Math Problem Statement

Show that 1/n is convergence

Solution

To demonstrate that the sequence an=1na_n = \frac{1}{n} is convergent, we need to show that it approaches a particular limit as nn \to \infty.


Step 1: Definition of Convergence

A sequence ana_n is said to converge to a limit LL if, for every ϵ>0\epsilon > 0, there exists a positive integer NN such that for all nNn \geq N, anL<ϵ.|a_n - L| < \epsilon.


Step 2: Sequence Analysis

The given sequence is: an=1n.a_n = \frac{1}{n}. We claim that ana_n converges to L=0L = 0.


Step 3: Proof

Let ϵ>0\epsilon > 0 be arbitrary. We need to find NNN \in \mathbb{N} such that: 1n0<ϵfor all nN.\left| \frac{1}{n} - 0 \right| < \epsilon \quad \text{for all } n \geq N. Simplifying this inequality: 1n<ϵ.\frac{1}{n} < \epsilon. By rearranging, this implies: n>1ϵ.n > \frac{1}{\epsilon}.


Step 4: Choosing NN

Let N=1ϵN = \lceil \frac{1}{\epsilon} \rceil, where x\lceil x \rceil denotes the ceiling function (the smallest integer greater than or equal to xx). Then, for all nNn \geq N, we have: n1ϵ1ϵ.n \geq \lceil \frac{1}{\epsilon} \rceil \geq \frac{1}{\epsilon}. This ensures: 1n11ϵϵ.\frac{1}{n} \leq \frac{1}{\lceil \frac{1}{\epsilon} \rceil} \leq \epsilon.


Step 5: Conclusion

By the definition of convergence, 1n0\frac{1}{n} \to 0 as nn \to \infty.

Hence, the sequence 1n\frac{1}{n} is convergent, and its limit is 00.


Would you like more details on this proof or explore related concepts?

Here are some questions to extend your understanding:

  1. How does this proof differ for a general series instead of a sequence?
  2. Can you apply this reasoning to other sequences, such as 1n2\frac{1}{n^2} or 1n\frac{1}{\sqrt{n}}?
  3. What is the formal difference between convergence of a sequence and convergence of a function?
  4. How does this sequence behave when plotted on a graph as nn \to \infty?
  5. How would divergence of a sequence be proven for a sequence like nn?

Tip: When proving convergence, always state and verify the limit using the formal definition of a limit.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Sequences
Convergence
Limits

Formulas

|a_n - L| < ε
N = ⌈1/ε⌉

Theorems

Definition of Sequence Convergence

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12