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Limits and continuity · Limits

Sequences; limit of a sequence

Before you start, make sure you know: Limit of a sequence (High School Year 2 (semesters 3 and 4))
Before you start, make sure you know: Operations with sequences. Indeterminate forms (High School Year 2 (semesters 3 and 4))

Valeria splits a cake among $n$ friends. If $n=2$, each gets half; if $n=10$, a tenth; if $n=1{,}000$, almost nothing. What value does the slice approach as $n$ keeps growing? And if the amount being shared grows along with $n$, what happens? That is the limit of a sequence, and at the end of the page we close the cake question.

Idea of a limit and basic sequences

A sequence $a_n$ is a list of numbers $a_1, a_2, a_3, \dots$ with a formula for the general term. We say $\displaystyle\lim_{n\to\infty} a_n = L$ when the terms get as close to $L$ as you want by making $n$ large enough. If they go to $\pm\infty$ or don't approach anything, the sequence diverges.

For example, $a_n=\dfrac{1}{n^2}$ gives $1,\ \dfrac14,\ \dfrac19,\ \dfrac1{16},\dots$: each term is smaller than the previous one and they cling to $0$.

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Given the sequence whose general term is $a_n = \frac{1}{n^2}$, with $n = 1, 2, 3, \dots$ a) Write the first four terms of the sequence. b) Reason intuitively what the…

Given the sequence whose general term is $a_n = \frac{1}{n^2}$, with $n = 1, 2, 3, \dots$

  1. a) Write the first four terms of the sequence.
  1. b) Reason intuitively what the value of its limit is as $n$ tends to infinity:
$$\lim_{n \to \infty} a_n$$
Solve
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It is estimated that the value of a laptop computer after $n$ years is given by the sequence $v_n = 1200 \times (0,8)^n$. Calculate the limit of this sequence and…

It is estimated that the value of a laptop computer after $n$ years is given by the sequence $v_n = 1200 \times (0,8)^n$. Calculate the limit of this sequence and interpret what the result means in the context of the device's depreciation.

$$\lim_{n \to \infty} 1200 \times (0,8)^n$$
Solve

Quotients of polynomials and radicals

If you substitute a very large $n$ into $\dfrac{5n^2-3n+1}{2n^2+7}$ you get $\dfrac{\infty}{\infty}$, which tells you nothing. The way out is to divide by the highest power of $n$, or simply to look at the highest-degree terms.

With roots, you count the "effective" degree: $\sqrt{9n^2+n}$ behaves like $\sqrt{9n^2}=3n$, of degree $1$. So, $\displaystyle\lim_{n\to\infty}\dfrac{\sqrt{9n^2+n}}{2n-3}=\dfrac{3}{2}$.

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Calculate the limit of the following rational sequence by comparing the degrees of the numerator and the denominator: $$a_n = \frac{5n^2 - 3n + 1}{2n^2 + 7}$$

Calculate the limit of the following rational sequence by comparing the degrees of the numerator and the denominator:

$$a_n = \frac{5n^2 - 3n + 1}{2n^2 + 7}$$
Solve
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Determine the value of the limit of the sequence $b_n$ as $n$ grows indefinitely: $$b_n = \frac{100n + 50}{n^2 - 1}$$

Determine the value of the limit of the sequence $b_n$ as $n$ grows indefinitely:

$$b_n = \frac{100n + 50}{n^2 - 1}$$
Solve
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On a social network, the number of "likes" on a post during the first few hours follows the sequence $c_n = \frac{4n^2}{n+2}$, where $n$ is the number of hours since…

On a social network, the number of "likes" on a post during the first few hours follows the sequence $c_n = \frac{4n^2}{n+2}$, where $n$ is the number of hours since publication. What happens to the number of "likes" in the very long term? Calculate:

$$\lim_{n \to \infty} \frac{4n^2}{n+2}$$
Solve
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Calculate the limit of the following sequence involving a square root, by analyzing the highest-degree term: $$d_n = \frac{\sqrt{9n^2 + n}}{2n - 3}$$ The graph shows…

Calculate the limit of the following sequence involving a square root, by analyzing the highest-degree term:

$$d_n = \frac{\sqrt{9n^2 + n}}{2n - 3}$$

The graph shows some of its first terms (starting from $n=3$).

