Chapter 5: Problem 44
For the following sequences, plot the first 25 terms of the sequence and state whether the graphical evidence suggests that the sequence converges or diverges. \([\mathbf{T}] a_{n}=\sin n\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
The sequence \(a_n = \sin n\) diverges as it fluctuates without convergence.
Step by step solution
01
Understanding the Sequence
The sequence given is \(a_n = \sin n\), where \(n\) is a positive integer. For each natural number \(n\), we take the sine of \(n\), which outputs a real number within the interval [-1, 1].
02
Calculate the First 25 Values
Calculate the sine of each integer from \(n = 1\) to \(n = 25\). For example, \(a_1 = \sin 1\), \(a_2 = \sin 2\), and so on until \(a_{25} = \sin 25\).
03
Plot the Sequence
Plot these 25 values on a graph, with the term number \(n\) on the x-axis and \(a_n\) on the y-axis. This will help visualize how the sequence behaves over these terms.
04
Analyze the Plot
Examine the graph to see if the sequence appears to settle towards a particular value as \(n\) increases or if it continues to fluctuate without settling down.
05
Determine Convergence or Divergence
Since \(\sin n\) does not become closer to a single value as \(n\) increases and instead fluctuates between -1 and 1 without repeating periodically for integers, it suggests that the sequence does not converge. Therefore, the graphical evidence points to divergence.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Sine Function
The sine function, denoted as \( ext{sin}(x)\), is a crucial concept in trigonometry. It takes an angle \(x\) as input and returns its sine, a value that lies within the interval
- [-1, 1]. The sine of an angle corresponds to the y-coordinate of a unit circle.
- This means when you graph the sine function, you get a smooth waveform that oscillates between its maximum, 1, and its minimum, -1.
Graphical Analysis
Graphical analysis involves plotting terms of a sequence to observe its behavior visually. This is particularly helpful in detecting convergence or divergence.
- For the sequence \(a_n = \sin n\), plotting the values for \(n = 1\) to \(n = 25\) allows us to see if the sequence comes nearer to a particular point.
- In this case, each point on the graph corresponds to the sine of its respective integer \(n\).
Sequence Behavior
Sequence behavior refers to how the terms of a sequence change as you progress through them. This behavior can be convergent, divergent, or oscillatory.
- A convergent sequence's terms get closer to a specific value.
- Divergence, on the other hand, means the terms do not approach a particular value.
- The sine sequence, \(a_n = \sin n\), demonstrates oscillatory behavior.
Mathematical Sequences
Mathematical sequences are ordered lists of numbers following a specific rule. Each number in the sequence is called a term.
- Sequences can be defined by formulas (as in \(a_n = \sin n\)) or by relationships between consecutive terms.
- Analyzing a sequence often involves exploring whether it converges, diverges, or shows another distinct pattern.