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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 for any chosen tolerance ε\varepsilon, the odd-indexed terms remain at −1-1, which is a fixed distance away from 11. No matter how large the cutoff index NN is, there will always be subsequent odd terms that fall outside the tolerance band centered at 11, violating the requirement that all terms after NN must stay within ε\varepsilon of the limit.

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 (0.5,1.5)(0.5, 1.5).
  3. Observe the behavior of the sequence terms: even terms are 11 and odd terms are −1-1.
  4. Note that all odd terms (−1-1) lie strictly outside the interval (0.5,1.5)(0.5, 1.5).
  5. Recognize that for any integer NN, there exists an odd 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 11.

Example

The script states: 'Testing N=5N=5, the lower row of dots (odd indices) clearly falls outside the yellow band.' It further notes: 'To rule out coincidence, NN is increased to 20... These remain far below in the negative region, completely missing the target band near 1.'

Common misconceptions

  • Believing that increasing NN eventually excludes all bad terms; in this sequence, bad terms occur infinitely often.
  • Confusing the limit of a subsequence with the limit of the whole sequence.
  • Thinking that if some terms are close to the limit, the sequence converges to it.

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