Graph of the first terms of the sequence d_n, which decreases as n increases n dₙ 0 1 2 3 4 5 10 15 20 n → ∞
Solve
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Calculate the limit of the following sequence by analysing the degrees of the polynomials and justifying the result by comparing the leading terms:…

Calculate the limit of the following sequence by analysing the degrees of the polynomials and justifying the result by comparing the leading terms:

$a_n = \frac{(3n - 1)^2 \times (n + 2)}{(2n + 3)^3 - 5n}$

Solve

The hierarchy of infinities

Not all sequences that tend to $+\infty$ do so at the same speed. That is why an algorithm with $n!$ steps is much worse than one with $n^2$ steps.

The sequence $\dfrac{n^3}{2^n}$ in the figure first rises, but then the exponential wins and it goes to $0$.

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Using the comparison of orders of infinity (exponential vs polynomial), find the limit of the sequence: $$e_n = \frac{3^n}{n^{10} + 500}$$

Using the comparison of orders of infinity (exponential vs polynomial), find the limit of the sequence:

$$e_n = \frac{3^n}{n^{10} + 500}$$
Solve
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Given the following sequences, use the hierarchy of infinities to determine, without performing extensive algebraic operations, the value of their limit as…

Given the following sequences, use the hierarchy of infinities to determine, without performing extensive algebraic operations, the value of their limit as $n \to \infty$:

  1. a) $b_n = \frac{n^5 + 10^6}{\ln(n^2 + 1) + 0.5^n}$
  1. b) $c_n = \frac{\sqrt{n^3 + 4n}}{2n + \sqrt[3]{n^5}}$
  1. c) $d_n = \frac{1.02^n}{n^{1000} + 5n}$
Solve
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In the study of computer algorithms, it is essential to know the rate at which certain functions grow. Calculate the limit of the following sequence by comparing the…

In the study of computer algorithms, it is essential to know the rate at which certain functions grow. Calculate the limit of the following sequence by comparing the orders of infinity of the different terms (factorials, exponentials and powers):

$$\lim_{n \to \infty} \frac{n! + 10^n}{n^n - 5^n}$$

Give a reasoned explanation of which term dominates in the numerator and which in the denominator to justify your result.

Solve

Differences: conjugate and common denominator

A subtraction $\infty-\infty$ can't be evaluated directly either. Depending on the case there are three tools: the conjugate (with square roots), the common denominator (with fractions), and polynomial division (when there are parameters).

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Solve the limit of the sequence $a_n = \sqrt{4n^2 + 3n - 1} - 2n$. To visualize its behavior, the figure shows the first eight terms $a_1, a_2, \dots, a_8$. Observe…

Solve the limit of the sequence $a_n = \sqrt{4n^2 + 3n - 1} - 2n$.

To visualize its behavior, the figure shows the first eight terms $a_1, a_2, \dots, a_8$. Observe which value they seem to approach and then justify the result by calculating the limit (for example, by multiplying and dividing by the conjugate).

Plot of the first eight terms of the sequence a_n, which grow slowly with n 0 0.5 1.0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 n aₙ
Solve
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Calculate the limit of the following sequence, which involves a subtraction of fractions with different denominators:…

Calculate the limit of the following sequence, which involves a subtraction of fractions with different denominators:

$a_n = \frac{2n^2 + 1}{n - 1} - \frac{2n^3 + 5}{n^2 + 2}$

State whether the sequence is divergent or convergent after resolving the indeterminate form $\infty - \infty$.

