Math Problem Statement

Solution

The problem given in the image is in Chinese and translates to:

"13. Let the sequence {xn}\{x_n\} be defined by x1=1x_1 = 1 and xn+1=2xnx_{n+1} = \sqrt{2x_n} for n=1,2,n = 1, 2, \ldots. Prove that {xn}\{x_n\} converges, and find limnxn\lim_{n \to \infty} x_n."

Solution:

Let's start by investigating the convergence of the sequence {xn}\{x_n\}.

  1. Initial Condition and Recurrence Relation: x1=1,xn+1=2xnx_1 = 1, \quad x_{n+1} = \sqrt{2x_n}

  2. Monotonicity: We need to show that the sequence is either increasing or decreasing.

    • Suppose xnxn+1x_n \leq x_{n+1}: xn2xnx_n \leq \sqrt{2x_n} Squaring both sides: xn22xn    xn22xn0    xn(xn2)0x_n^2 \leq 2x_n \implies x_n^2 - 2x_n \leq 0 \implies x_n(x_n - 2) \leq 0 Since x1=1x_1 = 1, and assuming xn2x_n \leq 2, we have xn2x_n \leq 2.

    • Suppose xnxn+1x_n \geq x_{n+1}: xn2xnx_n \geq \sqrt{2x_n} Squaring both sides: xn22xn    xn(xn2)0x_n^2 \geq 2x_n \implies x_n(x_n - 2) \geq 0 Since x1=1x_1 = 1, and assuming xn2x_n \leq 2, the sequence does not initially decrease.

    This suggests xnx_n lies between 1 and 2 and is decreasing after the first term.

  3. Boundedness: The sequence is bounded below by 0 and above by 2.

  4. Convergence: Since {xn}\{x_n\} is bounded and monotonic, by the Monotone Convergence Theorem, it must converge.

  5. Finding the Limit: Let limnxn=L\lim_{n \to \infty} x_n = L. Then: L=2LL = \sqrt{2L} Squaring both sides: L2=2L    L22L=0    L(L2)=0L^2 = 2L \implies L^2 - 2L = 0 \implies L(L - 2) = 0 Thus, L=0L = 0 or L=2L = 2.

    Since xn>0x_n > 0 for all nn, L=0L = 0 is not possible. Therefore, the limit is: limnxn=2\lim_{n \to \infty} x_n = 2

Conclusion:

The sequence {xn}\{x_n\} converges, and its limit is: limnxn=2\lim_{n \to \infty} x_n = 2

Do you have any questions or would you like further details on any part of the solution? Here are some additional questions you might consider:

  1. How do you determine if a sequence is bounded?
  2. What is the Monotone Convergence Theorem?
  3. How can you prove that a sequence is monotonic?
  4. Can a sequence have more than one limit point?
  5. What are some examples of sequences that do not converge?

Tip: When proving convergence of a sequence, always check for boundedness and monotonicity. These properties are crucial for applying the Monotone Convergence Theorem.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Sequences
Limits
Convergence
Monotonicity

Formulas

Arithmetic operations
Square root

Theorems

Monotone Convergence Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Advanced High School