/*! This file is auto-generated */ .wp-block-button__link{color:#fff;background-color:#32373c;border-radius:9999px;box-shadow:none;text-decoration:none;padding:calc(.667em + 2px) calc(1.333em + 2px);font-size:1.125em}.wp-block-file__button{background:#32373c;color:#fff;text-decoration:none} Problem 17 Find the limit of the following ... [FREE SOLUTION] | 91Ó°ÊÓ

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Find the limit of the following sequences or determine that the limit does not exist. $$\left\\{\frac{\tan ^{-1} n}{n}\right\\}$$

Short Answer

Expert verified
Answer: The limit of the given sequence as \(n\) approaches infinity is 0.

Step by step solution

01

Identify the limit

In this problem, we are looking to find the limit of the sequence \(\left\{\frac{\tan ^{-1} n}{n}\right\}\) as \(n\) approaches infinity. In notation, we are solving for: $$\lim_{n\to\infty} \frac{\tan^{-1} n}{n}$$
02

Use Squeeze Theorem

To compare the given sequence with some other known limits, we will use the Squeeze theorem. The Squeeze theorem states that if we have a sequence \(a_n\) such that \(b_n \leq a_n \leq c_n\), and \(\lim_{n\to\infty} b_n = \lim_{n\to\infty} c_n = L\), then \(\lim_{n\to\infty} a_n = L\) as well. To apply the Squeeze theorem, we need to find some sequences \(b_n\) and \(c_n\) such that they are less than and greater than \(\frac{\tan ^{-1} n}{n}\). In particular, we must use a property of arctangent to relate it with another known function.
03

Exploit arctangent property

By using the arctangent function's property, we know that for all \(x\geq 0\), we have: $$0\leq \tan^{-1} x \leq \frac{\pi}{2}$$ Since our sequence involves positive integers \(n\), we have: $$0\leq \tan^{-1} n \leq \frac{\pi}{2}$$ Now divide each part by \(n\): $$\frac{0}{n}\leq \frac{\tan^{-1} n}{n} \leq \frac{\pi}{2n}$$ We now have a lower bound of 0 and an upper bound of \(\frac{\pi}{2n}\) for our given sequence. This will help us to find its limit.
04

Determine the limit

Applying the Squeeze theorem, we have sequences \(b_n = 0\) and \(c_n = \frac{\pi}{2n}\) bounding our given sequence. Let's find the limits of these sequences as \(n\) approaches infinity: $$\lim_{n\to\infty} 0 = 0$$ $$\lim_{n\to\infty} \frac{\pi}{2n} = 0$$ As both the lower bound and the upper bound's limits approach 0, using the Squeeze theorem, we can conclude that the limit of the given sequence is also 0: $$\lim_{n\to\infty} \frac{\tan^{-1} n}{n} = 0$$

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Squeeze Theorem
Understanding the Squeeze Theorem is crucial when evaluating the limits of sequences. When faced with a tricky sequence, sometimes it's not apparent what the limit is. That's where the Squeeze Theorem, also known as the Sandwich Theorem, comes in handy. It's based on a pretty straightforward idea: if a sequence is 'squeezed' between two others that have the same limit, then the squeezed sequence must converge to that same limit too.

Here's the formal scoop: suppose you have three sequences, \(a_n\), \(b_n\), and \(c_n\). If \(b_n \leq a_n \leq c_n\) for all sufficiently large \(n\) and both \(b_n\) and \(c_n\) converge to the same limit \(L\) as \(n \to \infty\), then \(a_n\) also converges to \(L\). What this means for you: if you can sandwich your tricky sequence between two simpler buddies that you know converge to a specific limit, you've got your answer!
Arctangent Properties
The arctangent function, denoted as \(\tan^{-1} x\) or \(\arctan x\), has some nifty characteristics that are quite useful when dealing with limits of sequences. First off, the arctangent of any real number \(x\) is the angle in radians whose tangent is \(x\). This angle always falls between \(\frac{-\pi}{2}\) and \(\frac{\pi}{2}\).

Moreover, when you're dealing with positive values of \(x\) (which is the case in our sequence with positive \(n\)), the range of \(\arctan x\) is from 0 to \(\frac{\pi}{2}\). This means with larger and larger values of \(x\), \(\arctan x\) approaches \(\frac{\pi}{2}\) but never actually reaches it. That's how we know our \(\arctan n\) is always going to be squeezed between 0 and \(\frac{\pi}{2}\), giving us a solid starting point for using the Squeeze Theorem while working with such sequences.
Infinite Sequences
Infinite sequences are like never-ending lists of numbers with a specific order. They keep going and going, much like the Energizer Bunny. But unlike a toy that eventually runs out of juice, these sequences extend indefinitely. The numbers in the sequence are usually denoted as \(a_1, a_2, a_3, \dots, a_n\), where \(a_n\) represents the \(n\)-th term and \((n\) is any positive integer.

