Question:hard

If \[ a_n= \sqrt{7+\sqrt{7+\sqrt{7+\cdots}}} \] (\(n\) radicals), then which of the following is true?

Show Hint

For nested radical sequences, try finding a simple upper or lower bound. Mathematical induction is often the fastest method to prove inequalities involving recursively defined sequences.
Updated On: Jun 10, 2026
  • \(a_n>7 \quad \forall n\ge1\)
  • \(a_n>3 \quad \forall n\ge1\)
  • \(a_n<3 \quad \forall n\ge1\)
  • \(a_n<4 \quad \forall n\ge1\)
Show Solution

The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understand the sequence.
Each term is a nested square root of $7$. The first term is $a_1=\sqrt{7}$, the next is $a_2=\sqrt{7+\sqrt{7}}$, and so on. Every new term adds one more layer. All terms are positive.

Step 2: Find what value it heads toward.
If the nesting goes on forever, the value settles at a number $L$ that satisfies $L=\sqrt{7+L}$. This is because adding one more layer to a very deep nest does not change it much.

Step 3: Solve for that limit.
Square both sides: $L^2=7+L$, so $L^2-L-7=0$. Using the quadratic formula, $L=\frac{1+\sqrt{1+28}}{2}=\frac{1+\sqrt{29}}{2}$. We keep the positive root since the value is positive.

Step 4: Estimate the limit.
Since $\sqrt{29}\approx 5.385$, the limit is about $\frac{1+5.385}{2}\approx 3.19$. So the whole sequence climbs toward roughly $3.19$.

Step 5: Show terms stay below the limit.
Check the first term: $a_1=\sqrt{7}\approx 2.65$, which is below $3.19$. If any term $a_n$ is below $L$, then $a_{n+1}=\sqrt{7+a_n}<\sqrt{7+L}=L$. So by this chain reaction every term stays under $L$.

Step 6: Show the sequence keeps rising.
Each term is bigger than the one before, but never reaches $L$. So the terms increase and are squeezed under the ceiling $\frac{1+\sqrt{29}}{2}$.

Step 7: State the true bound.
Therefore for every $n$ the term is strictly less than this limit value.
\[ \boxed{a_n<\dfrac{1+\sqrt{29}}{2}\ \ \forall n\ge 1} \]
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