# Convergent Sequence Terminology

What is the following sequence classified as? I don't want to make anybody solve it, I just need to know where to begin looking to solve it. $$\alpha_1 = \sqrt{20}$$ $$\alpha_{n+1} = \sqrt{20 + \alpha_n}$$

I am suppose to prove that it converges to 5, however if I could just get a little terminology help it is more then appreciated!

Note: I updated the terminology, as well as give the initial value.

Thanks!

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This is a "recursively defined" sequence, not a series. And for this to make sense, you need to give a starting value ($\alpha_1$, or $\alpha_n$). –  Arturo Magidin Apr 29 '11 at 15:33
The word "moron" is excessive. People are not always familiar with the correct mathematical terminology. The important thing is that you fixed the mistake. –  Asaf Karagila Apr 29 '11 at 15:59
We all make mistakes; it is good that you now have rectified your post, and so there is no need to beat yourself up for your previous mistake. –  Guess who it is. Apr 29 '11 at 16:05
@Asaf: It sure is! :-) –  Aryabhata Apr 29 '11 at 16:12
Moron: Don't be an ass. ;-) –  Asaf Karagila Apr 29 '11 at 16:15

First, it's not a series, it's a sequence. Fixed in the original.

Second, it's a recursively defined sequence.

A sequence is "recursively defined" if you specify some specific values and then you explain how to get the "next value" from the previous one; much like induction. Here, you are saying how to get the "next term", $\alpha_{n+1}$, if you already know the value of the $n$th term, $\alpha_n$.

Once you know the first value, then the sequence is completely determined by that first value and the "recurrence rule" $\alpha_{n+1}=\sqrt{20+\alpha_n}$.

Now some hints:

• Show the sequence is increasing.
• Show the sequence is bounded.
• Conclude the sequence converges.
• Once you know it converges, take limits on both sides of the recursion to try to figure out what it converges to.
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I apologize about that, I updated the original post. –  Nitroware Apr 29 '11 at 15:51

In addition to the excellent hinting of Arturo, I say that it might be useful to consider the intuitively-inappropriate statement that $x = \sqrt{20 + x}$, or rather that $x^2 = 20 + x$.

To be clear, the existence of a solution to this statement does not imply the existence of a solution to your recurrence, but after following Arturo's hints...

Good luck!

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