Proof on Convergence of Sequence Given Info on Odd/Even Subsequences

In summary: And since both N1 and N2 satisfy the definition of convergence for the odd and even terms respectively, then it follows that |s_n-L| < e for both cases. Therefore, |s_n-L| < e for any n > N, thus proving that lim s_n = L.In summary, if the even terms of a sequence approach a number and the odd terms approach the same number, then the sequence itself approaches that number. This can be proven by taking the maximum of the N values for both the odd and even terms, and using the definition of convergence for each to show that the sequence approaches the desired number.
  • #1
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Homework Statement



Given that limit of [itex]s_{2n}[/itex] is L and limit of [itex]s_{2n+1}[/itex] is L, prove that lim [itex]s_{n}[/itex] is also L.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution



This seems very obvious: If the even terms of a sequence approach a number and the odd terms of that sequence approach the same number, then the sequence itself approaches that number.

But I'm not sure how to go about translating this into mathematics. I know from the definition of a limit that I can make the odd and even terms of [itex]s_{n}[/itex] as close to L as I want given a large enough n, but what I really need is to go from that to

given e>0 there exists natural number N so that n > N implies |[itex]s_{n}[/itex]-L|<e
 
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  • #2
Well, if lim s_2n=L and s_2n+1=L, then that definition of convergence for the odd and evens gives you two N's, right? How about taking the max of the two N's?
 
  • #3
I thought of that - but I felt like there was still a logical leap from let N = max(N1, N2) to

n > N implies (what we're looking for)

Maybe I'm trying to be too pedantic.
 
  • #4
If n> N= max(N1, N2), then both n> N1 and n> N2.
 

FAQ: Proof on Convergence of Sequence Given Info on Odd/Even Subsequences

1. What is the definition of a convergent sequence?

A convergent sequence is a sequence of real numbers that approaches a finite limit as the number of terms increases. In other words, as the values in the sequence get closer and closer together, they eventually approach a specific number.

2. How is convergence of a sequence related to its odd/even subsequences?

The convergence of a sequence is related to its odd/even subsequences because the odd and even subsequences each represent a subset of the original sequence. If both the odd and even subsequences converge to the same limit, then the original sequence is also said to converge.

3. What information is needed in order to prove the convergence of a sequence using its odd/even subsequences?

In order to prove the convergence of a sequence using its odd/even subsequences, we need to know the limit of both the odd and even subsequences. We also need to show that these limits are the same, which would indicate that the original sequence converges.

4. Can a sequence converge if its odd/even subsequences converge to different limits?

No, a sequence cannot converge if its odd/even subsequences converge to different limits. In order for a sequence to converge, all of its subsequences must have the same limit. If the odd and even subsequences have different limits, then the original sequence does not have a well-defined limit and therefore cannot converge.

5. Are there any other methods for proving the convergence of a sequence?

Yes, there are other methods for proving the convergence of a sequence, such as the limit comparison test, the ratio test, and the root test. These methods involve comparing the given sequence to a known convergent or divergent sequence and using their properties to determine the convergence of the given sequence.

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