Can the sequence be determined by finding the difference?

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In summary, the person is trying to determine if the sequence $a_{n}=\frac{1}{\sqrt{n^2+1}}+\frac{1}{\sqrt{n^2+2}}+...+\frac{1}{\sqrt{n^2+n}}$ converges. They considered using the difference $a_{n+1}-a_{n}$ to check if the sequence is increasing or decreasing, but could not come to a conclusion. They then asked if it is possible to use the squeeze theorem to determine the limit of the sequence without finding the monotonicity, and it was confirmed that this approach would work.
  • #1
evinda
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Hey!
I want to check if the sequence $a_{n}=\frac{1}{\sqrt{n^2+1}}+\frac{1}{\sqrt{n^2+2}}+...+\frac{1}{\sqrt{n^2+n}}$ converges.
I thought that I could find the difference $a_{n+1}-a_{n}$ to check if $a_{n}$ is increasing or decreasing.I found:
$a_{n+1}-a_{n}=\sum_{i=1}^{n}(\frac{1}{\sqrt{(n+1)^{2}+i)}}-\frac{1}{\sqrt{n^2+i}})+\frac{1}{\sqrt{(n+1)^{2}+n+1}}$..But from that we cannot conclude if the difference is negative or positive,right?? So,what else could I do??
 
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  • #2
evinda said:
Hey!
I want to check if the sequence $a_{n}=\frac{1}{\sqrt{n^2+1}}+\frac{1}{\sqrt{n^2+2}}+...+\frac{1}{\sqrt{n^2+n}}$ converges.

Is it the case that [tex]\frac{n}{{\sqrt {{n^2} + n} }} \le {a_n} \le 1[/tex]?

Is [tex]{a_n}[/tex] an increasing sequence?
 
  • #3
Plato said:
Is it the case that [tex]\frac{n}{{\sqrt {{n^2} + n} }} \le {a_n} \le 1[/tex]?

Is [tex]{a_n}[/tex] an increasing sequence?

I found this:$ \frac{n}{\sqrt{n^2+n}}\leq a_{n}\leq \frac{n}{\sqrt{n^2+1}}$..
So,could I just say that from the squeeze theorem the limit is $1$,without finding the monotonicity?? :confused:
 
  • #4
evinda said:
I found this:$ \frac{n}{\sqrt{n^2+n}}\leq a_{n}\leq \frac{n}{\sqrt{n^2+1}}$..
So,could I just say that from the squeeze theorem the limit is $1$,without finding the monotonicity?? :confused:

Or can't I do it like that,because it is not given that the sequence converges?? :confused:
 
  • #5
evinda said:
I found this:$ \frac{n}{\sqrt{n^2+n}}\leq a_{n}\leq \frac{n}{\sqrt{n^2+1}}$..
So,could I just say that from the squeeze theorem the limit is $1$,without finding the monotonicity?? :confused:

Yep. That works. Monotonicity not required.
 
  • #6
I like Serena said:
Yep. That works. Monotonicity not required.

Great!Thank you very much! :eek:
 

FAQ: Can the sequence be determined by finding the difference?

1. What is the definition of a convergent sequence?

A convergent sequence is a sequence of numbers that approaches a single limit or value as the number of terms in the sequence increases. This means that as the sequence continues, the terms get closer and closer to a specific value.

2. How can you determine if a sequence is convergent or divergent?

There are several methods to determine if a sequence is convergent or divergent. One method is to calculate the limit of the sequence, which can be done using various mathematical techniques such as the squeeze theorem or the ratio test. Alternatively, you can also graph the sequence and observe if it approaches a specific value as the number of terms increases.

3. What is the significance of a convergent sequence in mathematics?

Convergent sequences are important in calculus and other areas of mathematics because they help us understand the behavior of functions and their limits. They also allow us to make predictions and approximate values for complicated functions by using simpler convergent sequences.

4. Can a sequence be both convergent and divergent?

No, a sequence can only be either convergent or divergent. If a sequence has a limit, it is convergent. If a sequence does not have a limit, it is divergent. It is not possible for a sequence to have both a limit and no limit.

5. Are there any real-life applications of convergent sequences?

Yes, convergent sequences have many real-life applications in fields such as engineering, physics, and economics. For example, in engineering, convergent sequences are used to approximate solutions to complex mathematical problems. In economics, they can be used to model the behavior of stock prices or population growth.

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