Real analysis: Sequences question

In summary, the conversation discusses proving that a sequence Xn is convergent given that it is bounded by 2 and satisfies the inequality |X_{n+2} - X_{n+1}| \leq \frac{|X^2_{n+1} - X^2_n|}{8}. The suggested approach is to show that Xn is a Cauchy sequence by manipulating the terms and using the triangle inequality. Another possible method is to consider the sequence of partial sums and show that it is bounded above.
  • #1
jinbaw
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0

Homework Statement


If Xn is bounded by 2, and [tex]|X_{n+2} - X_{n+1}| \leq \frac{|X^2_{n+1} - X^2_n|}{8} [/tex], prove that Xn is a convergent sequence.


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


I believe the solution lies in proving Xn a Cauchy sequence, but I'm not sure how to work it out. I considered |Xn - Xm| adding and subtracting the terms between m and n but i got stuck.
I also tried to check for telescoping, with no luck.
 
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  • #2
Factor [tex]X^2_{n+1} - X^2_n[/tex].

Then get an upper bound for [tex]\frac{|X^2_{n+1} - X^2_n|}{8}[/tex].
 
  • #3
[tex]
\frac{|X^2_{n+1} - X^2_n|}{8} = \frac{|(X_{n+1} + X_n)(X_{n+1} - X_n)|}{8} \leq \frac{|X_{n+1} - X_n|}{2}
[/tex]

Iterating, I reached [tex] |X_{n+2} - X_ {n+1}| \leq \frac{|X_2 - X_1|}{2^n} [/tex]
I'm not sure if I continued in the right track.. but I'm stuck.
Thanks for your input.
 
  • #4
Now go back to trying to show the sequence is Cauchy by adding and subtracting terms in |xn-xm|. Use the triangle inequality.
 
  • #5
Or could even look at the sequence of partial sums, getting it bounded above.
 

FAQ: Real analysis: Sequences question

What is a sequence in real analysis?

A sequence in real analysis is a list of numbers that are arranged in a specific order. In other words, it is a function whose domain is the set of natural numbers, and the range is a set of real numbers.

How is convergence defined in real analysis?

In real analysis, a sequence is said to converge to a limit if for any small positive number, there exists a point in the sequence after which all the terms are within that distance from the limit. In other words, the terms of the sequence get closer and closer to the limit as the sequence progresses.

What is the difference between convergence and divergence in real analysis?

Convergence in real analysis refers to a sequence approaching a specific limit, while divergence refers to a sequence not having a limit. This means that the terms of a convergent sequence get closer and closer to a specific value, while the terms of a divergent sequence do not.

What is the Cauchy criterion for convergence in real analysis?

The Cauchy criterion states that a sequence is convergent if and only if for any positive number, there exists a point in the sequence after which the distance between any two terms is smaller than that number. This means that the terms of the sequence get arbitrarily close to each other as the sequence progresses.

How is the limit of a sequence calculated in real analysis?

The limit of a sequence in real analysis can be calculated by finding the value that the sequence approaches as the number of terms increases. This can be done by analyzing the terms of the sequence or by using limit laws and theorems in real analysis.

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