Solve
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Determine the limit of the following sequence, which involves a difference of roots of different order (cube root and square root). To solve it, you will need to…

Determine the limit of the following sequence, which involves a difference of roots of different order (cube root and square root). To solve it, you will need to factorise a common term or use the technique of adding and subtracting an intermediate term to split the expression into two manageable limits:

$$\lim_{n \to \infty} \left( \sqrt[3]{n^3 + 3n^2} - \sqrt{n^2 - 4n} \right)$$
Solve
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Find the values of the real parameters $a$ and $b$ such that the following equality between the limit of the sequence and the given value holds: $$\lim_{n \to \infty}…

Find the values of the real parameters $a$ and $b$ such that the following equality between the limit of the sequence and the given value holds:

$$\lim_{n \to \infty} \left( \frac{n^2 + 5n + 1}{n - 2} - an - b \right) = 0$$
Solve

The number $e$ and the indeterminate form $1^\infty$

If Fernanda puts $\$1$ in a bank that pays $100\%$ annually and splits the interest into $n$ equal parts, after a year she will have $\left(1+\frac1n\right)^n$ pesos. As $n$ increases the amount doesn't blow up: it approaches a number.

A useful case: $\left(1+\frac1n\right)^{2n}=\left[\left(1+\frac1n\right)^n\right]^2\to e^2$.

If an exercise gives you the form of the result, you can work it backwards. For example, in $\left(\dfrac{kn+5}{3n-1}\right)^n=e^t$ the base must tend to $1$, that is $\dfrac k3=1$ and $k=3$. Then $a_n-1=\dfrac{6}{3n-1}$ and $L=\lim n\cdot\dfrac{6}{3n-1}=2$, so $t=2$.

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The figure shows, for $n=1,2,\dots,10$, the terms of two sequences: the blue points correspond to $a_n=\left(1+\frac{1}{n}\right)^{n}$ and the green points to $$xn =…

The figure shows, for $n=1,2,\dots,10$, the terms of two sequences: the blue points correspond to $a_n=\left(1+\frac{1}{n}\right)^{n}$ and the green points to

$$x_n = \left(1 + \frac{1}{n}\right)^{2n}$$ First ten terms of the sequences (1+1/n)^n in blue and (1+1/n)^(2n) in green 1 2 3 5 10 n 2 4 6 8 y Blue points: (1 + 1/n)n Green points: (1 + 1/n)2n
  1. a) Identify which of the two sequences in the figure (blue or green) corresponds to the definition of the number $e$ and write its limit.
  1. b) Calculate $\displaystyle\lim_{n\to\infty} x_n$ (the green points), reasoning from the definition of $e$, and check that the result is consistent with the trend observed in the figure.
Solve
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An investor analyses the growth of a cryptocurrency whose daily evolution follows an exponential sequence rule. The relative value after $n$ days is given by:…

An investor analyses the growth of a cryptocurrency whose daily evolution follows an exponential sequence rule. The relative value after $n$ days is given by:

$V_n = \left( \frac{5n^2 + 3n}{5n^2 - 2} \right)^{n+1}$

Calculate the value to which the currency tends in the long term using the relation with the number $e$.

Solve
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Find the values of the real parameters $k$ and $t$ such that the following equality holds: $\lim_{n \to \infty} \left( \frac{kn + 5}{3n - 1} \right)^n = e^t$ Given that…

Find the values of the real parameters $k$ and $t$ such that the following equality holds:

$\lim_{n \to \infty} \left( \frac{kn + 5}{3n - 1} \right)^n = e^t$

Given that the limit of the base is $1$ and the final result is $e^2$.

Solve
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Calculate the value of the following limit of a sequence which yields an indeterminate form of the type $1^\infty$, paying special attention to the algebraic…

Calculate the value of the following limit of a sequence which yields an indeterminate form of the type $1^\infty$, paying special attention to the algebraic manipulation of the base and the exponent:

$$\lim_{n \to \infty} \left( \frac{2n^2 + 5n - 1}{2n^2 - 3n + 2} \right)^{\frac{n^2 + 1}{2n - 3}}$$
Solve

The squeeze theorem

If a sequence is trapped between two others that go to the same number, it has no choice but to go there too. It is especially useful for long sums and for "strange" terms like $\operatorname{sen}(n)$.

Squeeze theorem: a sequence is trapped between an upper bound and a lower bound that converge to the same limit L. L upper bound lower bound the sequence (blue) stays between the two bounds
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In a biotechnology laboratory, the number of bacteria of a strain (in millions) after $n$ hours is modelled by the sequence:…

In a biotechnology laboratory, the number of bacteria of a strain (in millions) after $n$ hours is modelled by the sequence:

$P_n = \frac{12n^2 + \text{sen}(n)}{3n^2 + 500}$

Determine the bacterial population as time tends to infinity. Explain what happens to the term $\text{sen}(n)$ in the limit calculation.

