Chapter 3: Problem 4
For any \(b \in \mathbb{R}\), prove that \(\lim (b / n)=0\).
Short Answer
Expert verified
The limit \(\lim_{n \to \infty} (b / n) = 0\) for any real number \(b\).
Step by step solution
01
Setup the Problem
We are given the limit \(\lim_{n \to \infty} (b / n) = 0\), where \(b\) is any real number. We are asked to prove this limit. To do so, we need to find a number \(N > 0\) that for all \(n > N\), the absolute difference of the function \(f(n) = b / n\) and the limit 0 is less than any arbitrarily small positive number, \(\epsilon\). Therefore, we set up the expression as \(|f(n) - 0| < \epsilon\).
02
Apply the Definition of the Limit
Applying the function and the limit into the expression gives us \(|b/n - 0| < \epsilon\). This simplifies to \(|b/n| < \epsilon\) which equals \(|b|/n < \epsilon\). Now we need to find a number \(N\) such that this inequality would hold true for any \(\epsilon > 0\).
03
Find \(N\)
Let's isolate \(n\) to find an expression for it in terms of \(b\) and \(\epsilon\). We have \(|b|/n < \epsilon\) which leads to \(n > |b|/\epsilon\). Now since \(n\) is always positive, the condition of \(|b|/n < \epsilon\) is true for all \(n > N = |b|/\epsilon\). This means for any \(\epsilon > 0\), we can find a suitable \(N\) that satisfies the condition.
04
Conclusion
Since for every \(\epsilon > 0\), there exists an \(N\) such that for all \(n > N\), \(|b/n - 0| < \epsilon\), therefore, by the definition of the limit, we can conclude that \(\lim_{n \to \infty} (b / n) = 0\) for any real number \(b\).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Epsilon-Delta Definition
The epsilon-delta definition of a limit is a foundational concept in calculus. It provides a rigorous way to show that a function approaches a specific limit. Here's how it works in simple terms:
This means we can make \(|b/n - 0| < \epsilon\) true for all terms by choosing a sufficiently large "N." This shows that no matter how small you choose \(\epsilon\), there's some point in the sequence afterwards that stays within that range.
- Epsilon (\(\epsilon\)): This represents any small positive number. You can think of it as the degree of closeness you want the function to be to the limit.
- Delta (\(\delta\)): In more general limit problems (not this specific sequence problem), delta would be the small interval around the point at which you're taking the limit.
This means we can make \(|b/n - 0| < \epsilon\) true for all terms by choosing a sufficiently large "N." This shows that no matter how small you choose \(\epsilon\), there's some point in the sequence afterwards that stays within that range.
Real Numbers
Real numbers (\(\mathbb{R}\)) are the numbers we use every day. They include rational numbers, like fractions, and irrational numbers, like the square root of 2 or pi.
- Properties: Real numbers are used to measure continuous quantities. They can be represented on a number line that stretches indefinitely in both positive and negative directions.
- Relevance in Limits: In this exercise, any real number \(b\) can be shared over increasing values of \(n\). Dividing by larger numbers makes the value smaller, approaching 0.
Convergence of Sequences
Convergence is a key concept in calculus and analysis, referring to how a sequence approaches a specific value as it progresses.
- What is Convergence? A sequence converges to a limit if, as you follow the sequence further, the terms become closer to a defined number. For example, \(b/n\) gets smaller as \(n\) increases, converging to 0.
- Importance: Understanding convergence helps in studying the behavior of sequences, ensuring that even at infinity, sequences have a predictable outcome.