Chapter 10: Problem 68
Which of the sequences \(\left\\{a_{n}\right\\}\) converge, and which diverge? Find the limit of each convergent sequence. \(a_{n}=\ln \left(1+\frac{1}{n}\right)^{n}\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
The sequence converges, and the limit is 1.
Step by step solution
01
Rewrite the Sequence
Given the sequence \(a_n = \ln \left(1 + \frac{1}{n}\right)^n\), we can rewrite it using the power property of logarithms: \(a_n = n \ln \left(1 + \frac{1}{n}\right)\).
02
Apply the Limit Definition
To find the limit of the sequence as \(n\) approaches infinity, consider \(L = \lim_{n \to \infty} n \ln \left(1 + \frac{1}{n}\right)\). This resembles the definition of \(e\).
03
Use Exponential Limit Property
Recall the limit definition of the exponential function: \(\lim_{n \to \infty} \left(1 + \frac{1}{n}\right)^n = e\). Therefore, we know that the limit of \(n \ln \left(1 + \frac{1}{n} \right) = \ln \left(\left(1 + \frac{1}{n}\right)^n\right)\) approaches \(\ln(e) = 1\).
04
Convergence and Limit Verification
Since the limit \(L = 1\) exists, the sequence \(a_n\) is convergent. Therefore, the sequence converges to \(1\).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Limit of a Sequence
The concept of a sequence limit is crucial in understanding convergence. When we analyze limits, we're looking to see what value a sequence approaches as the index (often represented as \(n\)) becomes infinitely large. To say a sequence \(\{a_n\}\) converges, means that there exists a number \(L\) such that the terms \(a_n\) get arbitrarily close to \(L\) as \(n\) increases. Mathematically, this is written as \(\lim_{n \to \infty} a_n = L\). If such a limit does not exist, the sequence is said to diverge.
- Convergent sequences have a finite limit.
- Divergent sequences do not approach a specific value.
Logarithmic Limit
Logarithmic limits involve sequences where terms include logarithmic expressions. For example, consider \(a_n = n \ln\left(1 + \frac{1}{n}\right)\). Using properties of logarithms can simplify finding limits:
- The Chain property: \(\ln(a^b) = b \cdot \ln(a)\).
- The Limit property: \(\lim_{n \to \infty} \ln(f(n)) = \ln(L)\) if \(\lim_{n \to \infty} f(n) = L\).
Exponential Limit
The exponential limit is a fundamental concept often related to Euler's number \(e\). A famous limit that defines \(e\) is \(\lim_{n \to \infty} \left(1 + \frac{1}{n}\right)^n = e\). Recognizing sequences that fit this template can simplify solving them as shown in the original exercise.
In explaining the sequence \(a_n\), we found that \(n \ln\left(1 + \frac{1}{n}\right)\) simplifies to the expression approaching \(\ln(e) = 1\). The exponential limit highlights how combinations of logarithmic and power expressions can converge to key mathematical constants.
In explaining the sequence \(a_n\), we found that \(n \ln\left(1 + \frac{1}{n}\right)\) simplifies to the expression approaching \(\ln(e) = 1\). The exponential limit highlights how combinations of logarithmic and power expressions can converge to key mathematical constants.
- Knowing basic limits, such as those defining \(e\), streamlines solving complex limits.
- Patterns in sequences often relate to well-studied limits.
Sequence Divergence and Convergence
A sequence either converges to a limit or diverges, and recognizing this can determine the next steps in analysis. In looking at \(a_n = \ln \left(1 + \frac{1}{n}\right)^n\), through simplification and application of known limits, we deduced convergence.
Convergence means that as \(n\) becomes very large, \(a_n\) approaches a specific number, here, 1. Divergence, on the other hand, implies the sequence doesn't settle to a limit but may increase indefinitely or oscillate.
Convergence means that as \(n\) becomes very large, \(a_n\) approaches a specific number, here, 1. Divergence, on the other hand, implies the sequence doesn't settle to a limit but may increase indefinitely or oscillate.
- Understanding convergence lets us make predictions about sequence behavior.
- Divergence requires further examination to understand sequence properties.