Convergence and Cauchy Sequences in Rational Numbers

In summary: N}.In summary, the statement proves that if a sequence of rational numbers is strictly increasing and there exists a rational number M that is greater than or equal to all terms of the sequence, then the sequence is a Cauchy sequence. This can be proven by contradiction, showing that for any fixed epsilon, there is a subsequence of the original sequence that is also strictly increasing and has terms that are greater than the previous term plus epsilon.
  • #1
vertigo74
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Homework Statement



Prove that if {a[tex]_{n}[/tex]} is a sequence of rational numbers such that {a[tex]_{n+1}[/tex]} > {a[tex]_{n}[/tex]} for all n [tex]\in[/tex] [tex]\textbf{N}[/tex] and there exists an M[tex]\in[/tex] [tex]\textbf{Q}[/tex] such that {a[tex]_{n}[/tex]} [tex]\leq[/tex] M for all n [tex]\in[/tex] [tex]\textbf{N}[/tex], then {a[tex]_{n}[/tex]} is a Cauchy sequence of rational numbers.

Homework Equations


Do not use the least upper bound property.

A sequence is Cauchy in the rational numbers if [tex]\exists[/tex] an N [tex]\in[/tex][tex]\textbf{N}[/tex], such that |{a[tex]_{n}[/tex]} - {a[tex]_{m}[/tex]} | < [tex]\epsilon[/tex] for all n, m [tex]\geq[/tex] N.

If a sequence converges, it is Cauchy.

The Attempt at a Solution



I understand why this is true, but I am having trouble formulating the math to do a proof behind it. I can see that if the sequence never gets bigger than M, and that it is strictly increasing, the sequence must start converging and be Cauchy, but I'm kind of confused at how to start doing the epsilon stuff.

Thanks!

Edit: I'm not sure why those are showing up as superscripts. They are supposed to be subscripts.
 
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  • #2
someone please heeeeeeelp
 
  • #3
try a proof by contradiction.
suppose [tex] a_n [/tex] is no cauchy sequence.For a fixed [tex] \epsilon > 0 [/tex]show there is a subsequence [tex] b_n [/tex] of [tex] a_n[/tex] such that
[tex] b_{n+1} > b_n + \epsilon [/tex]
 

FAQ: Convergence and Cauchy Sequences in Rational Numbers

What is a bounded sequence?

A bounded sequence is a sequence of real numbers that has an upper and lower bound, meaning that the values in the sequence cannot exceed a certain range. This is typically denoted as |xn| ≤ M, where M is a constant and n is a positive integer.

What is a Cauchy sequence?

A Cauchy sequence is a sequence of real numbers in which the terms become arbitrarily close to each other as the sequence progresses. This means that for any positive real number ε, there exists a positive integer N such that for all n, m ≥ N, |xn - xm| < ε. In other words, the terms of the sequence eventually "converge" to each other.

What is the relationship between a bounded sequence and a Cauchy sequence?

A bounded sequence is a necessary but not sufficient condition for a sequence to be Cauchy. In other words, all Cauchy sequences are bounded, but not all bounded sequences are Cauchy. This means that a bounded sequence may not necessarily converge or have a limit, while a Cauchy sequence will always converge to a limit.

How can you determine if a sequence is Cauchy?

To determine if a sequence is Cauchy, you can use the Cauchy convergence criterion, which states that a sequence is Cauchy if and only if for any positive real number ε, there exists a positive integer N such that for all n, m ≥ N, |xn - xm| < ε. In other words, the terms of the sequence become arbitrarily close to each other as the sequence progresses.

Why is the concept of a Cauchy sequence important in mathematics?

The concept of a Cauchy sequence is important in mathematics because it is used to define the real numbers and is a fundamental concept in analysis. It allows us to determine whether a sequence converges or not, and is also used to prove the completeness of the real numbers, meaning that every Cauchy sequence of real numbers has a limit within the set of real numbers. This concept has many applications in various fields of mathematics, including calculus and differential equations.

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