# [SOLVED] Just a challenge question

• Apr 30th 2008, 11:31 PM
anne.
[SOLVED] Just a challenge question
What is the value of √(2+√(2+√(2+...))) etc?

This is just a challenge question for which I am curious about. :)
• Apr 30th 2008, 11:37 PM
Moo
Hello,

Is it 2 ? :D

Assuming that $f(n+1)=\sqrt{2+f(n)}$

If L is the limit, then $\lim_{n \to \infty} f(n+1)=\lim_{n \to \infty} f(n)=L$

$L=\sqrt{2+L}$

--> $L^2=2+L \Longleftrightarrow L^2-L-2=0$

The solutions to this are -1 and 2. But L has to be > 0.
• Apr 30th 2008, 11:38 PM
anne.
It could be...I have no idea how to check it. Can you explain how you worked that out? Thanks. :)
• Apr 30th 2008, 11:40 PM
Moo
I edited :)

This is, of course, assuming that the series converges.
• May 1st 2008, 12:28 AM
anne.
Thanks for that...

I, however, being an average tenth grader, do not understand that thing with the n+1 and the limit/infinity stuff. (basically, the entire explanation).

I'm thinking that the n+1 is something got to do with a series of numbers of something...but otherwise, I don't understand it.

If it helps, the challenge question provides a hint on how to start it:
Let x be √(2+√(2+√(2+...))) and square both sides.

If you could possibly explain it starting with a simpler method (for dummies), then perhaps I will be able to understand.

:) Thanks.
• May 1st 2008, 12:34 AM
Moo
Oh, sorry for that :)

The n, n+1 thing means "the nth term of the sequence, etc..."

Well, with the hint, I can explain better (I hope), and it's quite alike with my method but it will be more clear :)

$x=\sqrt{2+\sqrt{2+\sqrt{2+\sqrt{\dots}}}}$

Square it :

$x^2=2+{\color{red}\sqrt{2+\sqrt{2+\sqrt{\dots}}}}$

Since the dots mean "infinity", the red part is also equal to x (this is, imho, the most difficult part of the process, so if you understand it, it's great (Wink))

Hence $x^2=2+x$

$x^2-x-2=0$

The discriminant $\Delta=1+8=9$ (I don't know if you've already studied that, if not, complete the square ;))

Thus the solutions are $x_1=\dots$, $x_2=\dots$

But, since x is the square root of something, it has to be a positive number. This means that you can take only one of the solutions (Bow)
• May 1st 2008, 12:44 AM
anne.
Oh, I understand it now. (Rofl)

Thanks for your help (Bow)

(PS: How much time do you spend on this forum? Every time I ask a question, it's always you who replies so quickly :D)
• May 1st 2008, 12:48 AM
Moo
Quote:

Originally Posted by anne.
Oh, I understand it now. (Rofl)

Thanks for your help (Bow)

(PS: How much time do you spend on this forum? Every time I ask a question, it's always you who replies so quickly :D)

Oh really ?
I know I spend too much time :D

The fact that I answer is maybe due to most of people here are from the USA. Hence if you post, it's night for them :p