Skip to main content
Ch. 10 - Sequences and Infinite Series
Briggs - Calculus: Early Transcendentals 3rd Edition
Briggs3rd EditionCalculus: Early TranscendentalsISBN: 9780136847243Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 10, Problem 10.R.15

12–24. Limits of sequences Evaluate the limit of the sequence or state that it does not exist.
aₙ = (2ⁿ + 5ⁿ⁺¹) / 5ⁿ

Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the given sequence: \(a_n = \frac{2^n + 5^{n+1}}{5^n}\).
Rewrite the sequence by separating the terms in the numerator over the denominator: \(a_n = \frac{2^n}{5^n} + \frac{5^{n+1}}{5^n}\).
Simplify each term: \(\frac{2^n}{5^n} = \left(\frac{2}{5}\right)^n\) and \(\frac{5^{n+1}}{5^n} = 5^{(n+1)-n} = 5\).
Express the sequence as \(a_n = \left(\frac{2}{5}\right)^n + 5\).
Analyze the limit as \(n\) approaches infinity: since \(\left(\frac{2}{5}\right)^n\) tends to 0 (because \(\frac{2}{5} < 1\)), the limit of \(a_n\) is the limit of \(0 + 5\), which is 5.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Video duration:
2m
Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Limits of Sequences

The limit of a sequence describes the value that the terms of the sequence approach as the index n becomes very large. If the terms get arbitrarily close to a specific number, the sequence converges to that limit; otherwise, it diverges.
Recommended video:
Guided course
8:22
Introduction to Sequences

Properties of Exponential Functions

Exponential functions with different bases grow at different rates. When comparing terms like 2ⁿ and 5ⁿ, the term with the larger base dominates as n increases, which helps simplify the limit by focusing on the dominant term.
Recommended video:
06:21
Properties of Functions

Algebraic Manipulation of Sequences

Simplifying sequences often involves factoring and dividing numerator and denominator by the highest power term to reveal dominant behavior. This technique helps in evaluating limits by reducing complex expressions to simpler forms.
Recommended video:
Guided course
8:22
Introduction to Sequences