Prove that $\lim_{n \rightarrow \infty} \frac{2^{n}}{n!} = 0$ using the hint that $0 < \frac{2^{n}}{n!} \leq 2 \, \left(\frac{2}{3}\right)^{n-2}$ for all $n \geq 3$? I know there is a thread already about this question but there is none that use this hint to solve this question. How can you use this hint to prove it?
Asked
Active
Viewed 83 times
1
-
Have you heard of the squeeze theorem? – James Oct 06 '14 at 21:40
-
yes but how do I get to 2(2/3)^(n-2)>=2^n/n!? – Bono Oct 06 '14 at 21:41
-
Like how would I get to the step of 2(2/3)^(n-2)? – Bono Oct 06 '14 at 21:41
-
Induction would work. – James Oct 06 '14 at 21:42
-
Could you explain more? I've tried induction but can't reach the conclusion. – Bono Oct 06 '14 at 21:43
-
1This answer uses exactly the approach from your hint. – Martin Sleziak Apr 17 '17 at 13:43
2 Answers
3
The inequality is trivial for $n=3$. For the inductive step:
$$\frac{2^{n+1}}{(n+1)!}=\frac2{n+1}\frac{2^n}{n!}\le \frac2{n+1}\times 2\left(\frac23\right)^{n-2}\le2 \left(\frac23\right)^{n-1}$$ since $n+1\ge3$.
Now to use the hint notice that the geometric sequence $\left(\frac23\right)^{n-2}$ is convergent to $0$ so we conclude the desired result using the squeeze theorem.
-
-
This inequality is equivalent to $$\frac1{3\times \cdots\times n}\le\frac1{3^{n-2}}$$ which is true since $$3\le k,\quad \forall 3\le k\le n$$ – Oct 06 '14 at 21:55
-
1
Hint: If $$\lim_{n\to\infty }\left|\frac{a_{n+1}}{a_n}\right|=\rho<1,$$ by d'Alembert rule, $$\lim_{n\to\infty }a_n=0.$$
I let you try for $a_n=\frac{2^n}{n!}$ ;-)

idm
- 11,824