# Thread: show that x_n converges to \sqrt{a}

1. ## show that x_n converges to \sqrt{a}

Fix a>0 and let $x_1>\sqrt{a}$. For n >=1, define

$x_{n+1}$ = $1/2(x_n +a/x_n)$

Show that $(x_n)$ converges and that lim n--> infinity $x_n = \sqrt{a}$.

Here is what I have got so far, $x_{n+1}$= $1/2(x_n +a/x_n)$ $>= \sqrt{a}$ since $\sqrt{ab}<=(a+b)/2$

2. ## Re: show that x_n converges to \sqrt{a}

Originally Posted by wopashui
Fix a>0 and let $x_1>\sqrt{a}$. For n >=1, define

$x_{n+1}$ = $1/2(x_n +a/x_n)$

Show that $(x_n)$ converges and that lim n--> infinity $x_n = \sqrt{a}$.

Here is what I have got so far, $x_{n+1}$= $1/2(x_n +a/x_n)$ $>= \sqrt{a}$ since $\sqrt{ab}<=(a+b)/2$
1. Use induction to show that $x_n < x_{n=1}$.

2. Let the limit be l. Solve $l = \frac{1}{2} \left(l + \frac{a}{l}\right)$.

3. ## Re: show that x_n converges to \sqrt{a}

Originally Posted by mr fantastic
1. Use induction to show that $x_n < x_{n=1}$.

2. Let the limit be l. Solve $l = \frac{1}{2} \left(l + \frac{a}{l}\right)$.
you meant to show $x_n > x_{n+1}$, since the sequence has to be decreasing to get to $\sqrt{a}$

4. ## Re: show that x_n converges to \sqrt{a}

Originally Posted by wopashui
you meant to show $x_n > x_{n+1}$, since the sequence has to be decreasing to get to $\sqrt{a}$
Yes, typo on my part.