Chapter 9: Problem 80
Which of the sequences \(\left\\{a_{n}\right\\}\) converge, and which diverge? Find the limit of each convergent sequence. $$a_{n}=\left(3^{n}+5^{n}\right)^{1 / n}$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The sequence \(a_n = (3^n + 5^n)^{1/n}\) converges to 5.
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Form of the Sequence
The sequence given is \(a_n = (3^n + 5^n)^{1/n}\). It is in the form of \((b_n + c_n)^{1/n}\). We'll analyze how each term behaves as \(n\) approaches infinity.
02
Dominant Term Analysis
In the expression \(3^n + 5^n\), notice that as \(n\) becomes very large, \(5^n\) grows much faster than \(3^n\). This makes \(5^n\) the dominant term. Thus, \(3^n + 5^n \approx 5^n\) as \(n\) approaches infinity.
03
Simplify Dominant Term Expression
Using the dominant term approximation, we write:\[ a_n = (3^n + 5^n)^{1/n} \approx (5^n)^{1/n} = 5^{n/n} = 5. \]
04
Conclusion About Convergence
Since \((3^n + 5^n)^{1/n} \approx 5\), the sequence \(a_n\) converges to 5. This is due to the fact that as \(n\rightarrow\infty\), the influence of \(3^n\) diminishes relative to \(5^n\).
05
Verification of the Limit
To further verify, consider the limit:\[\lim_{{n \to \infty}} (3^n + 5^n)^{1/n}\approx \lim_{{n \to \infty}} (5^n)^{1/n} = 5,\]confirming our analysis that the sequence \(a_n\) converges to 5.
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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 limit of a sequence is a value that the terms of the sequence approach as the index (often denoted as \( n \)) goes to infinity. In simpler terms, it is the number that the terms get closer to as the sequence progresses. Observing a sequence's behavior as \( n \) grows larger helps us determine whether it converges (reaches a specific value) or diverges (does not settle on any one value).
To find the limit of a sequence like \( a_n = (3^n + 5^n)^{1/n} \), we study how the terms change with increasing \( n \). Through step-by-step analysis, if we find a finite number that represents the terms' destination, this number is the sequence's limit.
To find the limit of a sequence like \( a_n = (3^n + 5^n)^{1/n} \), we study how the terms change with increasing \( n \). Through step-by-step analysis, if we find a finite number that represents the terms' destination, this number is the sequence's limit.
- If the terms reach a specific number, the sequence converges to that number, which is its limit.
- If the terms do not settle to a specific point, then the sequence diverges.
Dominant Term Analysis
Dominant term analysis is a technique used in mathematics to simplify expressions, especially when analyzing limits of sequences or functions. When dealing with expressions that involve a sum or a combination of terms, like \( 3^n + 5^n \), not all terms contribute equally as \( n \) increases.
In this specific sequence, \( 5^n \) is said to "dominate" because it increases much faster than \( 3^n \) as \( n \) becomes very large. This means that for large \( n \), \( 5^n + 3^n \) is approximately equal to \( 5^n \).
In this specific sequence, \( 5^n \) is said to "dominate" because it increases much faster than \( 3^n \) as \( n \) becomes very large. This means that for large \( n \), \( 5^n + 3^n \) is approximately equal to \( 5^n \).
- This simplifies the analysis because we can approximate the sequence \( a_n = (3^n + 5^n)^{1/n} \) as \( (5^n)^{1/n} \) when \( n \) is large.
- By focusing on the dominant term, complicated expressions become easier to handle, allowing us to assess convergence/divergence quickly.
Sequence Divergence
Sometimes sequences do not approach any single number as their terms progress. These sequences are termed as 'divergent'. A sequence that diverges does not have a limit, which means the terms continue to grow without stabilizing to a particular value.
However, for our sequence \( a_n = (3^n + 5^n)^{1/n} \), the dominant term analysis showed that it converges to 5, rather than diverging. This is because the influence of \( 3^n \) becomes negligible compared to \( 5^n \), thus driving the sequence toward a definite limit.
However, for our sequence \( a_n = (3^n + 5^n)^{1/n} \), the dominant term analysis showed that it converges to 5, rather than diverging. This is because the influence of \( 3^n \) becomes negligible compared to \( 5^n \), thus driving the sequence toward a definite limit.
- To determine divergence, one needs to show that no single point can be approached indefinitely by the sequence’s terms.
- In situations where divergence is suspected, checking by comparing it with simple diverging sequences (like linear or exponential growth) can be insightful.