Comparing the sup of two sequences

  • MHB
  • Thread starter OhMyMarkov
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Sequences
In summary, the conversation discusses the proof of $A_n \leq B_n$, where $A_n$ and $B_n$ are the supremum of two sequences $a_n$ and $b_n$ respectively. The proof is done by contradiction, assuming $A_n > B_n$ for some $n$. However, it is shown that this assumption leads to a contradiction, proving that $A_n \leq B_n$. This proof holds even if the supremum is not actually in the set of the sequences.
  • #1
OhMyMarkov
83
0
Hello everyone!

Let $a_n$ and $b_n$ be two sequences such that $a_n \leq b_n$ for all $n$. Let $A_n = \sup \{a_m \; | \; m \geq n\}$ and $B_n = \sup \{b_m \; | \; m \geq n\}$.

I want to prove that $A_n\leq B_n$. I attempted a proof by contradiction:

Assume $A_n > B_n$ for some $n$.
If $A_n = a_i$ and $B_n = b_j$ for some j, and $i$ not necessarily equal to $j$, then $a_i > b_j$. However, $b_i > a_i$, so that $A_n > B_n$ is not true.

But the thing is, what if the index $i$ is infinity, I'm not sure what to do there...Any help would be appreciated! :)
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
OhMyMarkov said:
Hello everyone!
Let $a_n$ and $b_n$ be two sequences such that $a_n \leq b_n$ for all $n$. Let $A_n = \sup \{a_m \; | \; m \geq n\}$ and $B_n = \sup \{b_m \; | \; m \geq n\}$.

I want to prove that $A_n\leq B_n$. I attempted a proof by contradiction:

Assume $A_n > B_n$ for some $n$.
Assume $A_n > B_n$ for some $n$.
$\left( {\exists a_j } \right)\left[ {j \geqslant n\;\& \,B_n < a_j \leqslant A_n } \right]$.

But $a_j\le b_j\le B_n$.
 
  • #3
Hello Plato, thanks for your reply!

I was thinking this way, but can't I extend this to the case where the sup is not actually in the set $\{a_n\}$, like the sequence $3, 3.14, 3.1415, 3.141592, 3.14159264, \dots$. Or an other sequence.
 

FAQ: Comparing the sup of two sequences

What is the definition of the sup of two sequences?

The sup of two sequences is the smallest upper bound that is common to both sequences. It is the highest value that both sequences can reach while still maintaining the order of the elements in the sequences.

How do you compare the sup of two sequences?

To compare the sup of two sequences, you first need to find the sup of each individual sequence. Then, you can compare these two values to determine which one is larger. If the sup of the first sequence is larger, then it is the overall sup. If the sup of the second sequence is larger, then it is the overall sup. If the sup of both sequences is the same, then that is the overall sup.

What is the significance of comparing the sup of two sequences?

Comparing the sup of two sequences is important because it allows us to determine the highest possible value that both sequences can reach. This can help in understanding the behavior and limits of the sequences, and can also be used in various mathematical proofs and calculations.

Can the sup of two sequences be the same as the limit of the sequences?

Yes, it is possible for the sup of two sequences to be the same as the limit of the sequences. This can happen when both sequences approach the same value as their limit, and that value is also the sup of both sequences.

Are there any limitations or assumptions when comparing the sup of two sequences?

One limitation when comparing the sup of two sequences is that both sequences must have a defined sup in order for the comparison to be valid. Additionally, the sup of both sequences must be finite, meaning it cannot be infinity. Assumptions may also be made about the behavior and properties of the sequences in order to accurately compare their sup values.

Back
Top