Proving a sequence has the given limit.

In summary: This means that for any number \epsilon, we can find a value of n such that n > 1/\epsilon - 3, and this value of n satisfies the inequality \frac{1}{n+3} < \epsilon. Therefore, the statement is valid for all \epsilon > 0, as required for a proof.In summary, the proof shows that for any positive value of \epsilon, we can find a value of n such that the sequence \frac{n}{n^2+3n+1} is less than \epsilon, which proves the limit of the sequence is 0.
  • #1
The_Iceflash
50
0

Homework Statement


Prove that the following sequence has the following limit:

[tex]\lim_{n\rightarrow \infty} {{{\frac{n}{n^2+3n+1}}} = 0 [/tex]

Homework Equations


N/A

The Attempt at a Solution



First I did the following:

[tex]{\frac{n}{n^2+3n+1} < {\frac{n}{n^2+3n} = {\frac{n}{n(n+3)} = {\frac{1}{n+3}[/tex]

Then:
[tex]{\frac{1}{n+3} < \epsilon[/tex]

[tex]{{n+3} > \frac{1}{\epsilon}[/tex]

[tex]{{n} > \frac{1}{\epsilon}-3[/tex]Putting it all together:

Let [tex]\epsilon > 0[/tex] be given

Let [tex]{{n} > \frac{1}{\epsilon}-3[/tex]

Then: [tex]{\left|\frac{n}{n^2+3n+1}\right| - 0 = \frac{n}{n^2+3n+1} < \frac{n}{n^2+3n} = \frac{1}{n+3} < {\epsilon }[/tex]

Therefore [tex]\left|\frac{n}{n^2+3n+1}-0\right| < \epsilon [/tex]
QED

Am I going about this the right way?
 
Last edited:
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  • #2
Any help would be appreciated. Thanks. :)
 
  • #3
The_Iceflash said:

Homework Statement


Prove that the following sequence has the following limit:

[tex]\lim_{n\rightarrow \infty} {{{\frac{n}{n^2+3n+1}}} = 0 [/tex]


Homework Equations


N/A


The Attempt at a Solution



First I did the following:

[tex]{\frac{n}{n^2+3n+1} < {\frac{n}{n^2+3n} = {\frac{n}{n(n+3)} = {\frac{1}{n+3}[/tex]

Then:
[tex]{\frac{1}{n+3} < \epsilon[/tex]

[tex]{{n+3} > \frac{1}{\epsilon}[/tex]

[tex]{{n} > \frac{1}{\epsilon}-3[/tex]
Since [itex]\epsilon-3< 1/\epsilon[/itex] it would be sufficient to take [itex]n> 1/\epsilon[/itex].

Other than that, it looks good to me.

Putting it all together:

Let [tex]\epsilon > 0[/tex] be given

Let [tex]{{n} > \frac{1}{\epsilon}-3[/tex]

Then: [tex]{\left|\frac{n}{n^2+3n+1}\right| - 0 = \frac{n}{n^2+3n+1} < \frac{n}{n^2+3n} = \frac{1}{n+3} < {\epsilon }[/tex]

Therefore [tex]\left|\frac{n}{n^2+3n+1}-0\right| < \epsilon [/tex]
QED

Am I going about this the right way?
 
  • #4
HallsofIvy said:
Since [itex]\epsilon-3< 1/\epsilon[/itex] it would be sufficient to take [itex]n> 1/\epsilon[/itex].

I don't follow that. How did you get [itex]\epsilon-3< 1/\epsilon[/itex] and why can you take [itex]n> 1/\epsilon[/itex] from it?
 
  • #5
I think HallsOfIvy meant [tex]1/\epsilon - 3 < 1/\epsilon[/tex]
 

FAQ: Proving a sequence has the given limit.

What is a sequence?

A sequence is an ordered list of numbers that follow a specific pattern or rule.

How do you prove a sequence has a given limit?

To prove a sequence has a given limit, you must show that as the elements of the sequence get closer to the given limit, the difference between them gets smaller and smaller.

What is a limit in a sequence?

A limit in a sequence is the value that the elements of the sequence approach as the number of terms increases towards infinity.

What is the importance of proving a sequence has a given limit?

Proving a sequence has a given limit allows us to understand the behavior of the sequence and make predictions about its future values. It also helps us determine if the sequence is convergent or divergent.

What are some methods for proving a sequence has a given limit?

Some common methods for proving a sequence has a given limit include the squeeze theorem, the monotone convergence theorem, and the Cauchy criterion. These methods involve showing that the sequence is bounded, monotonic, or that its terms get closer to the limit as the number of terms increases.

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