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Why does the sequence an=(−1)na_n = (-1)^n fail to converge to L=−1L=-1 under the epsilon-N definition?

The sequence fails to converge to L=−1L=-1 because the even-indexed terms remain at 11, which is a fixed distance away from −1-1. Similar to the case for L=1L=1, no matter how large the cutoff index NN is, there will always be subsequent even terms that fall outside the tolerance band centered at −1-1, violating the convergence condition.

Conditions

  • The sequence is defined as an=(−1)na_n = (-1)^n.
  • The candidate limit is L=−1L=-1.
  • The tolerance ε\varepsilon is chosen such that 0<ε<20 < \varepsilon < 2 (e.g., ε=0.5\varepsilon=0.5).

Reasoning, step by step

  1. Assume the sequence converges to L=−1L=-1.
  2. Select a tolerance band around L=−1L=-1, for example, ε=0.5\varepsilon=0.5, creating the interval (−1.5,−0.5)(-1.5, -0.5).
  3. Observe the behavior of the sequence terms: even terms are 11 and odd terms are −1-1.
  4. Note that all even terms (11) lie strictly outside the interval (−1.5,−0.5)(-1.5, -0.5).
  5. Recognize that for any integer NN, there exists an even index n>Nn > N such that an=1a_n = 1.
  6. Conclude that the condition ∣an−(−1)∣<ε|a_n - (-1)| < \varepsilon fails for infinitely many terms, so the sequence does not converge to −1-1.

Example

The script states: 'Since L=1L=1 fails, we test another cluster point L=−1L=-1. The center line moves down to -1, creating a green band of the same width (2ε=1.02\varepsilon=1.0). Re-applying the key concept: try N=10N=10. The upper row of dots (even indices) sits above the green band.'

Common misconceptions

  • Believing that the sequence might converge to one of its cluster points.
  • Thinking that if the odd terms converge to −1-1, the whole sequence does.
  • Ignoring the contribution of the even terms to the overall limit behavior.

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