# Proving that a sequence is monotone and bounded

Let $x_1> 1$ and let $x_{n+1} := 2 - \displaystyle\frac{1}{x{_n}}$ for $n \in \mathbb{ N}$. Show that $(x_n)$ is bounded and monotone. Find the limit. I am confused on how to show that the sequence is increasing or decreasing without having a specific value for $x_1$. I think that I should use induction, but how do I define my base case?

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I would try something by induction. Use any value of $x_1 > 1$ just to gain some intuition if the sequence is increasing or decreasing. Once you have proved it converges, start with $x_{n+1} = 2 - \frac{1}{x_n}$ and pass the limit: $L = 2 - \frac{1}{L}$ and solve for $L$. –  Ivo Terek Jun 17 at 1:35
"How do I define my base case?" I think you don't. Leave everything in terms of $x_1$. The fact that $x_1 > 1$ should be enough to conclude something. –  Ivo Terek Jun 17 at 1:37

Hint. To show that the sequence is always increasing, the base case would be that $x_2>x_1$, that is, $$2-\frac{1}{x_1}>x_1\ .$$ Similarly, to show it is always decreasing, you would need to start with $$2-\frac{1}{x_1}<x_1\ .$$ By doing a little algebra you should be able to work out which of these is correct.

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Induction is a good plan. The statement to prove will be (if we assume we're going to prove it's increasing) "$\forall n\ge 1: x_n\le x_{n+1}$". The base case will be "$x_1\le x_2$". To prove this without knowing the value of $x_1$, there's really only one thing you can do: use the given recurrence to relate the value of $x_2$ to the value of $x_1$. That yields the statement $$x_1 \le 2 - \frac1{x_1}$$ to be proved. So, solve this inequality, finding the values of $x_1$ for which it is true, and see if the problem's statement that $x_1>1$ lets you conclude that it's true.

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Assume that $x_n>x_{n+1}$. Then invert, negate and sum $2$ to get $$2-\frac 1{x_n}>2-\frac 1{x_{n+1}}$$

which gives $x_{n+1}>x_{n+2}$. The boundedness is proved in a similar manner. What is a putative upper bound?

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You can prove that $x_n \gt 1$ by using induction (this shows a lower bound).

To show monotonicity, you don't need induction.

$x_{n} - x_{n+1} = x_n + \frac{1}{x_n} - 2 \gt 0$

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