Math Problem Statement

Show (n+ (-1)^n)/(2n+ (-1)^n)converses

Solution

To find the convergence of the sequence given by

an=n+(1)n2n+(1)n,a_n = \frac{n + (-1)^n}{2n + (-1)^n},

we'll explore its behavior as nn approaches infinity.

Step 1: Analyze the structure

The sequence involves the term (1)n(-1)^n, which alternates between +1+1 and 1-1 depending on whether nn is even or odd.

Thus, we need to consider two cases:

  1. When nn is even, (1)n=1(-1)^n = 1
  2. When nn is odd, (1)n=1(-1)^n = -1

Case 1: nn is even

If nn is even, then (1)n=1(-1)^n = 1, and the expression becomes:

an=n+12n+1.a_n = \frac{n + 1}{2n + 1}.

As nn \to \infty, both the numerator and denominator grow large, but the ratio tends toward:

limnn+12n+1=limnn(1+1n)n(2+1n)=12.\lim_{n \to \infty} \frac{n + 1}{2n + 1} = \lim_{n \to \infty} \frac{n(1 + \frac{1}{n})}{n(2 + \frac{1}{n})} = \frac{1}{2}.

Case 2: nn is odd

If nn is odd, then (1)n=1(-1)^n = -1, and the expression becomes:

an=n12n1.a_n = \frac{n - 1}{2n - 1}.

Similarly, as nn \to \infty, we compute the limit:

limnn12n1=limnn(11n)n(21n)=12.\lim_{n \to \infty} \frac{n - 1}{2n - 1} = \lim_{n \to \infty} \frac{n(1 - \frac{1}{n})}{n(2 - \frac{1}{n})} = \frac{1}{2}.

Step 2: Conclusion

In both cases (whether nn is even or odd), the sequence approaches the same limit:

limnan=12.\lim_{n \to \infty} a_n = \frac{1}{2}.

Thus, the sequence converges to 12\frac{1}{2} as nn \to \infty.


Would you like more details or explanations on any of these steps? Here are 5 related questions you might find interesting:

  1. How do you determine if a sequence converges in general?
  2. What happens if a sequence has different limits for even and odd nn?
  3. Can we use L'Hôpital's rule for solving limits of sequences?
  4. What are some common techniques for analyzing the convergence of alternating sequences?
  5. How can we apply this approach to other similar sequences?

Tip: Always break down complex expressions into simpler cases, like analyzing even and odd behavior, to gain insights into their limits.

Ask a new question for Free

By Image

Drop file here or Click Here to upload

Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Sequences
Limits
Convergence
Alternating Series

Formulas

a_n = (n + (-1)^n)/(2n + (-1)^n)
lim n→∞ a_n

Theorems

Limit of a Sequence
Behavior of Even and Odd Terms

Suitable Grade Level

University-level Mathematics