Get inspired by the success stories of our students in IIT JAM 2021. Learn More

#### IIT JAM MS 2020 Section A Problem 1 Solution

##### Problem

If $\{x_{n}\}_{n \geq 1}$ is a sequence of real numbers such that $\lim _{n \rightarrow \infty} \frac{x_{n}}{n}=0.001$, then

(A) $\{x_{n}\}_{n \geq 1}$ is a bounded sequence
(B)$\{x_{n}\}_{n \geq 1}$ is an unbounded sequence
(C) $\{x_{n}\}_{n \geq 1}$ is a convergent sequence
(D) $\{x_{n}\}_{n \geq 1}$ is a monotonically decreasing sequence

### Hints

##### Hint 1

If $\{x_{n}\}_{n \geq 1}$ was bounded, show that $\lim _{n \rightarrow \infty} \frac{x_{n}}{n}=0$, by sandwich theorem.

##### Hint 2

If $\{x_{n}\}_{n \geq 1}$ was convergent, show that $\lim _{n \rightarrow \infty} \frac{x_{n}}{n}=0$, by algebra of limits.

##### Hint 3

If $\{x_{n}\}_{n \geq 1}$ was motonotically decreasing and bounded below, then it would have been convergent by Monotone Convergence Theorem.

Let's consider if it is not below below, i.e. $\lim _{n \rightarrow \infty} {x_{n}} = -\infty$

• Take ${x_{n}} = -n$
• Take ${x_{n}} = -n^2$
• Take ${x_{n}} = - \sqrt{n}$

Find the limit in each of this case.

Hence, it will be unbounded. See the full solution and proof idea below.

#### Food For Thoughts

• What if, $\lim _{n \rightarrow \infty} \frac{x_{n}}{n}= 0$?
• Find examples.

### Cheenta. Passion for Mathematics

Advanced Mathematical Science. Taught by olympians, researchers and true masters of the subject.