Complete spaces and Cauchy sequences

In summary, the conversation discusses examples of metric spaces that are not complete, despite having Cauchy sequences. The first example is the set of continuous functions on [0,1], using a specific metric. The second example is the metric on the set of rational numbers. Both examples show that Cauchy sequences do not necessarily converge in a metric space, highlighting the importance of completeness.
  • #1
alyafey22
Gold Member
MHB
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I know that a metric space is complete if every Cauchy sequence converges that will surely designate compact metric spaces as complete spaces . I need to see examples of metric spaces which are not complete.

Thanks in advance !
 
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  • #2
Take the set of all continuous functions at [0,1]
with
[tex]d(f(x),g(x)) = \int_{0}^{1} \mid f(x) - g(x) \mid dx [/tex]
Let
[tex]f_n(x) = x^n [/tex] , I want to show [tex] f_n [/tex] is Cauchy
Given [tex] \epsilon > 0 [/tex]
if x= 1 ,
[tex] f_n (x) = 1 [/tex] which is Cauchy
if x<1

[tex]x^n \rightarrow 0 [/tex]
There exist [tex]n_0 [/tex] such that
[tex] \mid x^n \mid < \frac{\epsilon}{2} [/tex] for all [tex] n > n_0 [/tex]
for [tex] m,n > n_0 [/tex]
[tex] \mid x^n - x^m \mid < \mid x^n\mid + \mid x^m \mid < \frac{\epsilon}{2} + \frac{\epsilon}{2}= \epsilon [/tex]

[tex] d(f_n(x) , f_m(x) ) = \int_{0}^{1} \mid f_n(x) - f_m(x) \mid dx < \int_{0}^{1} \epsilon\;\; dx = \epsilon [/tex]
Using the fact for f,g continuous functions with f<= g
[tex] \int_{a}^{b} f(x) \leq \int_{a}^{b} g(x) [/tex]

so it is Cauchy but
[tex] f_n(x) [/tex]
converges to
[tex] f(x) = \left\{ \begin{array}{11} 1 & : x=1 \\ 0 & : x\in [0,1) \end{array} \right. [/tex]
f not continuous so it is not in the Metric
so [tex]f_n(x) [/tex] is not converge in our metric
but it is Cauchy

Another Example
The metric on the Rational number set [tex]Q [/tex]
with [tex] \mid x - y \mid [/tex]
Let
[tex] P_n = \sum_{k=0}^{n} \frac{1}{k!} [/tex]
this sequence is Cauchy but it is converge to [tex] e [\tex] which is not rational number
Another sequence in the same metric is
[tex] P_n = \left( 1 + \frac{1}{n} \right)^n [/tex] which converge to e
 
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  • #3
Amer said:
Take the set of all continuous functions at [0,1]
with
[tex]d(f(x),g(x)) = \int_{0}^{1} \mid f(x) - g(x) \mid dx [/tex]
Let
[tex]f_n(x) = x^n [/tex] , I want to show [tex] f_n [/tex] is Cauchy
Given [tex] \epsilon > 0 [/tex]
if x= 1 ,
[tex] f_n (x) = 1 [/tex] which is Cauchy
if x<1

[tex]x^n \rightarrow 0 [/tex]
There exist [tex]n_0 [/tex] such that
[tex] \mid x^n \mid < \frac{\epsilon}{2} [/tex] for all [tex] n > n_0 [/tex]
for [tex] m,n > n_0 [/tex]
[tex] \mid x^n - x^m \mid < \mid x^n\mid + \mid x^m \mid < \frac{\epsilon}{2} + \frac{\epsilon}{2}= \epsilon [/tex]

[tex] d(f_n(x) , f_m(x) ) = \int_{0}^{1} \mid f_n(x) - f_m(x) \mid dx < \int_{0}^{1} \epsilon\;\; dx = \epsilon [/tex]
Using the fact for f,g continuous functions with f<= g
[tex] \int_{a}^{b} f(x) \leq \int_{a}^{b} g(x) [/tex]

so it is Cauchy but
[tex] f_n(x) [/tex]
converges to
[tex] f(x) = \left\{ \begin{array}{11} 1 & : x=1 \\ 0 & : x\in [0,1) \end{array} \right. [/tex]
f not continuous so it is not in the Metric
so [tex]f_n(x) [/tex] is not converge in our metric
but it is Cauchy

Another Example
The metric on the Rational number set [tex]Q [/tex]
with [tex] \mid x - y \mid [/tex]
Let
[tex] P_n = \sum_{k=0}^{n} \frac{1}{k!} [/tex]
this sequence is Cauchy but it is converge to [tex] e [\tex] which is not rational number
Another sequence in the same metric is
[tex] P_n = \left( 1 + \frac{1}{n} \right)^n [/tex] which converge to e

Wow very nice , thanks for the examples :)
 
  • #4
There is always the simple ones: consider the interval $(0,1)$. The sequence $1/n$ is a Cauchy sequence but does not converge in $(0,1)$. :)
 
  • #5
Another classical example is the vector space $V$ of the complex sequences $x=(x_n)$ with finitely many non zero terms. The map $V\times V\to \mathbb{C},$ $\langle x,y\rangle=\sum x_n\overline{y_n}$ is an inner product, and the corresponding metric space is not complete.
 

FAQ: Complete spaces and Cauchy sequences

What is a complete space in mathematics?

A complete space in mathematics is a metric space in which every Cauchy sequence converges to a limit within the space. This means that the space contains all of its limits and there are no "missing points". A complete space is also known as a "closed" or "perfect" space.

What is a Cauchy sequence?

A Cauchy sequence is a sequence of numbers in which the terms become arbitrarily close to each other as the sequence progresses. This means that for any given tolerance, there exists a point in the sequence after which all subsequent terms are within that tolerance of each other. Cauchy sequences are named after the French mathematician Augustin-Louis Cauchy.

How do you determine if a space is complete?

To determine if a space is complete, you need to check if every Cauchy sequence in the space converges to a limit within the space. This can be done by checking if the space satisfies the Cauchy criterion, which states that a sequence is convergent if and only if it is a Cauchy sequence.

What is the importance of complete spaces in mathematics?

Complete spaces are important in mathematics because they allow us to ensure that all limits exist within a given space. This is useful in many areas of mathematics, including analysis, topology, and functional analysis. Complete spaces also have many applications in physics, engineering, and computer science.

Can a space be both complete and incomplete?

No, a space cannot be both complete and incomplete. A space is either complete or it is not. If a space is not complete, it means that there exists at least one Cauchy sequence in the space that does not converge to a limit within the space. This is the defining characteristic of an incomplete space.

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