Now, not all infinite sequences play nice. Some travel towards infinity without approaching any particular value. We call those 'divergent.' But others, the ones we're usually interested in, approach a specific number as \(n\) gets larger and larger. This number they're huddling towards is what we call the 'limit,' and such well-behaved sequences are known as 'convergent.' Analyzing the behavior of sequences as they grow indefinitely is essential in calculus, especially when trying to understand function behavior and finding areas under curves.
Convergence of Sequences
Now for the grand finale of sequences: convergence. A sequence converging is kind of like a dog that - no matter how many times you throw the ball - always runs back to the same spot. A sequence converges if its terms approach a specific number, which we call the sequence's limit.

To say that a sequence \(\{a_n\}\) converges to a limit \(L\) formally, we mean that for every teeny-tiny, positive number \(\epsilon\) you can think of, there's a term in the sequence after which all subsequent terms stay within \(\epsilon\) of \(L\). In other words, those terms are so close to \(L\) that the difference is smaller than any positive \(\epsilon\) you choose. If we can't find such a nice, cozy number that our sequence cuddles up to (aka a limit), then we say the sequence diverges. The beauty of infinite sequences in mathematics is watching them either converge to a finite value or witnessing their wild ride to infinity (divergence).

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Consider the following sequences defined by a recurrence relation. Use a calculator, analytical methods, and/or graphing to make a conjecture about the limit of the sequence or state that the sequence diverges. $$a_{n+1}=\frac{1}{2} a_{n}+2 ; a_{0}=5$$

The Riemann zeta function is the subject of extensive research and is associated with several renowned unsolved problems. It is defined by \(\zeta(x)=\sum_{k=1}^{\infty} \frac{1}{k^{x}} .\) When \(x\) is a real number, the zeta function becomes a \(p\) -series. For even positive integers \(p,\) the value of \(\zeta(p)\) is known exactly. For example, $$\sum_{k=1}^{\infty} \frac{1}{k^{2}}=\frac{\pi^{2}}{6}, \quad \sum_{k=1}^{\infty} \frac{1}{k^{4}}=\frac{\pi^{4}}{90}, \quad \text { and } \quad \sum_{k=1}^{\infty} \frac{1}{k^{6}}=\frac{\pi^{6}}{945}, \ldots$$ Use the estimation techniques described in the text to approximate \(\zeta(3)\) and \(\zeta(5)\) (whose values are not known exactly) with a remainder less than \(10^{-3}\).

Consider the following infinite series. a. Write out the first four terms of the sequence of partial sums. b. Estimate the limit of \(\left\\{S_{n}\right\\}\) or state that it does not exist. $$\sum_{k=1}^{\infty} \frac{3}{10^{k}}$$

Determine whether the following statements are true and give an explanation or counterexample. a. \(\sum_{k=1}^{\infty}\left(\frac{\pi}{e}\right)^{-k}\) is a convergent geometric series. b. If \(a\) is a real number and \(\sum_{k=12}^{\infty} a^{k}\) converges, then \(\sum_{k=1}^{\infty} a^{k}\) converges. If the series \(\sum_{k=1}^{\infty} a^{k}\) converges and \(|a|<|b|,\) then the series \(\sum_{k=1}^{\infty} b^{k}\) converges. d. Viewed as a function of \(r,\) the series \(1+r^{2}+r^{3}+\cdots\) takes on all values in the interval \(\left(\frac{1}{2}, \infty\right)\) e. Viewed as a function of \(r,\) the series \(\sum_{k=1}^{\infty} r^{k}\) takes on all values in the interval \(\left(-\frac{1}{2}, \infty\right)\)

Consider the number \(0.555555 \ldots,\) which can be viewed as the series \(5 \sum_{k=1}^{\infty} 10^{-k} .\) Evaluate the geometric series to obtain a rational value of \(0.555555 .\) b. Consider the number \(0.54545454 \ldots\), which can be represented by the series \(54 \sum_{k=1}^{\infty} 10^{-2 k} .\) Evaluate the geometric series to obtain a rational value of the number. c. Now generalize parts (a) and (b). Suppose you are given a number with a decimal expansion that repeats in cycles of length \(p,\) say, \(n_{1}, n_{2} \ldots ., n_{p},\) where \(n_{1}, \ldots, n_{p}\) are integers between 0 and \(9 .\) Explain how to use geometric series to obtain a rational form for \(0 . \overline{n_{1}} n_{2} \cdots n_{p}\) d. Try the method of part (c) on the number \(0 . \overline{123456789}=0.123456789123456789 \ldots\) e. Prove that \(0 . \overline{9}=1\)

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