Chapter 9: Problem 102
Assume that each sequence converges and find its limit. $$a_{1}=-1, \quad a_{n+1}=\frac{a_{n}+6}{a_{n}+2}$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The limit of the sequence is 2.
Step by step solution
01
Understand the sequence definition
The sequence is defined recursively, with \(a_1 = -1\) and each subsequent term \(a_{n+1}\) is given by the formula \(a_{n+1} = \frac{a_n + 6}{a_n + 2}\). We are tasked with finding the limit of this sequence as \(n\) approaches infinity.
02
Assume the limit exists
Let's assume the sequence \((a_n)\) converges to a limit \(L\). By the properties of limits, this means that both \(a_n\) and \(a_{n+1}\) approach \(L\) as \(n\) approaches infinity.
03
Set the recursive formula equal to the limit
Since \(a_{n+1} = \frac{a_n + 6}{a_n + 2}\) and both \(a_n\) and \(a_{n+1}\) converge to \(L\), we can set:\[ L = \frac{L + 6}{L + 2} \]
04
Solve for the limit \(L\)
To solve \(L = \frac{L + 6}{L + 2}\), cross-multiply to get:\[ L(L + 2) = L + 6 \]Expand this to get:\[ L^2 + 2L = L + 6 \]Rearrange this into a standard quadratic form:\[ L^2 + L - 6 = 0 \]
05
Solve the quadratic equation
Use the quadratic formula \(L = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a}\) to solve \(L^2 + L - 6 = 0\), where \(a = 1\), \(b = 1\), and \(c = -6\):\[ L = \frac{-1 \pm \sqrt{1^2 - 4 \cdot 1 \cdot (-6)}}{2 \cdot 1} \]\[ L = \frac{-1 \pm \sqrt{1 + 24}}{2} \]\[ L = \frac{-1 \pm \sqrt{25}}{2} \]\[ L = \frac{-1 \pm 5}{2} \]Thus, \(L = 2\) or \(L = -3\).
06
Determine the valid limit based on initial conditions
To determine which solution is valid, examine the sequence's possible behavior. Start at \(a_1 = -1\). Since \(a_n\) might alternate based on the recursive formula, check if the sequence approaches either of the limits. Usually, a negative start with the given formula gravitates to positive convergence if no alternating behavior negates it. Only \(L = 2\) is possible under a consistent positive recursive outcome.
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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 the limit of a sequence is fundamental in calculus and analysis. A sequence is a list of numbers arranged in a specific order, and when we discuss its limit, we are interested in what value, if any, the terms of the sequence approach as we progress towards infinity.
When a sequence converges, its terms get closer and closer to a specific number known as the limit. For example, in our problem, we are tasked with finding the limit of the sequence \(a_n\) as the term number \(n\) goes to infinity. We assume that a limit \(L\) exists for this sequence.
When a sequence converges, its terms get closer and closer to a specific number known as the limit. For example, in our problem, we are tasked with finding the limit of the sequence \(a_n\) as the term number \(n\) goes to infinity. We assume that a limit \(L\) exists for this sequence.
- Convergence: A sequence \(a_n\) is said to converge to a limit \(L\) if for any small number \(\varepsilon > 0\), there exists a number \(N\) such that for all \(n > N\), the absolute difference \(|a_n - L|\) is less than \(\varepsilon\).
- Divergence: If such a limit does not exist, the sequence is said to diverge.
Recursive Sequence
A recursive sequence is a sequence in which each term after the first one is defined as a function of the preceding terms. In our exercise, the sequence \(a_n\) is defined by the initial term \(a_1 = -1\), and each subsequent term \(a_{n+1}\) is calculated using the formula \(a_{n+1} = \frac{a_n + 6}{a_n + 2}\).
- Initial Term: This is the starting point of the sequence, which in our case is \(a_1 = -1\).
- Recursive Formula: This formula \(a_{n+1} = \frac{a_n + 6}{a_n + 2}\) is applied repeatedly to find the terms of the sequence.
Quadratic Equation Solution
Solving quadratic equations is a common mathematical task, essential for finding the roots of equations that have specific forms, such as \(ax^2 + bx + c = 0\).
In our step-by-step solution, we reached the equation \(L^2 + L - 6 = 0\) while trying to find the sequence's limit when \(L\) is assumed to be the converging value.
In our step-by-step solution, we reached the equation \(L^2 + L - 6 = 0\) while trying to find the sequence's limit when \(L\) is assumed to be the converging value.
- Quadratic Formula: The solution to a quadratic equation \(ax^2 + bx + c = 0\) is given by \(L = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a}\).
- Applying the formula, we find \(L = \frac{-1 \pm \sqrt{25}}{2}\), resulting in the possible limits \(L = 2\) or \(L = -3\).