Solve
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Use the Sandwich Theorem (or Squeeze Theorem) to find the value of the limit of the sequence $a_n$ defined by the following sum of fractions: $$an = \frac{n}{n^2+1} +…

Use the Sandwich Theorem (or Squeeze Theorem) to find the value of the limit of the sequence $a_n$ defined by the following sum of fractions:

$$a_n = \frac{n}{n^2+1} + \frac{n}{n^2+2} + \frac{n}{n^2+3} + \dots + \frac{n}{n^2+n}$$ L n 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 bₙ cₙ aₙ
Solve

Recursive sequences

In a recursive sequence each term is computed from the previous one: $a_{n+1}=f(a_n)$. If you know it converges, the limit can be obtained without computing thousands of terms.

See how $a_1=\sqrt6,\ a_{n+1}=\sqrt{6+a_n}$ behaves:

$n$ 1 2 3 4
$a_n$ 2.449 2.907 2.984 2.997
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Study the behavior of the recurrence sequence defined by: $a_1 = 2$ $a_{n+1} = \frac{1}{2} \left( a_n + \frac{2}{a_n} \right)$ If we assume that the sequence is…

Study the behavior of the recurrence sequence defined by:

$a_1 = 2$

$a_{n+1} = \frac{1}{2} \left( a_n + \frac{2}{a_n} \right)$

If we assume that the sequence is convergent and that its limit is $L$ ($L > 0$), calculate this value by solving the equation $L = \frac{1}{2} \left( L + \frac{2}{L} \right)$. Which famous irrational constant does this result correspond to?

Solve
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A sequence is defined recursively by the formula: $$a_1 = \sqrt{6}$$ $$a_{n+1} = \sqrt{6 + a_n}$$ Assuming that the sequence is convergent (you can visualize its…

A sequence is defined recursively by the formula:

$$a_1 = \sqrt{6}$$ $$a_{n+1} = \sqrt{6 + a_n}$$

Assuming that the sequence is convergent (you can visualize its behavior in the diagram below), calculate the exact value of its limit $L = \lim_{n \to \infty} a_n$.

1 2 4 1 2 3 4 0 an an+1 y = x y = √(x + 6) a1 a2 L=? L = ?
Solve
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A surveillance drone is programmed to make a series of jumps in a straight line. In the first second it travels $d$ meters. In each subsequent second, it travels a…

A surveillance drone is programmed to make a series of jumps in a straight line. In the first second it travels $d$ meters. In each subsequent second, it travels a distance that is half the distance traveled in the previous second plus one extra meter to compensate for the wind. If $x_n$ is the total cumulative distance after $n$ seconds:

  1. a) Find the expression for the general term of the distance traveled in each second $a_n$.
  2. b) Determine the distance the drone will travel in a given second as $n$ tends to infinity (that is, $\lim_{n \to \infty} a_n$).
Solve

Proving a limit with $\varepsilon$ and $N$

The formal definition says: $\displaystyle\lim_{n\to\infty}a_n=L$ if for every $\varepsilon>0$ there exists a natural number $N$ such that, for all $n>N$, $|an-L|<\varepsilon$ holds. In other words: no matter how narrow the strip around $L$ is, from a certain term on all the rest fall inside it.

Terms of a sequence and a strip of radius epsilon around L; the terms with index greater than N all lie inside the strip. L+ε L−ε n = N For every n > N (green dots) the terms are inside the strip.
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Given the sequence $a_n = \frac{3n + 2}{n + 1}$, prove using the formal definition of a limit ($\varepsilon$ and $N$) that its limit is $L = 3$. To do so, for a given…

Given the sequence $a_n = \frac{3n + 2}{n + 1}$, prove using the formal definition of a limit ($\varepsilon$ and $N$) that its limit is $L = 3$.

To do so, for a given value of $\varepsilon = 0.001$, determine from which term $N$ of the sequence it holds that $|a_n - L| < \varepsilon$.

Solve

Summary

See all the exercises in this section