Proving limit of a given sequence

In summary, the conversation is about trying to prove that the limit of \((2n)^{1/n}\) as \(n\) approaches infinity is equal to 1. The person tried to use various methods such as the theorem on the existence of nth root, Bernoulli's inequality, and the Binomial theorem, but is still looking for guidance on how to approach the problem within the basic concepts presented in the textbook.
  • #1
issacnewton
1,041
37
HelloI want to prove the following.
\[ \lim_{n\rightarrow \infty}\left((2n)^{1/n}\right) = 1 \]
where \( n \in \mathbb{N} \). Now since we have nth root of a positive number,
I used theorem on the existence of nth root to argue that \( (2n)^{1/n} > 0 \).
Next I tried to prove that \( (2n)^{1/n} > 1 \) as following. Assume that
\( (2n)^{1/n} \leqslant 1 \). If \( (2n)^{1/n} = 1 \) then \( 2n = 1\Rightarrow \; n = \frac{1}{2} \) , which is a contradiction since \( n\in \mathbb{N} \). So if \( (2n)^{1/n} < 1 \) then \( 0< (2n)^{1/n} < 1 \).
Then we have
\[ (2n)^{1/n} = \frac{1}{1+a} \]
for some \( a > 0 \). It follows that
\[ 2n = \frac{1}{(1+a)^n} \]
\[ \Rightarrow \; 2n = \frac{1}{1+na+\ldots} \]
Since \( a>0 \), we have \( (1+na + \ldots ) > 1 \). So
\[ \frac{1}{1+na+\ldots} < 1 \]
\[ \Rightarrow \; 2n < 1 \]
which means \( n < \frac{1}{2} \). Since \( n\in \mathbb{N} \), this
leads to contradiction. So I proved that \( (2n)^{1/n} > 1 \). If this is so,
then it can be written as
\[ (2n)^{1/n} = 1 + k \]
for some \( k > 0 \).
\[ \Rightarrow \; 2n = (1+k)^n \]
Till this far I have come. I am thinking of either using Binomial theorem or
Bernoulli's inequality. Any guidance will be helpful. Thanks
 
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  • #2
IssacNewton said:
HelloI want to prove the following.
\[ \lim_{n\rightarrow \infty}\left((2n)^{1/n}\right) = 1 \]
where \( n \in \mathbb{N} \). Now since we have nth root of a positive number,
I used theorem on the existence of nth root to argue that \( (2n)^{1/n} > 0 \).
Next I tried to prove that \( (2n)^{1/n} > 1 \) as following. Assume that
\( (2n)^{1/n} \leqslant 1 \). If \( (2n)^{1/n} = 1 \) then \( 2n = 1\Rightarrow \; n = \frac{1}{2} \) , which is a contradiction since \( n\in \mathbb{N} \). So if \( (2n)^{1/n} < 1 \) then \( 0< (2n)^{1/n} < 1 \).
Then we have
\[ (2n)^{1/n} = \frac{1}{1+a} \]
for some \( a > 0 \). It follows that
\[ 2n = \frac{1}{(1+a)^n} \]
\[ \Rightarrow \; 2n = \frac{1}{1+na+\ldots} \]
Since \( a>0 \), we have \( (1+na + \ldots ) > 1 \). So
\[ \frac{1}{1+na+\ldots} < 1 \]
\[ \Rightarrow \; 2n < 1 \]
which means \( n < \frac{1}{2} \). Since \( n\in \mathbb{N} \), this
leads to contradiction. So I proved that \( (2n)^{1/n} > 1 \). If this is so,
then it can be written as
\[ (2n)^{1/n} = 1 + k \]
for some \( k > 0 \).
\[ \Rightarrow \; 2n = (1+k)^n \]
Till this far I have come. I am thinking of either using Binomial theorem or
Bernoulli's inequality. Any guidance will be helpful. Thanks

May be that Your task is simplified if You try to find...

$\displaystyle \lim_{n \rightarrow \infty} \ln\ \{ (2\ n)^{\frac{1}{n}} \}\ (1)$

Kind regards

$\chi$ $\sigma$
 
  • #3
Hello

The book I am doing these problems from (Bartle 4ed.), has not introduced any complicated theorems about limits so far (This is section 3.1 in the chapter on limits, which is 3rd chapter). So I am supposed to use some basic machinery developed so far, which is definition of limit, Bernoulli's inequality, Binomial theorem, Archimedes's theorem, Completeness property etc. Using logarithms would be outside of this scope as the author has not used it till this point. I am sure there is some way of handling this within the basic machinery.
 

FAQ: Proving limit of a given sequence

What is a limit of a sequence?

A limit of a sequence is the value that the terms of the sequence approach as the index of the terms increases without bound. It is a fundamental concept in calculus and is used to describe the behavior of sequences and functions.

How do you prove the limit of a sequence?

To prove the limit of a sequence, you must show that as the index of the terms increases without bound, the terms of the sequence get closer and closer to the value of the limit. This can be done through various methods such as the epsilon-delta definition, the squeeze theorem, or the monotone convergence theorem.

What is the epsilon-delta definition?

The epsilon-delta definition is a mathematical technique used to prove the limit of a sequence or function. It states that for any given small positive number, epsilon, there exists a corresponding index, delta, such that the terms of the sequence beyond that index are within epsilon distance from the limit.

Can a sequence have more than one limit?

No, a sequence can only have one limit. If a sequence has more than one limit, it is considered to be divergent and does not have a limit. A sequence can only have a limit if the terms of the sequence approach a single value as the index increases without bound.

How can we use the limit of a sequence in real-life applications?

The limit of a sequence is a fundamental concept in calculus and is used to describe the behavior of real-life phenomena. It is used in various fields such as physics, engineering, and economics to model and predict the behavior of systems over time. For example, the limit of a sequence can be used to determine the speed of an object as it approaches a certain point or to predict the growth of a population over time.

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