Chapter 2: Problem 467
$$ \lim _{n \rightarrow \infty} \frac{1-2+3-4+\cdots \cdots \cdots+(2 n-1)-2 n}{\sqrt{n^{2}+1}} $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The value of the given limit is 1.
Step by step solution
01
Simplify the numerator
The numerator is a sequence of alternating-addition and subtraction. We notice that it alternates between even and odd numbers. In general, we can represent this as \( sum = 1 - 2 + 3 - 4 + \cdots + (2n-1) - 2n \). When we separate the positive odd terms and negative even terms, we get \( sum = (1 + 3 + 5 + \cdots + (2n-1)) - (2 + 4 + 6 + \cdots + 2n) \). Hence, we can simplify the numerator as \( sum = n^2 - n \).
02
Plug the simplified numerator into the function
Now, we substitute the simplified numerator into the function. We get \( \lim _{n \rightarrow \infty} \frac{n^2 - n} {\sqrt{n^2 + 1}} \).
03
Divide the numerator and denominator by \( n^2 \)
To simplify the equation further, we divide the numerator and denominator by \( n^2 \). The function becomes \( \lim _{n \rightarrow \infty} \frac{1 - \frac{1}{n}}{\sqrt{1 + \frac{1}{n^2}}}\).
04
Apply the limits
Now, as \( n \rightarrow \infty \), \( \frac{1}{n} \) and \( \frac{1}{n^2} \) will tend towards zero because as the denominator increases the value of whole fraction decreases. So, our limit equation simplifies to \( \frac{1 - 0}{ \sqrt{1 + 0}} \).
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.
Infinite Series
Infinite series can be a challenging yet intriguing concept. They involve a sequence of numbers that continues indefinitely, often governed by a specific rule. These series can often be summed up in closed-form expressions, especially if they follow a recognizable pattern.
In our provided exercise, the sequence goes as follows: 1 - 2 + 3 - 4 + ... + (2n-1) - 2n. This can be grouped into two distinct sequences:
In our provided exercise, the sequence goes as follows: 1 - 2 + 3 - 4 + ... + (2n-1) - 2n. This can be grouped into two distinct sequences:
- Positive odd numbers: 1, 3, 5, ..., (2n-1)
- Negative even numbers: -2, -4, -6, ..., -2n
Simplification of Algebraic Expressions
Simplifying algebraic expressions is a crucial skill in calculus and algebra. It involves reducing expressions to their most concise form without changing their value.
In our original exercise, we started with a complex looking numerator: the alternating sum of odd and even numbers. To simplify this, we separated it into two arithmetic sequences as shown:
In our original exercise, we started with a complex looking numerator: the alternating sum of odd and even numbers. To simplify this, we separated it into two arithmetic sequences as shown:
- The odd sequence sums to a squared term: \( n^2 \)
- The even sequence sums along a linear progression: \( n \)
Applying Limits
Applying limits is a fundamental concept in calculus, often used to determine the behavior of functions as they approach a particular value. Limits are particularly instrumental in handling expressions involving infinity.
By examining our simplified expression \( \frac{n^2 - n}{\sqrt{n^2 + 1}} \), we apply limits by substituting infinity for \( n \). This process reveals how the function behaves into the infinite realm.
To further simplify, consider dividing both the numerator and denominator by \( n^2 \). This results in \( \lim _{n \rightarrow \infty} \frac{1 - \frac{1}{n}}{\sqrt{1 + \frac{1}{n^2}}} \). As \( n \) tends to infinity, small terms like \( \frac{1}{n} \) and \( \frac{1}{n^2} \) both approach zero, further simplifying the task at hand.
This results in the limit simplifying to a clean, final form of \( \frac{1}{1} \), equating to 1, which shows the elegance and power of applied limits in calculus.
By examining our simplified expression \( \frac{n^2 - n}{\sqrt{n^2 + 1}} \), we apply limits by substituting infinity for \( n \). This process reveals how the function behaves into the infinite realm.
To further simplify, consider dividing both the numerator and denominator by \( n^2 \). This results in \( \lim _{n \rightarrow \infty} \frac{1 - \frac{1}{n}}{\sqrt{1 + \frac{1}{n^2}}} \). As \( n \) tends to infinity, small terms like \( \frac{1}{n} \) and \( \frac{1}{n^2} \) both approach zero, further simplifying the task at hand.
This results in the limit simplifying to a clean, final form of \( \frac{1}{1} \), equating to 1, which shows the elegance and power of applied limits in calculus.