Let (an)n≥1 be the sequence defined by a1=1 and an+1=1+1+anan, for any n∈N∗. Show that limn→∞an+1an=limn→∞∑k=1nlog2(1+ak)=2. Traian Tămâian
Solution
We have an>0 and an+1<an, for any n≥1. It turns out that the sequence (an)n≥1 is convergent, with the limit ℓ∈[0,1). From the recurrence relation, we obtain ℓ=1+1+ℓℓ, so ℓ=0. Then limn→∞an+1an=limn→∞(1+1+an)=2.
The recurrence relation implies 1+an+1=1+an, for any n∈N∗. Therefore, we have log2(1+an+1)=21log2(1+an), for any n≥1. From log2(1+a1)=1 we obtain log2(1+an)=2n−11, for all positive integers n (geometric progression with the first term 1 and the ratio 1/2). Hence limn→∞∑k=1nlog2(1+ak)=limn→∞∑k=1n2k−11=2.
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