Chapter 7: Problem 37
Solve the recurrence relation $$a_{n}=\sqrt{\frac{a_{n-2}}{a_{n-1}}}$$ with initial conditions \(a_{0}=8, a_{1}=1 /(2 \sqrt{2})\) by taking the logarithm of both sides and making the substitution \(b_{n}=\lg a_{n}\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
The solution to the recurrence relation is \(a_{n} = 2^{3 - 5n}\).
Step by step solution
01
Apply the substitution
The problem suggests to make the substitution \(b_{n} = \lg a_{n}\). By substituting this into the given recurrence relation, we have \(\lg a_{n} = \lg \left(\sqrt{\frac{a_{n-2}}{a_{n-1}}}\right)\). Using the properties of logarithms, we can rewrite the right side as \(\frac{1}{2} (\lg a_{n-2} - \lg a_{n-1})\). This means the original recurrence relation is equivalent to \(b_{n} = \frac{1}{2} (b_{n-2} - b_{n-1})\).
02
Rewrite the equation
We can further rewrite the equation from Step 1 as \(b_{n} - \frac{1}{2}b_{n-1} = \frac{1}{2}b_{n-2}\). By multiplying all terms by 2, we have \(2b_{n} - b_{n-1} = b_{n-2}\), which is a standard form of a linear homogeneous recurrence relation with constant coefficients.
03
Solve the resulting equation
To solve the resulting equation: \(2b_{n} - b_{n-1} = b_{n-2}\), we can rearrange to get \(b_{n-2} - 2b_{n-1} = -b_{n}\). The characteristic equation of this is \(r^2 - 2r + 1 = 0\). Solving this gives us \(r = 1\) (with multiplicity 2) as roots. Therefore, the general solution to this recurrence relation is \(b_{n} = A + nB\), where A and B are constants to be determined by the given initial conditions.
04
Apply Initial Conditions
We apply the initial conditions given in the problem. They were given for \(a_{n}\), but we can assume \(b_{0} = \lg a_{0} = \lg 8 = 3\) and \(b_{1} = \lg a_{1} = \lg (1 / 2\sqrt{2}) = -2\). By substituting \(n = 0\) into the general solution \(b_{n} = A + nB\), we get \(A = 3\). Substituting \(n = 1\), we get \(-2 = 3 + B\), leading to \(B = -5\). Thus \(b_{n} = 3 - 5n\). Finally, since \(b_{n} = \lg a_{n}\), we can find \(a_{n} = 2^{b_{n}} = 2^{3 - 5n}\), which is the solution for the original recurrence relation.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Homogeneous Recurrence Relation
A homogeneous recurrence relation is a way to express each term in a sequence as a function of previous terms without any addition of other terms or constants. This type of relation is defined entirely by its earlier terms, making it a "pure" pattern without external influences. In the exercise, after transforming the original recurrence relation into a log-based form, we obtain a linear homogeneous recurrence relation described by:
- Equation: \( 2b_{n} - b_{n-1} = b_{n-2} \)
- Form: The form \( b_{n} = \) solely relies on terms \( b_{n-1} \) and \( b_{n-2} \), illustrating the homogeneity.
Characteristic Equation
When faced with recurrence relations, the characteristic equation comes in handy for finding solutions. It's a polynomial equation derived from a recurrence relation that helps us pinpoint the general solution or patterns of the sequence. For our exercise, the transition from the recurrence \( 2b_{n} - b_{n-1} = b_{n-2} \) forms the characteristic equation:
- Equation: \( r^2 - 2r + 1 = 0 \)
- Roots: Solving gives the root \( r = 1 \), with a multiplicity of 2.
Logarithmic Substitution
In this exercise, logarithmic substitution is an essential technique used to simplify and solve the recurrence relation. By substituting \( b_{n} = \lg a_{n} \), we transform a complex equation into a more manageable form:
- Original equation: \( a_{n} = \sqrt{\frac{a_{n-2}}{a_{n-1}}} \)
- Translated using logs: \( b_{n} = \frac{1}{2}(b_{n-2} - b_{n-1}) \)
Initial Conditions
Initial conditions are pivotal as they allow us to tailor the general solution of a recurrence to fit a specific sequence. In the provided solution, they specify the starting point of the sequence:
- \( a_0 = 8 \)
- \( a_1 = \frac{1}{2\sqrt{2}} \)
- \( b_0 = \lg 8 = 3 \)
- \( b_1 = \lg \left(\frac{1}{2\sqrt{2}}\right) = -2 \)