Chapter 8: Problem 64
Use Theorem 8.6 to find the limit of the following sequences or state that they diverge. $$\left\\{\frac{3^{n}}{n !}\right\\}$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
Answer: The sequence converges.
Step by step solution
01
Write down the sequence
The given sequence is:
$$\left\\{\frac{3^{n}}{n!}\right\\}$$
02
Apply Ratio Test
To apply the Ratio Test, we need to find the limit of the ratio of consecutive terms:
$$\lim_{n\to\infty} \left|\frac{a_{n+1}}{a_n}\right|$$
Plug the expressions for \(a_{n+1}\) and \(a_n\) of the given sequence into the equation:
$$\lim_{n\to\infty} \left|\frac{\frac{3^{n+1}}{(n+1)!}}{\frac{3^n}{n!}}\right|$$
03
Simplify the Ratio
Now, we need to simplify the ratio by canceling common terms:
$$\lim_{n\to\infty} \left|\frac{3^{n+1}n!}{3^n(n+1)!}\right|$$
Divide both numerator and denominator by \(3^n\):
$$\lim_{n\to\infty} \left|\frac{3n!}{(n+1)!}\right|$$
04
Cancel out the factorial terms
Since \((n+1)! = (n+1)n!\), we can cancel out the factorial terms in the ratio:
$$\lim_{n\to\infty} \left|\frac{3n!}{(n+1)n!}\right| = \lim_{n\to\infty} \left|\frac{3}{n+1}\right|$$
05
Find the limit
Evaluate the limit of the simplified expression as n tends to infinity:
$$\lim_{n\to\infty} \left|\frac{3}{n+1}\right| = 0$$
Since the limit is less than 1, by the Ratio Test, the sequence converges.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Limit of a sequence
In mathematics, the limit of a sequence describes the value that the terms of a sequence "approach" as the index (usually denoted as \( n \)) becomes infinitely large. To understand this, picture a sequence as an infinite list of numbers. As you progress towards infinity, if these numbers get closer and closer to a specific value, we say that the sequence has a limit.
For example, in the sequence given in the exercise, \( \left\{\frac{3^n}{n!}\right\} \), we are interested in understanding what happens as \( n \) grows larger. Using specific mathematical techniques like the Ratio Test, one can determine the behavior of a sequence at infinity. When the limit exists and leads to a particular finite number, the sequence converges to that limit.
For example, in the sequence given in the exercise, \( \left\{\frac{3^n}{n!}\right\} \), we are interested in understanding what happens as \( n \) grows larger. Using specific mathematical techniques like the Ratio Test, one can determine the behavior of a sequence at infinity. When the limit exists and leads to a particular finite number, the sequence converges to that limit.
Ratio Test
The Ratio Test is a powerful tool used in calculus to determine the convergence or divergence of sequences and series. The test revolves around examining the ratio of consecutive terms within a sequence.
To apply the Ratio Test:
To apply the Ratio Test:
- Take the absolute value of the ratio of the \((n+1)\)-th term to the \(n\)-th term: \( \lim_{n\to\infty} \left| \frac{a_{n+1}}{a_n} \right| \).
- Simplify the expression as much as possible.
- Calculate the limit of this simplified ratio as \( n \to \infty \).
Convergence and divergence
Convergence and divergence describe whether a sequence or series approaches a specific value as it continues indefinitely. These concepts are fundamental in the analysis of sequences.
- **Convergence:** A sequence converges when it approaches a definite limit as \( n \to \infty \). This means the terms of the sequence become arbitrarily close to a specific number.
- **Divergence:** A sequence diverges if it fails to settle on a single number. This could mean the terms grow without bound, oscillate, or have no discernible pattern.