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Sequences and their limits

What it means for aₙ to approach L, and the limits that define e and π.

A sequence converges to L when its terms eventually stay as close to L as you like. That “as you like” is the ε in every analysis proof. (1 + 1/n)ⁿ creeps up to e; n/(n + 1) creeps up to 1; (−1)ⁿ never settles. The graph shows the terms approaching the limit.

Kushanda muenzaniso · limit of (1 + 1/n)^n as n -> oo

Calculus · Limits

Limit of (1 + 1/n)^n as n → oo

\lim_{n \to \infty} \left(1 + \frac{1}{n}\right)^{n}

Step by step

  1. \lim_{n \to \infty^+-} \left(1 + \frac{1}{n}\right)^{n}

    Try direct substitution first.

  2. \

    As x grows without bound, compare the fastest-growing terms (or divide top and bottom by the highest power).

  3. = e

    Take the limit.

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Maitiro: Sequences and their limits

  1. Try direct substitution first.
  2. As x grows without bound, compare the fastest-growing terms (or divide top and bottom by the highest power).
  3. Take the limit.

Mabvunzo vanhu vanobvunza

What is the ε, δ definition actually saying?

That you can make the output as close to the limit as anyone demands (within ε) by keeping the input close enough (within δ). It replaces "approaches" with a challenge-and-response that can be checked.

Why does the harmonic series diverge when its terms go to zero?

Because the terms shrink too slowly: group them as 1/3 + 1/4 > 1/2, 1/5 + … + 1/8 > 1/2, and so on: infinitely many halves.

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Convergence of seriesImproper integralsTaylor approximation and errorFunctions of a complex variableContinuity and differentiability, rigorouslySequences of functions and uniform convergence