Calculus (3rd Edition)

Published by W. H. Freeman
ISBN 10: 1464125260
ISBN 13: 978-1-46412-526-3

Chapter 11 - Infinite Series - 11.1 Sequences - Exercises - Page 538: 74

Answer

$\left\{ {\sqrt[3]{{n + 1}} - n} \right\}$ is decreasing for $n>0$.

Work Step by Step

Let $f$ be a function such that $f\left( x \right) = \sqrt[3]{{x + 1}} - x$. So, $f\left( n \right) = {a_n}$. The derivative of $f$ is $f'\left( x \right) = \frac{1}{3}{\left( {x + 1} \right)^{ - 2/3}} - 1 = \frac{1}{{3{{\left( {x + 1} \right)}^{2/3}}}} - 1$ For $x>0$, the term $\frac{1}{{3{{\left( {x + 1} \right)}^{2/3}}}}$ is less than 1. Therefore, $f'\left( x \right) < 0$. So, $f\left( x \right)$ is decreasing. It follows that $\left\{ {\sqrt[3]{{n + 1}} - n} \right\}$ is decreasing for $n>0$.
Update this answer!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this answer.

Update this answer

After you claim an answer you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.