A sequence of negative real numbers x1,x2,x3,…x_{1}, x_{2}, x_{3}, \dots satisfies the relation xn+1=−1−2xn, for n≥1.x_{n+1} = -\sqrt{1-2x_{n}}, \text{ for } n\ge 1. Given that the sequence converges to ll, find the exact value of ll.

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Worked solution

Q4

1. Set up the equation for the limit $l$.

Since the sequence converges to ll, as n→∞n \to \infty, both xn→lx_{n} \to l and xn+1→lx_{n+1} \to l. Substituting this into the recurrence relation gives:
l=−1−2ll = -\sqrt{1-2l}

2. Square both sides and solve the resulting quadratic equation.

l2=1−2ll^2 = 1 - 2l
l2+2l−1=0l^2 + 2l - 1 = 0
Using the quadratic formula:
l=−2±22−4(1)(−1)2l = \frac{-2 \pm \sqrt{2^2 - 4(1)(-1)}}{2}
l=−2±82l = \frac{-2 \pm \sqrt{8}}{2}
l=−2±222l = \frac{-2 \pm 2\sqrt{2}}{2}
l=−1±2l = -1 \pm \sqrt{2}

3. Determine the correct value of $l$ by checking for extraneous roots.

Since the sequence consists of negative real numbers, or from observing the equation l=−1−2ll = -\sqrt{1-2l} where the principal square root is non-negative, it must be that l≤0l \le 0.
Since 2≈1.414\sqrt{2} \approx 1.414, we have −1+2>0-1 + \sqrt{2} > 0.
Thus, l=−1+2l = -1 + \sqrt{2} is an extraneous root introduced by squaring and must be rejected.
l=−1−2l = -1 - \sqrt{2}

Answer

l=−1−2l = -1 - \sqrt{2}

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