Question:

Let \( a_0 = 0 \) and define \( a_n = \frac{1}{2} (1 + a_{n-1}) \) for all positive integers \( n \geq 1 \). The least value of \( n \) for which \( |1 - a_n|<\frac{1}{2^{10}} \) is ______.

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When dealing with recurrence relations that approach a limit, find the general form of the sequence and solve for the required condition.
Updated On: Apr 11, 2025
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Solution and Explanation


We are given the recurrence relation \( a_n = \frac{1}{2} (1 + a_{n-1}) \) with the initial condition \( a_0 = 0 \).
We need to find the least value of \( n \) for which \( |1 - a_n| < \frac{1}{2^{10}} \).

Step 1: Observing the recurrence relation, we see that the sequence \( a_n \) converges to 1. We can express \( a_n \) as:

\[ a_n = 1 - \frac{1}{2^n}. \]
This is a standard result for such recurrence relations, where \( a_n \) converges to 1.

Step 2: We need to find \( n \) such that:

\[ |1 - a_n| = \left| 1 - \left( 1 - \frac{1}{2^n} \right) \right| = \frac{1}{2^n} < \frac{1}{2^{10}}. \]
This inequality simplifies to:

\[ \frac{1}{2^n} < \frac{1}{2^{10}}. \]

Step 3: Solving for \( n \), we get:

\[ n \geq 11. \]

Thus, the least value of \( n \) is 11.
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