Thomas' Calculus 13th Edition

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0-32187-896-5
ISBN 13: 978-0-32187-896-0

Chapter 10: Infinite Sequences and Series - Section 10.1 - Sequences - Exercises 10.1 - Page 570: 35

Answer

$\{a_{n}\}$ diverges.

Work Step by Step

ASSUMPTION: The sequence $ \{a_{n}\}=\{0,2,0,2,0,2,...\}$ has a limit L. Then, by definition, if we choose $\epsilon=1$, there must exist an index N such that for $n\gt N$ (for sequence terms after the Nth), $|L-a_{n}|\lt 1.$ After the Nth term, there are infinitely many terms that equal 0. It must be then, that $|L-0|\lt 1.$ That is, $L\in(-1,1).$ After the Nth term, there are infinitely many terms that equal $2$. It must be then, that $|L-2|\lt 1.$ That is, $L\in(1,3).$ But, L can't be an element of both these intervals, since their intersection is empty. Thus, our assumption has shown a contradiction, and it can't be true. The sequence does nos have a limit. $\{a_{n}\}$ diverges.
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