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Assuming convergence of the following series, find the value of $\sqrt{6+\sqrt{6+\sqrt{6+...}}}$

I was advised to proceed with this problem through substitution but that does not seem to help unless I am substituting the wrong parts. If i substitute the $6$, well then i am just stuck with above.

Any ideas on how to proceed. Also, what is the purpose of stating that it is convergent.

MJD
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Caddy Heron
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    @GAVD I think this question quite is different from that one since it involves no unknown, just a simple "evaluate this expression...". – BigbearZzz Oct 07 '15 at 03:42

1 Answers1

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Let $x=\sqrt{6+\sqrt{6+\sqrt{6+...}}}$, then observe that $x=\sqrt{6+x}$. Squaring both sides yields $$ x^2=x+6 $$ , which is a quadratic formula. Solve it normally and choose the wise answer out of the 2 roots.

BigbearZzz
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  • I see, so I would get -2 and 3. I would have to eliminate -2 since we cant have a negative number within the square root. – Caddy Heron Oct 07 '15 at 03:43
  • Exactly. I have a question that you might be interested in: What if BOTH roots are positive? Which one will you choose? :) – BigbearZzz Oct 07 '15 at 03:51
  • Interesting, I would say pick none but since its convergent, i would have to pick one? So i'm not sure. – Caddy Heron Oct 07 '15 at 03:54