Scribd
Upload
299 views12 pages

Convergence and Divergence of Sequences

This document defines sequences and provides examples of determining if sequences are convergent or divergent. It begins by defining a sequence as a function from the natural numbers to real numbers. It then gives worked examples of specifying the function for particular sequences. It provides important information on convergent sequences having a unique limit and divergent sequences having a limit of infinity. Further worked examples demonstrate determining if sequences converge to a limit using limits. Alternative methods for showing convergence are mentioned but deemed too advanced for this level. The document promises to cover more difficult problems requiring L'Hopital's rule in a future presentation.

Uploaded by

Unexpected Theory
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
299 views12 pages

Convergence and Divergence of Sequences

This document defines sequences and provides examples of determining if sequences are convergent or divergent. It begins by defining a sequence as a function from the natural numbers to real numbers. It then gives worked examples of specifying the function for particular sequences. It provides important information on convergent sequences having a unique limit and divergent sequences having a limit of infinity. Further worked examples demonstrate determining if sequences converge to a limit using limits. Alternative methods for showing convergence are mentioned but deemed too advanced for this level. The document promises to cover more difficult problems requiring L'Hopital's rule in a future presentation.

Uploaded by

Unexpected Theory
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 12

CAPE PURE MATHEMATICS UNIT 2

Convergent and Divergent Sequences

Mr. Garth Reid


BSc Mathematics and Education (ongoing)
Student Ambassador of the University of Technology, Jamaica

April 24, 2021

1 / 12
Definition of a Sequence

A sequence of real numbers is a bijective function f from the set of natural numbers (N) to
the set of real numbers(R).

2 / 12
Worked Examples

Determine the function f : N → R which represents the sequence 12 , 23 , 34 , ....

Solution
n
f (n) = n+1 where, nεN

3 / 12
Worked Examples

Determine the function f : N → R which represents the sequence 1, 0, 1, 0, 1, ....

Solution
(
1, n is odd
f (n) =
0, n is even

where, nεN

4 / 12
Important Information

The convergent sequence < un > has a unique limit L. In other words, lim (un ) = L. If
n→∞
lim (un ) → ±∞ then the sequence < un > is divergent.
n→∞

5 / 12
Worked Examples

8n2
Let un = 6n2 +3n+2
. Show that un converges to 43 .

Solution
 
8n2
lim (un ) = lim 6n2 +3n+2
n→∞ n→∞

8 4
Since the deg 8n2 = deg 6n2 + 3n + 2 it implies that the lim (un ) =
 
6 = 3
n→∞

6 / 12
Worked Examples

n3
Determine whether the sequence un = 6n2 +1
is convergent.

Solution
 
n3
lim (un ) = lim 6n2 +1
n→∞ n→∞

Since the deg n3 > deg 6n2 + 1 it implies that the lim (un ) → ∞. Therefore, the
 
n→∞
sequence un is divergent.

7 / 12
Worked Examples

1+n
Show that the sequence un = n2
converges to zero.

Solution
1+n

lim (un ) = lim n2
n→∞ n→∞

Since the deg (1 + n) < deg n2 it implies that the lim (un ) = 0

n→∞

8 / 12
Worked Examples

q
4n−1
Is the sequence un = n+1 convergent ?

Solution
√
q r  
4n−1 4n−1
lim (un ) = lim n+1 = lim n+1 = 4=2
n→∞ n→∞ n→∞

Hence, the sequence un is convergent.

9 / 12
Alternative Methods

There are alternative methods in Pure Mathematics to show convergence of a sequence such
as Cauchy’s General Principle or showing that the sequence is bounded and monotonically
increasing/decreasing. However, in my opinion these are too advanced for the CAPE level.

10 / 12
Continuation

In another presentation we will continue to determine if a given sequence is convergent or


divergent with more difficult problems which requires the use of L’Hopital’s Rule.

11 / 12
Thank You For Your Participation

12 / 12

You might also like