Chapter 2: Problem 2
For each of the following sequences \(\left\\{a_{n}\right\\}\), draw its sequence diagram and show that \(\left\\{a_{n}\right\\}\) converges to \(\ell\) by considering \(a_{n}-\ell\) : (a) \(a_{n}=\frac{n^{2}-1}{n^{2}+1}, \ell=1\); (b) \(a_{n}=\frac{n^{3}+(-1)^{n}}{2 n^{3}}, \ell=\frac{1}{2}\).
Short Answer
Expert verified
Both sequences converge: (a) to 1 and (b) to 0.5 as given.
Step by step solution
01
Understanding the Sequence (a)
Given the sequence \(a_n = \frac{n^2-1}{n^2+1}\), we need to analyze its convergence as \(n\) approaches infinity. We suspect it converges to \(\ell = 1\).
02
Simplifying the Expression for (a)
Rewrite \(a_n\) as \(a_n = \frac{n^2-1}{n^2+1} = \frac{n^2+1 - 2}{n^2+1} = 1 - \frac{2}{n^2+1}\). This shows that \(a_n\) approaches 1 as \(n\) becomes very large.
03
Showing Convergence for (a)
To show convergence, consider \(a_n - \ell = \left(1 - \frac{2}{n^2+1}\right) - 1 = -\frac{2}{n^2+1}\). As \(n \to \infty\), \(\frac{2}{n^2+1} \to 0\), hence \(a_n - 1 \to 0\) proving convergence to \(1\).
04
Understanding the Sequence (b)
Given the sequence \(a_n = \frac{n^3 + (-1)^n}{2n^3}\), we need to analyze its convergence as \(n\) approaches infinity. We suspect it converges to \(\ell = \frac{1}{2}\).
05
Simplifying the Expression for (b)
Simplify \(a_n\) as \(a_n = \frac{n^3}{2n^3} + \frac{(-1)^n}{2n^3} = \frac{1}{2} + \frac{(-1)^n}{2n^3}\). This expresses \(a_n\) in terms of \(\frac{1}{2}\) plus a diminishing term.
06
Showing Convergence for (b)
To show convergence, consider \(a_n - \ell = \frac{1}{2} + \frac{(-1)^n}{2n^3} - \frac{1}{2} = \frac{(-1)^n}{2n^3}\). As \(n \to \infty\), \(\frac{(-1)^n}{2n^3} \to 0\), hence \(a_n - \frac{1}{2} \to 0\) proving convergence to \(\frac{1}{2}\).
Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!
-
Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
-
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
-
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
-
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.
Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91Ó°ÊÓ!
Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Sequence Diagram
A sequence diagram is a helpful visual tool used to understand the behavior of sequences as the index \(n\) increases. When analyzing sequences, especially concerning their convergence, drawing a sequence diagram can make abstract mathematics more tangible.
- Each term \(a_n\) is plotted on a graph where the horizontal axis represents the index \(n\) and the vertical axis represents the value of the sequence term, \(a_n\).
- As \(n\) increases, the sequence diagram shows how the terms of the sequence approach the limit \(\ell\).
- For example, in sequence (a) \(a_n = \frac{n^2-1}{n^2+1}\), plotting each value will show the terms approaching the line \(y=1\). Similarly, for (b) \(a_n = \frac{n^3+(-1)^n}{2n^3}\), the diagram will reveal the approach to \(y=\frac{1}{2}\).
Convergence Proof
In mathematics, proving the convergence of a sequence requires demonstrating that the terms eventually get arbitrarily close to a particular value, known as the limit. This is usually done through a formal limit definition or by using algebraic manipulations.
- The key is to express \(a_n - \ell\) where \(a_n\) is the sequence term, and \(\ell\) is its claimed limit.
- For example, consider \(a_n = \frac{n^2-1}{n^2+1}\) with \(\ell = 1\). We simplify to show \(a_n - 1 = -\frac{2}{n^2+1}\).
- As \(n\) grows, \(-\frac{2}{n^2+1}\) approaches 0, confirming the sequence converges to \(1\).
Limit of a Sequence
The limit of a sequence \(\ell\) is the value that the sequence terms \(a_n\) approach as \(n\) becomes very large. Understanding limits is fundamental to calculus and helps in defining functions' behavior at infinity.
- Formally, \(\lim_{n \to \infty} a_n = \ell\) means for any given positive number \(\epsilon\), there is a number \(N\) such that for all \(n > N\), \(|a_n - \ell| < \epsilon\).
- In sequence (b), the limit \(\ell = \frac{1}{2}\) means that the sequence terms \(\frac{n^3 + (-1)^n}{2n^3}\) approach \(\frac{1}{2}\) as \(n\) grows.
- Visualizing this concept helps clarify why the sequences' behavior at larger \(n\) values demonstrate convergence.
Sequence Simplification
Simplifying a sequence is crucial to identify its properties and analyze its behavior accurately. The process involves transforming the term expression into a more manageable form. Simplification often reveals how terms behave as \(n\) increases.
- We simplify by dividing terms or canceling out terms to make the behavior of \(a_n\) clearer.
- For instance, in sequence (a) \(a_n = \frac{n^2-1}{n^2+1}\), simplifying to \(1 - \frac{2}{n^2+1}\) quickly shows the approach to a limit of 1.
- For sequence (b), converting \(a_n\) to \(\frac{1}{2} + \frac{(-1)^n}{2n^3}\) displays terms approaching \(\frac{1}{2}\), thus revealing its convergence characteristics.