Chapter 9: Problem 19
In Problems 1-20, an explicit formula for \(a_{n}\) is given. Write the first five terms of \(\left\\{a_{n}\right\\}\), determine whether the sequence converges or diverges, and, if it converges, find \(\lim _{n \rightarrow \infty} a_{n}\) \(a_{n}=\left(1+\frac{2}{n}\right)^{n / 2}\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
The sequence converges to \(e\).
Step by step solution
01
Find the First Term
Substitute \(n = 1\) into the explicit formula. \[ a_1 = \left(1 + \frac{2}{1}\right)^{1/2} = \sqrt{3} \]
02
Find the Second Term
Substitute \(n = 2\) into the explicit formula. \[ a_2 = \left(1 + \frac{2}{2}\right)^{2/2} = \sqrt{2} \]
03
Find the Third Term
Substitute \(n = 3\) into the explicit formula. \[ a_3 = \left(1 + \frac{2}{3}\right)^{3/2} = \left(\frac{5}{3}\right)^{3/2} \]
04
Find the Fourth Term
Substitute \(n = 4\) into the explicit formula. \[ a_4 = \left(1 + \frac{2}{4}\right)^{4/2} = \left(\frac{3}{2}\right)^2 \]
05
Find the Fifth Term
Substitute \(n = 5\) into the explicit formula. \[ a_5 = \left(1 + \frac{2}{5}\right)^{5/2} \]
06
Analyze Sequence Convergence
To determine convergence, consider the limit: \(\lim_{n \to \infty} \left(1 + \frac{2}{n}\right)^{n/2}\). This resembles the exponential limit form \((1+\frac{x}{n})^n \rightarrow e^x\) as \(n \to \infty\). Therefore, in our case, \[ \lim_{n \to \infty} \left(1 + \frac{2}{n}\right)^{n/2} = e^{2/2} = e \]
07
Conclusion
The first five terms of the sequence are \(\sqrt{3}, \sqrt{2}, \left(\frac{5}{3}\right)^{3/2}, \left(\frac{3}{2}\right)^2, \left(1+\frac{2}{5}\right)^{5/2}\). The sequence converges, and the limit is \(e\).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Sequence Convergence
To understand sequence convergence, imagine tracing the path of a bouncing ball settling down. Just like how the ball eventually comes to rest, a convergent sequence steadily approaches a particular value, called the limit. In mathematical terms, when the terms of a sequence get closer and closer to a single number as the sequence progresses, we say it converges.
- A sequence is considered convergent if it approaches a specific limit as it extends to infinity.
- The opposite of this is a divergent sequence, which doesn't approach any particular value.
Limit of a Sequence
The limit of a sequence helps identify the ultimate number a sequence approaches. Establishing the limit is like answering a question about the long-term behavior of a sequence. The limit exists if, after a certain point, all sequence terms become indistinguishably close to some specific number.
To find the limit of the sequence \( a_n=\left(1+\frac{2}{n}\right)^{n/2} \), we relate it to the exponential form \((1 + \frac{x}{n})^n\) which converges to \(e^x\) as \(n\) approaches infinity. Using this principle, we rewrite the sequence limit as \(e^{2/2} = e\). Hence, the sequence converges to \(e\).
To find the limit of the sequence \( a_n=\left(1+\frac{2}{n}\right)^{n/2} \), we relate it to the exponential form \((1 + \frac{x}{n})^n\) which converges to \(e^x\) as \(n\) approaches infinity. Using this principle, we rewrite the sequence limit as \(e^{2/2} = e\). Hence, the sequence converges to \(e\).
- Analyzing the limit of a sequence is crucial to determine if a sequence converges or not.
- The process involves examining the behavior of the terms as \( n \) tends to infinity.
Exponential Function
The exponential function, denoted as \( e^x \), is a powerful tool in mathematics. This function is defined as the limit of \((1 + \frac{x}{n})^n\) as \( n \to \infty \). It's crucial in understanding growth processes and compound-interest calculations.
An interesting property of the exponential function is its connection to limits of sequences, much like the one in the problem. The sequence \( \left(1+\frac{2}{n}\right)^{n/2} \) reflects this concept, approaching \( e \) by employing these foundational exponential properties.
An interesting property of the exponential function is its connection to limits of sequences, much like the one in the problem. The sequence \( \left(1+\frac{2}{n}\right)^{n/2} \) reflects this concept, approaching \( e \) by employing these foundational exponential properties.
- Exponential functions have applications in growth models across different fields.
- The foundational connection between sequences and \( e \) arises from limits related to the exponential function.