted in the solution, both bounds approach zero as \( n \to \infty \). The combination of being bounded and converging forms a fundamental characteristic, allowing us to utilize the Squeeze Theorem effectively to conclude that the sequence converges to zero.