Sequence Divergence and Convergence Questions

In summary: Rightarrow\lim_{n\to\infty}\frac{(-1)^n}{n}=\lim_{n\to\infty}\frac{\chi}{n}=\lim_{n\to\infty}\frac{\sigma}{n}=\lim_{n\to\infty}\frac{\varphi}{n}$
  • #1
ardentmed
158
0
Hey guys, I have a couple more questions.

View attachment 2801

For the first one, taking the limit to infinity obviously equals 0 so it should be convergent, right?

Also, for the second one, the limit as n approaches infinity for gives me indeterminate form, so I took the derivative which just gave me ln(n) which is 0 (and thus convergent). Although I'm really not sure about this one.

How would i go about proving the third one, aside from a1 < a2 for convergence? Would I just substitute values into prove that √2 < √(2+√2)) Can I get some help on this one?

Thanks in advance.
 

Attachments

  • sequence divergence.PNG
    sequence divergence.PNG
    20.1 KB · Views: 62
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
ardentmed said:
Hey guys, I have a couple more questions.

View attachment 2801

For the first one, taking the limit to infinity obviously equals 0 so it should be convergent, right?

Also, for the second one, the limit as n approaches infinity for gives me indeterminate form, so I took the derivative which just gave me ln(n) which is 0 (and thus convergent). Although I'm really not sure about this one.

How would i go about proving the third one, aside from a1 < a2 for convergence? Would I just substitute values into prove that √2 < √(2+√2)) Can I get some help on this one?

Thanks in advance.

Even though it oscillates, $\displaystyle \begin{align*} \frac{ (-1)^n }{n} \end{align*}$ still approaches 0 as $\displaystyle \begin{align*} n \to \infty \end{align*}$, so the second sequence is still convergent.

As for the third, notice that by the definition of your sequence, you have $\displaystyle \begin{align*} a_n = \sqrt{ 2 + \sqrt{ 2 + \sqrt{ 2 + \sqrt{ 2 + \sqrt{\dots } } } } } \end{align*}$, with n of these roots. So as $\displaystyle \begin{align*} n \to \infty \end{align*}$ we have these roots going on forever.

Now notice that underneath the first square root, because these roots go on forever, where the second root starts is really the same thing as what you are trying to find, so you should find

$\displaystyle \begin{align*} a_n &= \sqrt{2 + a_n } \\ \left( a_n \right) ^2 &= 2 + a_n \\ \left( a_n \right) ^2 - a_n - 2 &= 0 \\ \left( a_n - 2 \right) \left( a_n + 1 \right) &= 0 \\ a_n - 2 &= 0 \textrm{ or } a_n + 1 = 0 \\ a_n &= 2 \textrm{ or }a_n = -1 \end{align*}$

Clearly since you start with a positive amount and keep adding to it, you must get a positive value, thus the sequence converges to 2.
 
  • #3
ardentmed said:
Hey guys, I have a couple more questions.

View attachment 2801

For the first one, taking the limit to infinity obviously equals 0 so it should be convergent, right?

Also, for the second one, the limit as n approaches infinity for gives me indeterminate form, so I took the derivative which just gave me ln(n) which is 0 (and thus convergent). Although I'm really not sure about this one.

How would i go about proving the third one, aside from a1 < a2 for convergence? Would I just substitute values into prove that √2 < √(2+√2)) Can I get some help on this one?

Thanks in advance.

The question c) is the most interesting. You have the4 difference equation...

$\displaystyle a_{n+1} = \sqrt{2 + a_{n}}\ (1)$

... that can be written as...

$\displaystyle \Delta_{n}= a_{n+1} - a_{n} = \sqrt{2 + a_{n}} - a_{n} = f(a_{n})\ (2)$

The function f(x) is illustrated here... View attachment 2807

... and it has only an attractive fixed point in x=2 [in x=-1 is $f(x) \ne 0$...] and because for $x \ge -2$ is $\frac{|f(x)|}{|x-2|} < 1$ any initial value $a_{0} \ge -2$ will produce a sequence monotonically convergent to 2...

Kind regards

$\chi$ $\sigma$
 

Attachments

  • MSP17061ihb8a9bce1gdgf800003h16i1842c76d011.gif
    MSP17061ihb8a9bce1gdgf800003h16i1842c76d011.gif
    2.7 KB · Views: 63

FAQ: Sequence Divergence and Convergence Questions

What is sequence divergence and how does it occur?

Sequence divergence refers to the process by which two or more organisms evolve to become genetically different from each other over time. This can occur through various mechanisms such as random mutations, natural selection, and genetic drift.

How is sequence divergence measured?

Sequence divergence is typically measured by comparing the genetic sequences of two or more organisms using a variety of techniques such as DNA sequencing and bioinformatics tools. The degree of similarity or difference between the sequences can then be quantified to determine the level of divergence.

What factors can influence sequence convergence?

Sequence convergence occurs when similar traits or genetic sequences evolve independently in unrelated organisms due to similar environmental pressures. This can happen through convergent evolution or horizontal gene transfer. Other factors that can influence sequence convergence include genetic drift, natural selection, and environmental conditions.

How does sequence divergence and convergence affect the evolution of species?

Sequence divergence and convergence play a significant role in the evolution of species. Divergence allows for the development of new traits and adaptations, leading to the creation of new species. Convergence, on the other hand, can result in similar traits evolving in unrelated organisms, leading to parallel evolution and the formation of analogous structures.

Can sequence divergence and convergence be used to study evolutionary relationships?

Yes, sequence divergence and convergence can be used to study the evolutionary relationships between different species. By comparing genetic sequences, scientists can determine the degree of relatedness between organisms and construct evolutionary trees to show their evolutionary history and relationships.

Similar threads

Replies
5
Views
447
Replies
3
Views
1K
Replies
17
Views
3K
Replies
7
Views
526
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
2
Views
2K
Back
Top